Getting Alkalinity Up In Pool

Maintaining proper water chemistry is essential for keeping a swimming pool clean, safe, and pleasant to swim in. One of the most important aspects of pool chemistry is total alkalinity. When alkalinity levels drop too low, it can lead to erratic pH levels, corrosion of pool equipment, and discomfort for swimmers. For pool owners, understanding how to raise alkalinity in a pool is crucial for long-term care and water balance. This guide explores effective and practical methods for getting alkalinity up in a pool, helping ensure the water stays balanced and healthy.

Understanding Total Alkalinity

What Is Alkalinity in a Pool?

Total alkalinity refers to the water’s ability to neutralize acids. It is a buffer that helps maintain stable pH levels. Measured in parts per million (ppm), the ideal alkalinity level in a swimming pool generally falls between 80 and 120 ppm. When alkalinity is too low, the pH level can fluctuate wildly, making it harder to maintain overall balance.

Why Is Low Alkalinity a Problem?

Low alkalinity in a pool can lead to a range of issues, including:

• Corrosion of metal fixtures and pool equipment
• Etching of plaster, grout, and concrete pool surfaces
• Staining and discoloration of the pool finish
• Unstable and unpredictable pH levels
• Skin and eye irritation for swimmers

Correcting low alkalinity is not only about swimmer comfort but also about protecting your pool’s structural integrity and components.

How to Test for Alkalinity

Before adding any chemicals, it is essential to accurately test your pool’s water. There are several ways to test total alkalinity:

• Test Strips: Affordable and easy to use. Simply dip the strip into the pool water and compare the color change to the reference chart.
• Liquid Test Kits: These kits offer more precise readings than strips and are often preferred by professionals.
• Digital Testers: Digital meters provide accurate and fast readings but can be more expensive.

Be sure to test water from the middle of the pool and avoid testing immediately after chemical additions. Allow circulation for at least 4-6 hours before taking a reading.

Raising Alkalinity in Your Pool

Use Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

The most common and effective way to raise total alkalinity in a pool is by adding sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda. It is a safe and widely available chemical that also has a mild effect on pH.

How Much Baking Soda to Add

As a general guideline, adding 1.5 pounds of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water will raise the alkalinity by approximately 10 ppm. However, it is always better to add in smaller increments and retest between applications.

Steps to Add Baking Soda

• Turn off the pool pump for about 15 minutes
• Distribute baking soda evenly across the pool surface
• Wait for the powder to dissolve naturally into the water
• Turn the pump back on to circulate the water
• Test the water after 6 hours and adjust if necessary

Alternative Methods to Raise Alkalinity

Use Alkalinity Increaser Products

Many pool supply stores sell alkalinity increasers, which are typically composed of sodium bicarbonate. These branded products often come with instructions on dosage based on pool volume and current alkalinity levels. While convenient, they tend to be more expensive than plain baking soda.

Use Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) with Caution

Soda ash can also raise alkalinity, but it has a much stronger effect on pH. It is often used to raise pH rather than alkalinity. If used improperly, it can lead to overly high pH levels, resulting in scaling and cloudy water.

Tips for Balancing Alkalinity and pH

Maintaining both alkalinity and pH is essential because they directly affect each other. Here’s how to keep both in harmony:

• Adjust total alkalinity before adjusting pH
• Wait at least 24 hours between chemical treatments
• Use muriatic acid or dry acid only if alkalinity is too high
• Retest frequently during the adjustment process
• Avoid over-correction, as it may swing the balance in the opposite direction

How Long Does It Take for Alkalinity to Rise?

After adding the appropriate amount of baking soda or alkalinity increaser, changes should begin to show within 6-12 hours. For full circulation and balance, allow up to 24 hours before testing again. If levels are still low, repeat the process in smaller doses until the desired range is achieved.

Maintaining Alkalinity Long-Term

Once alkalinity is within the correct range, maintaining it requires consistent monitoring and minimal adjustment. Here are some practical strategies to prevent future problems:

• Test water weekly using a reliable test kit
• Top off with baking soda after heavy rainfall or refilling
• Keep pH levels stable to avoid rapid shifts in alkalinity
• Watch for signs like cloudiness, staining, or eye irritation
• Clean filters and maintain proper water circulation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When working to get alkalinity up in a pool, avoid these common errors:

• Adding too much chemical at once, leading to overcorrection
• Ignoring pH while adjusting alkalinity
• Testing water too soon after adding chemicals
• Not calculating pool volume accurately
• Using chemicals not designed for swimming pool use

When to Seek Professional Help

While many homeowners can manage pool chemistry on their own, there are situations when professional assistance is beneficial. If you’ve added multiple treatments and still experience fluctuating pH or low alkalinity, a pool technician can perform a comprehensive water analysis and diagnose underlying issues such as calcium hardness, chlorine demand, or circulation problems.

Getting alkalinity up in a pool is a manageable task with the right approach and products. Whether using baking soda or a commercial alkalinity increaser, the key is to make gradual adjustments, test frequently, and maintain proper water balance. Stable alkalinity not only protects your pool’s structure and equipment but also ensures a safe and comfortable swimming experience. With ongoing attention and routine care, maintaining healthy alkalinity levels becomes an easy and reliable part of pool ownership.