Certified Pool Operator Practice Test

If the total alkalinity in a pool is too high, what effect could this have on the water?

1. Causes eye irritation

2. Increases chlorine demand

3. Water becomes acidic

4. Water becomes cloudy

The correct answer is: Causes eye irritation

A high total alkalinity can result in an increase of pH levels, which can lead to eye irritation. This is because the higher pH levels can cause chlorine to become less effective in killing bacteria and protecting swimmers from harmful microorganisms. The other options, B increases chlorine demand, C: water becomes acidic, and D: water becomes cloudy, are incorrect because they are not a direct effect of high alkalinity. However, high alkalinity can indirectly lead to these issues if it causes imbalances in other important pool water chemistry factors. For example, high alkalinity can cause the pH to rise, which may then require more chlorine to maintain proper disinfection levels, potentially leading to an increase in chlorine demand. Similarly, if the pH becomes too high, it can cause the water to become more basic (not acidic as option C suggests), which may then contribute to water cloudiness. Overall, it is important to keep total alkalinity at appropriate levels in order to maintain a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.