1. What is TAC?
TAC, or Total Alkalinity, measures the concentration of carbonate and bicarbonate ions in water. These ions enable the water to resist pH variations, thus playing a stabilizing role. Ideal alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm, a range that guarantees balanced water and improved pH stability.
2. Why monitor TAC?
An unbalanced TAC has a direct impact on water management:
If the TAC is too low: pH becomes unstable, leading to significant variations (“yo-yo” effect). This can lead to corrosion of equipment or irritation for bathers.
If TAC is too high: pH becomes difficult to adjust, leading to limescale deposits, cloudy water and chemical imbalances.
3. How to increase TAC ?
Alkalinity boosters are generally made from sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as sodium bicarbonate. When dissolved in water, they release carbonate and bicarbonate ions, increasing alkalinity and stabilizing pH.
4. What to do if the TAC is too high?
To lower the TAC, you need to add an acid pH corrector (pH minus) in small doses, while monitoring the parameters to avoid lowering the pH too much. This process takes time, as the TAC will not usually come down on the first try. If this is your situation, be patient!
In summary: TAC plays a crucial role in the chemical stability of water. Proper alkalinity management helps to maintain a stable pH, ensuring healthy, pleasant water for bathers. Test it regularly to anticipate any imbalance!