How to Raise Pool Alkalinity: A Simple Guide to Crystal-Clear Water

If you’ve ever dipped your toes into a pool that felt a bit off—maybe the water was cloudy, or your eyes stung after a swim—there’s a good chance your pool’s alkalinity was out of whack. Keeping your pool’s alkalinity balanced is like giving it a steady backbone. It helps maintain the pH level, prevents corrosion, and keeps your water sparkling clean. Today, I’m going to walk you through how to raise pool alkalinity effectively, with tips that are easy to follow and won’t have you scratching your head.

Why You Should Raise Pool Alkalinity

Alkalinity is the measure of your pool water’s ability to neutralize acids. Think of it as a buffer that keeps the pH from swinging wildly. When alkalinity is too low, your pool water can become acidic, which can cause damage to your pool surfaces and equipment. On the flip side, if it’s too high, you might notice cloudy water and scaling on your pool walls.

Raising your pool’s alkalinity to the right level (usually between 80 and 120 ppm) helps:

• Stabilize pH levels

• Protect pool surfaces and equipment

• Improve water clarity

• Make your sanitizer work more effectively

  
  

If you’re wondering how to raise pool alkalinity without turning your pool into a chemistry lab, don’t worry. It’s simpler than you think.

Pool water surface showing clarity and calmness

How to Raise Pool Alkalinity the Right Way

First things first, you need to test your pool water. You can grab a test kit from your local pool store or use test strips. Once you know your current alkalinity level, you can decide how much you need to raise it.

The most common and effective way to raise alkalinity is by adding sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda. It’s safe, affordable, and easy to use.

Here’s a quick step-by-step:

1. Calculate the amount needed: For every 10,000 gallons of water, adding about 1.5 pounds of baking soda will raise alkalinity by roughly 10 ppm.

2. Add the baking soda: Slowly pour it around the perimeter of your pool while the pump is running to help it dissolve evenly.

3. Wait and retest: Give it 6-8 hours, then test your alkalinity again. Repeat if necessary, but don’t rush it.

   
   

If you want a more specialized product, a pool alkalinity increaser can do the job with precision and ease. These products are formulated specifically for pools and often dissolve faster than baking soda.

Remember, raising alkalinity is a gradual process. It’s better to add a little at a time than to overdo it and create new problems.

Should You Adjust pH or Alkalinity First?

This is a question I get asked a lot. The short answer: adjust alkalinity first.

Why? Because alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH. If your alkalinity is too low, your pH will fluctuate wildly, making it hard to keep stable. Fixing alkalinity first gives you a solid foundation to then fine-tune your pH.

Here’s a quick rule of thumb:

• If alkalinity is below 80 ppm, raise it first.

• Once alkalinity is in the right range, adjust pH to between 7.4 and 7.6.

  
  

Trying to adjust pH without fixing alkalinity is like trying to build a house on sand. It just won’t hold.

Common Mistakes When Raising Pool Alkalinity

I’ve seen plenty of pool owners get tripped up by a few common mistakes. Let’s make sure you don’t fall into these traps:

• Adding too much baking soda at once: This can cause your alkalinity to spike, leading to cloudy water and scaling.

• Ignoring water circulation: Always run your pump while adding chemicals to help them distribute evenly.

• Not retesting after treatment: You won’t know if you’ve hit the sweet spot unless you test again.

• Confusing alkalinity with pH: They’re related but different. Treat them separately.

• Using the wrong product: Some products raise pH but not alkalinity, so read labels carefully.

  
  

Avoiding these mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration.

Poolside with chemical testing kit ready for water testing

Tips for Maintaining Balanced Alkalinity Year-Round

Once you’ve raised your pool’s alkalinity to the right level, the goal is to keep it there. Here are some tips to help you maintain balanced alkalinity throughout the swimming season:

• Test your water weekly: Regular testing helps catch imbalances early.

• Keep an eye on pH: Since alkalinity buffers pH, keeping pH stable helps maintain alkalinity.

• Avoid over-shocking your pool: Excessive use of chlorine or shock treatments can lower alkalinity.

• Use a pool cover: This reduces debris and evaporation, which can affect water chemistry.

• Schedule professional maintenance: Sometimes, a pro’s touch can make all the difference.

  
  

By staying on top of these simple steps, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear water and a healthy pool environment all season long.

Ready to Dive In?

Raising your pool’s alkalinity doesn’t have to be a headache. With a little know-how and the right products, you can keep your pool water balanced, clear, and inviting. Whether you choose to use baking soda or a specialized pool alkalinity increaser, the key is to take it slow, test often, and keep your pool’s chemistry in check.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or want expert help, don’t hesitate to reach out to local pool professionals who know the North Bay area pools inside and out. After all, a well-maintained pool is the best kind of backyard oasis.

Happy swimming!