No, baking soda cannot be used as pool stabilizer. Baking soda raises total alkalinity and pH, while pool stabilizer (cyanuric acid) protects chlorine from UV degradation - they serve completely different functions.
IHG points are hotel rewards, not pool-related. However, pool water balance involves key chemistry points: pH (7.4-7.6), free chlorine based on CYA levels, total alkalinity (80-120), and calcium hardness (250-350 for plaster).
Yes, pool alkalinity absolutely matters as it acts as a pH buffer, preventing dramatic pH swings that can damage equipment and make chlorine ineffective. Proper total alkalinity (80-120 ppm for regular pools, 60-80 for salt water) is essential for balanced water chemistry.
To increase pool alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) at 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons to raise total alkalinity by 10 ppm. Test first, add chemicals gradually, and retest after 6 hours.
