How Much Baking Soda To Raise pH In Pool

If you’re a pool owner, you know how important it is to maintain the right pH and alkalinity levels for clean and safe water. And one natural solution that can help you achieve this is baking soda. Yes, the same baking soda you use in your kitchen!

Using baking soda in your pool has several benefits. Not only does it raise the pH and alkalinity levels, but it also improves water stability and clarity. Many commercial pool products actually use baking soda as their main active ingredient for raising alkalinity. So why not go straight to the source and use pure baking soda in your pool?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use baking soda to increase alkalinity in your pool:

• Step 1: Start by testing your pool’s alkalinity daily. Ideally, the pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8, and the alkalinity should be between 110 and 150 ppm (parts per million). If the alkalinity level is too low, you’ll need to raise it.
• Step 2: Purchase baking soda in bulk. You’ll need anywhere from 1.5 pounds to 8-10 pounds of baking soda, depending on how low your alkalinity is.
• Step 3: Determine the amount of baking soda to add. A general rule of thumb is to use 1.5 pounds of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water to raise alkalinity by about 10 ppm. If your pH is below 7.2, add 3-4 pounds of baking soda. Start by adding a little less than the recommended amount and retest later to avoid overcorrection.

To raise the pH in a pool using baking soda, you can use the following guidelines:

• Step 3.1: Determine the pool’s current pH level by using a pool testing kit.
• Step 3.2: Identify the target pH level you want to achieve. The recommended pH range for pools is typically between 7.2 and 7.8.
• Step 3.3: Calculate the amount of baking soda needed using the following formula:

Amount of baking soda (in pounds) = (Pool Volume in gallons) x (Target pH – Current pH) / 10,000

For example, let’s say your pool has a volume of 20,000 gallons and the current pH is 7.0, but you want to raise it to 7.4. The calculation would be:

Amount of baking soda (in pounds) = (20,000 gallons) x (7.4 – 7.0) / 10,000
= 0.8 pounds of baking soda

In this example, you would need to add approximately 0.8 pounds of baking soda to raise the pH from 7.0 to 7.4 in a 20,000-gallon pool.

Remember to add the baking soda in small increments, allowing time for it to dissolve and circulate before retesting the pH. It’s also a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the baking soda packaging and consult a pool professional for personalized advice based on your specific pool conditions.

• Step 4: Add baking soda to the pool. Sprinkle the baking soda directly into the water, spreading it across the pool’s surface to avoid concentrated areas. Be cautious on windy days to prevent the powder from going airborne.
• Step 5: Allow the baking soda to dissolve for at least six hours. Turn on your pool’s circulation system to help disperse it evenly.
• Step 6: Retest the pH and alkalinity levels between 6 and 24 hours after adding the baking soda. If they are still below the desired range, repeat the process.

Baking soda can also help with common pool problems. For instance, if you have algae in your pool, you can use an algaecide and then raise the alkalinity and pH with baking soda. If you’re dealing with pool corrosion, low alkalinity might be the culprit, and adding baking soda can help. Similarly, if you’re experiencing scaling buildup on pool surfaces or cloudy water, adjusting the alkalinity and pH using baking soda can address these issues.

Using baking soda is a safe and effective way to maintain the quality of your pool water. It provides clean, clear, and sparkling water without the need for excessive testing and chemicals. Plus, it doesn’t sting the eyes or dry out the skin like some other pool treatments.

So, instead of spending money on commercial pool products, give baking soda a try. It’s a natural and cost-effective solution that can make your pool maintenance routine much simpler. Enjoy a clean and inviting pool all season long!