A Cheap Pool Cooler

[docwalker]

...Will pools with 'water features' have chronic low alkalinity?...

Not if you maintain a proper pH. The reduction in alkalinity is a result of lower your pH to 6.8 or so which converts the carbonates into carbonic acid. Carbon dioxide is then released into the atmosphere by aerating.

[aquarium]

Not if you maintain a proper pH. The reduction in alkalinity is a result of lower your pH to 6.8 or so which converts the carbonates into carbonic acid. Carbon dioxide is then released into the atmosphere by aerating.

I've been working on lowering the alkalinity from 220ppm to (now) 70-80ppm. I've -never- lowered the pH below 7.2 during the entire process. I have had to add acid when aerating, but that was my understanding of how it works.

But I see your larger point, that by not adding more acid, the pH -should- hold. When I hit 90-100ppm I was in a reverse situation because the pH kept bouncing back to 7.6. It looks like it's going to hold at 7.2 with the alkalinity at 70-80ppm. I suspect there's a chemical explanation occuring at the watersurface/atmosphere interface. But I'm not smart enough to explain it.

[docwalker]

I suspect there's a chemical explanation occuring at the watersurface/atmosphere interface.

As we're getting off-topic for this thread, you might review Ben's sticky topic on the subject of reducing alkalinity: http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=191

[gerri]

How does this attach to the pool? I'm in SC and our pool feels like bath water!

[duraleigh]

Remove the return "eyeball" and then unscrew the eyeball base. (you'll need a "key" to unscrew the base....there are two opposing slots in the base) Then, simply screw your "device" into the standard 1.5" threads that the base screwed into.

[waterbear]

Not if you maintain a proper pH. The reduction in alkalinity is a result of lower your pH to 6.8 or so which converts the carbonates into carbonic acid. Carbon dioxide is then released into the atmosphere by aerating.

Have to differ from my own experiences. I have 2 deck jets, a spillover spa, and 2 waterfalls and when they are all running daily I do see a drop in the TA. It is not much....but it does occur. My pH is usually 7.4 or above (swg)

[ScottS]

very nice, I like it.

I have a fountain that I've messed with in attempts to lower the temp of the water but I have found it doesn't make a noticeable difference. This is probably because it's been sooo humid (90% or so) that there isn't much evaporation occuring.

[gerri]

Sorry to be ignorant but what do you use as a "key" to remove the base? I had no idea you could actually remove the eyeball!

[waterbear]

Sorry to be ignorant but what do you use as a "key" to remove the base? I had no idea you could actually remove the eyeball!

Most well stocked pool stores sell the removal tool for about 5 dollars. It fits into the two notches in the part of the eyeball that is screwed into the pool. You remove the ring and the ball and you can see the notches.

[duraleigh]

ScottS,

I have a fountain that I've messed with in attempts to lower the temp of the water but I have found it doesn't make a noticeable difference.

You're right about the humidity minimizing it's effectiveness. I imagine you could still get satisfactory results if your volume is high enough. In other words, if you could divert ALL of your return water into an evaporator and get it high enough so it has some "air time", I think you would see a difference. Run time is important, too. I have to run 8-10 hours daily for the effect I want......of course, I'm running the pump anyway so it's no big deal.