How to Raise the Alkalinity in a Pool

In This Article

Before You Begin
Instructions
Using Baking Soda
When to Call a Professional
FAQ

Total Time: 30 mins - 1 hr
Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $20

Low alkalinity can cause many issues in maintaining a pool. It diminishes chlorine’s ability to keep your pool's water clear, clean, and blue. A low alkalinity level can also cause eye burning and cause excessive metal corrosion and potentially stain your pool finish. Fortunately, it's easy to avoid these problems. Read on to learn the importance of alkalinity and how to raise the alkalinity in your pool.

Before You Begin

When handling any chemical, read and familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures and take all proper safety precautions. Also, be sure your pool is in good working order before you begin so you don't waste chemicals on a leaking pool.

Wear gloves and any other protective gear to limit exposure to chemicals.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Scooper or cup
Gloves
Pool brush

Materials

Alkalinity powder
Pool testing kit of your choice

Instructions

How to Raise the Alkalinity in a Pool

Materials needed to adjust a pool's alkalinity — The Spruce / Danielle Moore

Test the Pool

Test the chemical levels in a pool using either test strips or the dropper method.

Testing strips: Dip a stick or strip into the pool water for a few seconds and match the colored tip to the legend on the bottle to determine the level.

Dropper. This is a more accurate method that avoids false readings. Follow the instructions on the test kit. Here are the general instructions:
- Fill up a small cylinder with pool water, and add a predetermined number of drops of the included solution until the color changes.
- Swirl the liquid (do not spill anything out).
- Match the color with the chart.
The Spruce / Danielle Moore
Adjust the Level

Adjust the alkalinity level by determining how much additional chemical is needed. A general rule of thumb is adding 2 pounds of chemicals for every 10,000 gallons of water). Slowly add the chemical with the scooper directly in front of the pool then help mix it in.

You can always add more chemicals but cannot remove them once added, so add with caution.

The Spruce / Danielle Moore
Brush the Floor of the Pool

Brush the pool floor in the area where you added the chemicals to prevent your liner or pool finish from becoming stained or discolored.

The Spruce / Danielle Moore
Retest the Pool's pH

Wait 24 hours to retest your pool's alkalinity levels. Adjust levels accordingly.

The Spruce / Danielle Moore

Can You Raise the Alkalinity in Your Pool Naturally Another Way?

If your pool's alkalinity level is low and you don’t have alkalinity powder to add, use baking soda. Most commercial alkalinity powder is concentrated sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Add 1 1/2 pounds of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water to increase the alkalinity by 10 ppm (parts per million).

When to Call a Professional

If at any point during this process, you are uncomfortable or have an adverse reaction to this or any other chemical you come in contact with, stop immediately and call a professional.

If you notice a leak in your pool at any point, stop immediately and fix the leak yourself or call a professional.

FAQ

What's the quickest way to raise a pool's alkalinity?

The quickest way to raise a pool's alkalinity is by adding baking soda.
Is there a way to raise alkalinity without raising pH?

Alkalinity is measured by pH level. A pH level above 7 indicates that a substance is alkaline. As the alkalinity increases, the pH level increases with it.
What should you do if your pool's alkalinity is too high?

If a pool's alkalinity level is too high, an acid must be added to lower it. Muriatic acid and sodium bisulfate are common substances from pool stores that lower alkalinity. Be sure to follow instructions.

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