How do I raise the alkalinity in my pool?

Answer 1

Add baking soda, one or two cups at a time, until it's where it should be. Check PH between applications though because the baking soda can lower the PH. It could also be that you're not shocking your pool enough.

You want to run your pool water alkalinity level between 80-100ppm, not up to 150 as some may suggest. Most pools guys get their info. on how to balance pools from your local water company. Yes, this is correct. It's called the Langelier Index, which was originally designed for public water systems. This index was never intended for pools.

In the 1950's, when pools started to come into the mainstream, this was the only index available, so it was used to balance pools and hot tubs.

The Hamilton Index, which I use, is much more pool-friendly and is specifically designed for pools. It takes into consideration acid rain, drag-off, heat, the sun, organic and inorganic matter in the pool, etc...

While I don't completely agree with the Hamilton Index, it is much closer to how a pool should be balanced and will save you much time and money in the long run.

To raise the alkalinity in Swimming Pools, the most common and the safest chemical is Sodium Bicarbonate. You know, good ole' fashion

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.

Try to not add more than 2lbs. of Sodium Bicarbonate, or another kind of alkalinity increaser, for every 10,000 gallons of water in a single application.

While your filtration system is off and the water is motionless, stand in the deep end of the pool and sprinkle (don't dump the product or go too fast), the Sodium Bicarbonate

or alkalinity up.

Allow the water to sit for 2-3 hours, then turn the pump back on and allow the pool to fully circulate, usually 4-6 hours, then re-test your pool's alkalinity balance. Doing this technique will increase your alkalinity without much happening to the pH level.

Answer 2

Adding 2 oz. of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) per 1000 gallons of water will raise the alkalinity 10 parts per million. Despite raising the alkalinity to the desired level in my vinyl-sided pool the pH was not adversely affected.

Increasing the pH of the water without affecting the alkalinity is very easy, but there is a trick. With the pump motor on and water circulating, add the sodium bicarb. in the deep end of the pool and work your way around the perimeter. This will raise the pH with minimal effect on the alkalinity.

Keep your pH around 7.6-7.8, not 7.2-7.4. Most "pool experts" tell you 7.2-7.4 but they are using an index that your local water company uses which obviously should not be used for pool. There's a big difference between a water treatment system and your pool. You can't treat them the same.

The chart you need is in the link below.

Answer 3

Depending on if the Total Alkalinity is high or low, you would add an acid or a base. By "base" the above must mean baking soda. To bring the reading from 50 or 60 ppm or lower would require the addition of X amounts of baking soda. Muriatic Acid is required if those levels reach to the higher end of the scale - 90 to 120 ppm. At either end of that scale the water gets aggressive and you need to act soon to correct the situation.

Your pH is the opposite side of the same coin with alkalinity.

To raise it use Sodium Bicarb. With the pump motor off and water motionless, add the bicarb in the deep-end of the pool, in one spot.

Let it sit for 4 hours or more. Turn the pump on and allow to circulate for 2-3 hours, then re-test. alkalinity is 80-100ppm, not up to 120ppm.

To lower alkalinity, do the same, just use acid. The chart your need in provided in the link below.

Answer 4

Buy a large container of baking soda at your grocery store and throw it in (make sure it is not Baking Power), then run your pump until it is thoroughly mixed.

Make sure to measure your pH with an OTO water tester a day later to make sure that the pH isn't driven up too high.

If you need to lower the pH value you can carefully add some Muriatic acid from your hardware store. Again, do it gradually and measure the pH a day after you make the adjustment.

Answer 5

Good ole baking soda...sodium bicarbonate. 1.4 lbs. will raise 10,000 gallons of water 10ppm. 7 lbs. will raise it 50ppm.

Answer 6

Do I put 2 ounces of baking soda in