The alkalinity value of a water indicates the ability of that water to neutralize acids. In natural waters, salts of weak acids determine alkalinity. Bicarbonates are the most important compounds of alkalinity. As a result of the activities of carbon dioxide on basic substances in the soil, bicarbonates are formed in the waters. Other weak acid salts such as silicates, phosphates and borates are also present in small amounts in natural waters. Natural waters in some cases contain high amounts of carbonate and hydroxide alkalinity. In particular, algae absorb carbon dioxide in the water in free or ionized state and increase the pH of the water up to 10. Boiler waters in the industry contain carbonate and hydroxide alkalinity.

There are three basic substances that contribute to the alkalinity of water. Due to the high pH, ​​these substances can be grouped as follows: hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates.

The total alkalinity level is indicative of the base content of water and is adjusted separately from the pH. The total alkalinity level is an important value, especially in pond cleaning. It is not possible to adjust the pH of the water and keep it constant without adjusting the total alkalinity level. Low total alkalinity makes water corrosive. The joints and plastered surfaces of the pool begin to stain and melt, and the metal parts wear. Likewise, the pool water starts to bloom. High total alkalinity causes calcification of water. Chlorine loses its effect and water becomes turbid.

To determine the level of alkalinity, the following two indicators are used in laboratories: phenolphthalein and methylora. These are titrated by chemical methods to determine the level of alkalinity.

Total alkalinity analyzes are also performed in authorized laboratories within the scope of physical and chemical analyzes of disinfectants. These laboratories use world-accepted test methods and test criteria in testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies and are based on standards issued by local and foreign organizations.