How to Use Baking Soda to Raise PH Levels

Raise pH levels in pool water with baking soda.

Swimming pools need proper pH levels to avoid skin irritation and corrosion of pool parts such as the filter and plastic or vinyl liners. A proper pH level also reduces cloudiness in the water. Baking soda raises the pH level while disinfecting and leaving pool water looking sparkly clean. Baking soda is also a cost-effective alternative to high-priced pH increasers.

Things You'll Need

• Pool test strip
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Test the pH level in your pool by placing a pool test strip into the pool water for five seconds. Remove the test strip from the water and wait 30 seconds before comparing the pH level on the test strip to the colored portion on the test bottle.

2. Pour 3 to 4 pounds of baking soda into the pool water if the pH level is below 7.2 and you have a 10,000 gallon pool. You will need readjust your calculations if your pool holds more than 10,000 gallons of water.

3. Pour 2 pounds of baking soda into the water if the pH level registers at 7.5. If the pH level is above 7.5, you do not need to add baking soda as the pH level is high enough.

4. Keep the pool pump running for two to three hours after placing the baking soda into the pool to circulate it throughout the water.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase large tubs or boxes of baking soda instead of numerous small boxes to save time and money.

References

• Arm & Hammer: Baking Soda Basics
• North Carolina University: Water Chemistry