Why is my alkalinity test blue?

The Total Alkalinity (TA) test will turn from blue to yellow instead of green to red when the sanitizer level (chlorine or bromine) is very high. So that’s what is happening in your case. The reading is still valid, but the colors are different as you have noted. You can read about this interference here.

What do the colors mean on pool test strips?

These strips determine chemical levels of substances in your pool such as chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid. Generally, darker colors will mean a higher presence and lighter will mean a lesser presence of the chemical.

How do you read pool water test results?

Simply dip one test strip into pool or spa water at elbow’s depth and remove immediately. Shake once to remove excess water. Hold strip level and visually compare the strip to the color chart included on the bottle. Select the corresponding test result colors within 15 seconds of wetting.

Why does alkalinity test turn yellow?

Total Alkalinity test (drop-test method) If it turns blue to yellow, you’ve got a problem. Again, the likely cause is excess sanitizer. The fix: Obtain a new sample. Instead of adding one or two drops, as per the instructions, go ahead and add four to five drops.

What pH level should my pool be?

7.4-7.6
The State standard for pH is 7.2-8.0 (Recommended range 7.4-7.6). To lower the pH, muriatic (hydrochloric) acid must be added. It is advisable to add the desired amount of acid to a full (plastic) bucket of water before adding to the pool.

Will baking soda lower chlorine level in pool?

Chlorine works most efficiently in water with a neutral pH level between 7.4-7.6. If the pool is too alkaline, or more than a pH of 8.0, the efficiency is less than 20 percent. To raise your pH levels, it can be as simple as adding seven to nine pounds of baking soda to your pool water.