Alkalinity and pH relationship

[JBfromNJ]

Somewhat confused on this topic. My TA is now at 130 (not too bad I believe for a vinyl lined pool). My pH usually drifts low (to about 7.2) and I work on keeping it at 7.6

My question is that it I keep working to raise the pH will I also be simultaneously raising the TA levels as well? What TA level should I be maintaining? Conversely, if I lower the TA, won't I also be lowing the pH level as well?

Could use some guidance here. Thanks in advance.

[mbar]

You can raise your ph with borax, it doesn't move the alkalinity. If you use baking soda to raise the ph, it will raise the alkalinity, leaving you continually raising the alkalinity. The only way to lower alkalinity properly is to use muriatic acid to take the ph down to 7.0 to 7.2, aerating the water (by turuning up your return jets to bubble on top of the water, or using a fountain) The aeration will cause the ph to raise while lowering the alkalinity. You must continuously add acid to bring the ph back down to 7 or 7.2. When the ph gets higher than that the process stops lowering the alkalinity. You can read the stick at the top of the Alklinity forum. Feel free to ask any other questions you have.