Can't keep it up

[JJ]

I am despairing of ever getting my ph to the optimum level.  I don't chase it, I only check it once a week, I have not used a ph lock product.  TA is about 100.  Every week I check it when the Free chlorine is low so it does not bleach out the strip, and it usually is 6.8.  I add the correct amount of PH up according to the bottle, wait a week, and it is right back at 6.8

This has got to be driving my TDS up.  Does anyone else have this problem?  The ph one, I mean.

[Vinny]

I'm using baking soda to raise my PH and get it to about 7.4 or so and do have to adjust it weekly.

I notice that my PH goes down as I use the tub but when I shock then it drops!

My advice is to do what your doing and don't really pay too much attention to alkalinity - keep monitoring your PH. I just did my water testing this morning and I shocked on Thursday night, my PH was below 7.0 and I had to add about 5 tablespoons to get it up over 7.2.

Dichlor has a PH of about 7 and MPS (if you're using it) has a PH of 4 (I think).

As far as TDS, I'm too new to give advice there but I'm planning to just drain and refill every 4 months, I don't check for TDS at this time.

You're not alone!

[SerjicalStrike]

How long after you "add the correct amount of PH up" do you check the pH again?

[JJ]

I usually check ph on Saturday morning, and add the amount it calls for on the bottle.  Then I don't check it until the next week.