yes, i didn't note that here, but have read much about that as well..hmmm..i can tell you that in my case into my 4th season using this pool that whatever it is about our climate/water supply that i haven't had to use anything to adjust ph or alkiline in my system in all that time..even at startup..aside from chlorine and algaecide upon occasion, it's been no problem..likely why the prior heater lasted at least 15 years before the heat exchange blowout this year.thanks