White flakes in pool

[cscannon]

Thanks. It's a gunnite pool and I didn't mention my salt level because my generator reads 3200 (just shy of the recommended 3500). But I've been suspicious because I've added a lot of water (to replace evaporative losses and splashing/carry out) and haven't added salt for a couple years. Just got some test strips and they read 2500.

But now I am confused and need the help of a chemist. You said that turning down the output of my SWG would "reduce how quickly the pH rises." Are you saying that the SWG somehow makes the water more basic? You don't happen to have a chemical equation to feed my curiosity do you? I suppose it doesn't really matter but I've always wondered why I need to constantly add acid.

Steve

[aylad]

There are folks on this forum that are chemists and that can feed your curiosity, and I'm not one of them, but basically, yes--the operation of the SWCG releases carbon dioxide that is gassed off, which leaves the water more basic than it was. Rising pH is a normal part of SWCG operation, but adding borates as Kelemvor suggested, and keeping the TA on the low side, can help reduce the rate of the pH rise.