How to Raise Pool pH: Step-by-Step Guide for Pool Owners

Tools & Supplies Needed

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

Quick Answer

Raising your pool's pH requires adding an alkaline chemical, typically soda ash (sodium carbonate) or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Soda ash is more effective for pH adjustment, while baking soda raises both pH and total alkalinity. The process involves testing current levels, calculating the proper dose, adding chemicals with circulation running, and retesting after 4-6 hours.

Step-by-Step Guide to Raise Pool pH

Step 1: Test Current pH and Total Alkalinity Levels

1. Use a reliable test kit like the Taylor K-2006 or TF-100 to measure your current pH level
2. Also test total alkalinity (TA) as it directly affects pH stability
3. Record both numbers - ideal pH range is 7.4-7.6, ideal TA is 80-120 ppm for regular chlorine pools or 60-80 ppm for salt water generators
4. If your pH is below 7.2, you'll need to raise it for proper chlorine effectiveness and swimmer comfort

Step 2: Choose the Right Chemical

1. Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate): Use when you need to raise pH without significantly affecting total alkalinity. Best choice when TA is already in range
2. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): Use when both pH and total alkalinity need to be raised. Less potent for pH but safer for beginners
3. Avoid using borax or other alternative chemicals unless you fully understand their effects on water balance

Step 3: Calculate the Proper Dose

1. For Soda Ash: Use approximately 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons to raise pH by 0.2 units
2. For Sodium Bicarbonate: Use approximately 3 lbs per 10,000 gallons to raise pH by 0.2 units
3. Start with smaller doses if you're unsure - you can always add more, but removing excess is difficult
4. For example, in a 20,000-gallon pool with pH at 7.0 wanting to reach 7.4, you'd need about 6 lbs of soda ash (2 × 0.2 unit increases × 1.5 lbs per 10K gallons)

Step 4: Prepare for Chemical Addition

1. Put on safety equipment: gloves, safety glasses, and closed-toe shoes
2. Ensure your pool pump and filter system are running for proper circulation
3. Never add chemicals to a static pool - circulation prevents localized high concentrations
4. Have a clean bucket ready for pre-dissolving if using powder chemicals

Step 5: Add the Chemical Safely

1. For liquid sodium carbonate: Pour slowly around the perimeter of the pool while walking, never dumping in one spot
2. For powder soda ash: Pre-dissolve in a bucket of pool water, then pour the solution around the pool perimeter
3. Add chemicals in the deep end if possible to ensure good mixing
4. Never add more than 2 lbs of soda ash per 10,000 gallons at one time - this prevents overshooting and potential scaling
5. Keep the pump running for at least 4 hours after addition

Step 6: Wait and Retest

1. Wait 4-6 hours before retesting pH levels to allow complete mixing and chemical reaction
2. Test pH again using the same reliable test kit
3. If pH is still below your target range, calculate and add another dose
4. Always wait another 4-6 hours between additions to avoid overshooting

Step 7: Monitor and Adjust Total Alkalinity if Needed

1. Check total alkalinity after pH adjustments, as the two are closely related
2. If TA is now too high (above 120 ppm for regular pools), you may need to lower it using muriatic acid
3. Make small adjustments and retest - water chemistry changes can take 24 hours to fully stabilize

Important Safety and Timing Considerations

Safety Warnings

• Never mix chemicals together - add one type at a time with proper waiting periods
• Store chemicals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Always add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals
• Keep pool area ventilated when adding chemicals

When to Retest

Test pH levels 2-3 times per week during swimming season, and always test before adding any chemicals. pH tends to rise in pools with salt water generators and fall in pools with heavy bather loads or rainfall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding too much chemical at once - this can cause pH to overshoot above 8.0
• Not running circulation during chemical addition
• Testing too soon after chemical addition
• Ignoring total alkalinity levels when adjusting pH

Remember that maintaining proper pH is crucial for chlorine effectiveness, equipment longevity, and swimmer comfort. A pH below 7.2 can cause eye irritation and equipment corrosion, while proper pH levels ensure your sanitizer works efficiently to keep your pool safe and clear.