How to Raise pH in Pools: Chemicals, Aeration, and More

Learn all about how to raise pH levels in pools using different methods such as chemicals, aeration, and more. Get step-by-step instructions and tips to make your pool maintenance a breeze.

Introduction

One of the most important parts of maintaining a swimming pool is ensuring that the water chemistry is balanced. One of the biggest problems that pool owners face is low pH levels. Low pH levels can cause skin and eye irritation, damage to pool equipment, and discomfort for swimmers. Luckily, there are several methods available to raise pH levels in your pool. In this article, we will discuss the different chemical options, aeration, borax, baking soda, and pH increaser. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely and effectively use each method.

Chemical Options

There are three common chemicals that are often used to raise pH levels in pools: soda ash, baking soda, and sodium carbonate. Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is a powerful pH increaser that should be used with caution. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a milder alternative that can be found at most grocery stores. Sodium carbonate is a stronger option that can quickly raise pH levels.

When using any of these chemicals, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gloves and goggles. It’s also important to avoid adding too much too quickly, as this can result in a drastic pH jump that can be difficult to correct.

Soda Ash

Soda ash is a highly alkaline compound that, when added to pool water, quickly raises pH levels. Soda ash is often used in commercial pools, but it can also be used in residential pools. This method should be used with caution, as adding too much soda ash can increase the pH too quickly.

To use soda ash, start by turning on your pool’s circulation system. Measure out the correct amount of soda ash recommended for your pool size, which can be found on the product label or through a pool calculator. Slowly add the soda ash to your pool water near the return jet, allowing it to dissolve completely before adding more. After adding the soda ash, wait for a few hours and then retest the pH levels to ensure that they are within the acceptable range.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a milder alternative to soda ash that can also raise pH levels. Baking soda can be found at most grocery stores and is relatively inexpensive. While it may take longer to raise pH levels using baking soda, it is a more gradual process that is less likely to result in dramatic pH jumps.

To use baking soda, start by turning on your pool’s circulation system. Test the pH levels to determine the correct amount of baking soda to add. Add the baking soda to the pool near the return jet, allowing it to dissolve completely before adding more. After adding the baking soda, wait for a few hours and then retest the pH levels to ensure that they are within the acceptable range.

Sodium Carbonate

Sodium carbonate is a strong pH increaser that can quickly raise pH levels in your pool. However, like soda ash, this method should be used with caution to avoid adding too much too quickly. Sodium carbonate can also be found at most pool supply stores.

To use sodium carbonate, start by turning on your pool’s circulation system. Measure out the correct amount of sodium carbonate recommended for your pool size, which can be found on the product label or through a pool calculator. Slowly add the sodium carbonate to your pool water near the return jet, allowing it to dissolve completely before adding more. After adding the sodium carbonate, wait for a few hours and then retest the pH levels to ensure that they are within the acceptable range.

Aeration

Aeration is another method that can be used to raise pH levels in your pool. Aeration involves adding oxygen to the water, which raises the pH levels naturally. There are several types of aeration methods that can be used, including waterfalls, fountains, and spillovers.

To use aeration, start by selecting the type of aeration method that you want to use. For example, you might choose to install a fountain in your pool. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the fountain or other aeration method. Turn on the aeration system and let it run for several hours. After running the aeration system, retest the pH levels to ensure that they are within the acceptable range.

Borax

Borax is another alternative to chemical methods for raising pH levels in your pool. Borax is a natural alkaline compound that can be found at most grocery stores. This method is less likely to cause dramatic pH jumps and is relatively safe to use.

To use borax, start by turning on your pool’s circulation system. Test the pH levels to determine the correct amount of borax to add. Add the borax to the pool near the return jet, allowing it to dissolve completely before adding more. After adding the borax, wait for a few hours and then retest the pH levels to ensure that they are within the acceptable range.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can also be used to raise pH levels in your pool. Baking soda is a milder alternative to the chemical options discussed earlier. It is also relatively safe to use and can be found at most grocery stores.

pH Increaser

pH increaser is a chemical option that is specifically designed to raise pH levels in your pool. While it can be effective, it should be used with caution to avoid adding too much too quickly. pH increaser can be found at most pool supply stores.

To use pH increaser, start by turning on your pool’s circulation system. Measure out the correct amount of pH increaser recommended for your pool size, which can be found on the product label or through a pool calculator. Slowly add the pH increaser to your pool water near the return jet, allowing it to dissolve completely before adding more. After adding the pH increaser, wait for a few hours and then retest the pH levels to ensure that they are within the acceptable range.

Test and Adjustment

It’s important to test your pool’s pH levels regularly to ensure that they are within the acceptable range. There are several types of pH testing kits available, including test strips and liquid tests. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test your pool’s pH levels.

If your pH levels are too low, use one of the methods discussed in this article to raise them. If your pH levels are too high, you can use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate to lower them. Follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gloves and goggles.

Conclusion

There are several methods available to raise pH levels in your pool, including chemical options, aeration, borax, baking soda, and pH increaser. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to select the one that works best for your situation. Remember to test your pool’s pH levels regularly and adjust them as needed to keep your pool water balanced and safe for swimming.