How to Raise Pool pH: Complete Guide to pH Increaser

Tools & Supplies Needed

Find on Amazon: Taylor K-2006C Pool Test Kit , Sodium Carbonate Pool pH Increaser , Pool Grade Sodium Bicarbonate

Understanding Low pH in Pools

Low pool pH (below 7.2) creates several serious problems that need immediate attention. Acidic water corrodes metal equipment, etches plaster surfaces, causes eye and skin irritation, and reduces chlorine effectiveness. The ideal pH range for pools is 7.4-7.6, where chlorine works efficiently and swimmers stay comfortable.

Choosing the Right pH Increaser

You have two main options for raising pool pH, each with distinct advantages:

Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)

Sodium carbonate is the most effective chemical for raising pH quickly. It has minimal impact on total alkalinity, making it perfect when you need to raise pH without significantly affecting TA levels. This is your go-to choice when pH is low but total alkalinity is in the proper range (80-120 ppm for regular pools, 60-80 ppm for salt water generators).

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

Sodium bicarbonate raises both pH and total alkalinity simultaneously, but more gradually. Use this when both your pH and TA are low, or when you need a gentler approach to pH adjustment. Pool-grade sodium bicarbonate works better than household baking soda due to purity and grain size.

Testing and Calculating Dosage

Before adding any chemicals, test your water using a reliable test kit. Taylor K-2006C or comparable test kits provide accurate readings essential for proper chemical balancing.

Sodium Carbonate Dosing

For sodium carbonate (soda ash), use these guidelines:

• 10,000 gallons: 6 oz raises pH by approximately 0.2 units
• 20,000 gallons: 12 oz raises pH by approximately 0.2 units
• 30,000 gallons: 18 oz raises pH by approximately 0.2 units

Never add more than 1 pound of soda ash per 10,000 gallons in a single treatment. Large additions can cause cloudy water and scaling on pool surfaces.

Sodium Bicarbonate Dosing

For sodium bicarbonate, these amounts raise pH by approximately 0.1 units:

• 10,000 gallons: 1.5 pounds
• 20,000 gallons: 3 pounds
• 30,000 gallons: 4.5 pounds

Step-by-Step Application Process

Before Adding Chemicals

Ensure your pool circulation system is running and will continue running for at least 4-6 hours after chemical addition. This prevents localized high-concentration areas that can damage pool surfaces or equipment.

Safe Application Method

For sodium carbonate, pre-dissolve the powder in a plastic bucket using pool water. Stir thoroughly until completely dissolved - undissolved soda ash can cause surface damage. Pour the solution slowly around the pool perimeter while walking, focusing on areas with good water movement near return jets.

For sodium bicarbonate, you can broadcast the powder directly into the deep end while circulation runs, or pre-dissolve for faster distribution. The bicarbonate dissolves more readily than soda ash.

Timing and Retesting

Wait at least 4 hours before retesting pH levels. The chemicals need time to fully circulate and react with the water. If pH hasn't reached your target range (7.4-7.6), calculate and add additional chemicals as needed.

Important: Never add more than two treatments in a 24-hour period. Rapid chemical changes can cause water balance issues and equipment problems.

Monitoring Total Alkalinity

When raising pH, always monitor total alkalinity changes. Sodium carbonate has minimal TA impact, while sodium bicarbonate significantly raises TA. If total alkalinity climbs above 120 ppm (or 80 ppm for salt water pools), you'll need to lower it using muriatic acid, which will also lower pH.

Safety Considerations

Always wear safety equipment when handling pool chemicals. Use chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and avoid breathing chemical dust. Store chemicals in original containers in cool, dry locations away from other pool chemicals.

Never mix different chemicals together, and always add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals. Keep sodium carbonate away from calcium hypochlorite, as this combination can cause dangerous reactions.

Preventing Future pH Problems

Regular testing prevents pH swings that require large chemical additions. Test pH 2-3 times weekly during swimming season, and address small changes immediately rather than waiting for significant drops.

Consider factors that naturally lower pH: heavy swimmer loads, rainfall, and certain sanitizers all contribute to pH decline. Maintaining proper total alkalinity (80-120 ppm) helps buffer against rapid pH changes.