What is alkalinity???

Question

how can i explain this to a 5 year old becuase i dont even know what it means so please tell me what it is but pretend i was a 5 year old??

Answer 1

Alkalinity is a measure of how basic the water in the pool is. It is related to pH. If pH measures how much acid is in the pool, then alkalinity is a measure of how much base is present to neutralize it. Alkalinity though is measured in pH. Anything above 7.0 is alkaline. A pH of 7 means there is equal amounts of acid and base. Hope this helps, although I am not sure a 5 year old will get it unless he is already reading at a 10th grade chemistry level.

Answer 2

The total alkalinity measures the carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides in the water.  When the TA is balanced it assists in keeping the pH stable.  When the pH is low it looks for what it wants from a pool's plaster and metals in the equipment in the pump room.  If the TA is balanced the pH will find what it wants in the bicarbonate in the water and won't ruin pool equipment.  Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) raises the TA.