Struggling with low pool pH? As pool maintenance professionals with years of hands-on experience, we recommend keeping your swimming pool's pH between 7.2 and 7.8 for optimal safety and clarity. Deviating from this range can lead to health issues like itchy skin and red eyes from overly acidic water.
Skip expensive chemical pH increasers. Baking soda—sodium bicarbonate—is a trusted, natural solution used in professional pool care to gently raise pH levels. Here's how:
1. Test your pool's pH using reliable test strips.
2. If below 7.2, add 1.5 to 2 kg of baking soda to reach 7.2-7.8. Note: Dosages are for a 40 m³ pool; scale proportionally for smaller or larger volumes based on standard pool chemistry guidelines.
3. Sprinkle the baking soda across the pool surface in wide circles for even distribution.
4. Allow at least 6 hours for it to dissolve fully.
5. Run the pool pump to circulate and mix thoroughly.
6. Retest pH and alkalinity after 6-24 hours.
7. Repeat if needed until balanced.
Your pool pH is now balanced naturally—preventing eye sting, skin irritation, and cloudy water. This method works for all pool types: above-ground, in-ground, semi-inground, liner, or inflatable.
Start with 1/2 to 3/4 of the recommended amount. Retest and add more if necessary to avoid overshooting the delicate pH balance.
Baking soda is naturally alkaline with a pH of 8, making it ideal for raising low pool pH and boosting total alkalinity. It stabilizes water chemistry, improves clarity, and is a key ingredient in many commercial pH products—saving you money when used directly.
Have you used baking soda for pool pH? Share your results in the comments—we'd love to hear from fellow pool owners!
