Swimming pools are a great way to stay cool in the summer. As a pool owner, you need to keep the pool water clean, safe, and clear for swimmers and yourself.
If the pH level gets too low in the pool water, it will bright health problems for swimmers, such as respiratory problems and skin irritation. That means you need to keep the pH level in check and maintain it at an appropriate level.
The pH level is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is. It’s important to maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8, which is considered neutral.
There are a few ways to raise the pH level in your pool. Baking soda and soda ash are the most used chemicals to adjust the PH. Baking soda is not efficient as soda ash in increasing ph and alkalinity.
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Baking Soda to Raise pH and Alkalinity in Pools
The most common and affordable way to raise the pH level in your pool is by using baking soda. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a base that can neutralize acids.
You can use baking soda to raise the pH and alkalinity levels in your pool water if they’re low. Alkalinity is a measure of the water’s ability to neutralize acids. The ideal alkalinity level for pool water is between 110 and 150 ppm (parts per million).
To raise the pH level with baking soda:
1. Test the PH and Alkalinity Levels in Your Pool Water Daily
You need to check the PH and alkalinity levels every day to make sure they’re in control. It is recommended to keep the PH level between 7.2 and 7.8, and the alkalinity level between 110 and 150 ppm. Especially if the alkalinity is lower than 80ppm, then you need to increase the alkalinity.
2. Calculate How Much Baking Soda is Needed
If you find the PH is lower than 7.2, you need to add baking soda to improve the PH. You’ll need to add about 1 lb. of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water to raise the pH by about 0.2 points. OR add 1.5 lbs. of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water to raise alkalinity by about 10 ppm.
3. Add Baking Soda
After calculating how much baking soda is needed, then add them in into the pool. Avoid pouring it all in one location, spread it out in wide arcs around the pool’s surface.
Wait at least six hours after adding baking soda to the pool water before you test the pH and alkalinity levels again.
4. Run the Filter
Run the filter for at least 12 hours after adding baking soda to the pool water.
5. Adjust the Amount of Baking Soda
Test the pH and alkalinity levels again after adding the baking soda. If the levels are still low, add more baking soda until they reach the desired pH and alkalinity levels. If the pH is less than 7.2 and the alkalinity is less than 110 ppm, repeat the procedure.
Soda Ash to Raise pH in Pools
Soda ash is a strongly alkaline material also known as sodium carbonate, which is another common way to raise the pH level in pools. Soda ash is more potent than baking soda, so you’ll need to use less of it to raise the pH level. Meanwhile, it will raise the pH levels in your pool more quickly.
The pH level of the water will be raised and the acidity will be reduced by adding a strongly alkaline substance. It’s hard to control the PH as you’re easy to overdo it with a strong alkaline substance, going from a low pH problem to a high pH problem. Therefore, you need to add the baking soda later if necessary to adjust the acidity after adding Soda ash. Here are the steps.
1. Test the pH levels in your pool water with a test kit and record the results. The ideal pH level for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.8.
2. Calculate how much soda ash you need to add to raise the pH level. Do not put more than 2 pounds for every 10,000 gallons of water, or you could make the pH level too high.
3. Add the soda ash to your pool water a little at a time. You can add it directly to the pool or dissolve it in a bucket of water and pour it around the edge of the pool. Soda ash dissolves fast than baking soda so make sure to keep stirring it as you add it in. keep the pump working to circulate water. Spread the soda ash evenly over the water’s surface.
4. Wait for at least 1 hour. Test the pH level again after adding the soda ash and adjust as needed. If the pH level is still too low, add more soda ash until it reaches the ideal range. Retest and repeat if necessary.
