How to Increase the pH in a Swimming Pool

Low pH in a swimming pool can result from rainwater or other contaminants entering the water. Corrosion of metal jewelry, stinging eyes, skin irritation, and a sharp smell are all indicators that the pool water's pH is too low. Regular testing and chemical treatment will help maintain the correct pH. One of the most common ways to raise pH levels is by using soda ash (also known as sodium carbonate).

Use a pH testing strip. These strips are available in pool supply stores, malls, or online. Follow the instructions: usually, you dip one end of the strip into the water and compare it to the color chart on the product.

• For some testing kits, you'll need to collect pool water in a tube and add a few drops of a chemical. The chemical will change color depending on the pH level in the water.

Check chemical levels once or twice a week. It's recommended to record the pH level in a small notebook to monitor changes over time. The pH in the pool can fluctuate due to many factors, which is why regular testing is essential.

Maintain a pH level between 7.4 and 7.8. The pH test strip will change color when immersed in the water. These colors correspond to specific pH values. Compare the strip with the color chart on the product to determine the current pH of the water. The ideal pH range for pools is between 7.4 and 7.8. Then, you'll need to assess how much more you need to raise the pH.

• For instance, if the test strip shows a yellow color like that of a banana peel, comparing it with the color chart will indicate a pH of 7.2. This means you'll need to raise the pH by at least 0.2 and at most 0.6.

Calculate the volume of water in the pool. If you already know the pool's volume, you can use that value. If not, use a measuring tape to measure and calculate the volume based on the pool's shape.

• For a rectangular pool, the volume formula is length x width x average depth x 7.5. If the pool has one deep and one shallow end, measure the depth at each end and then average them to calculate the average depth.
• For a circular pool, the formula is diameter x diameter x average depth x 5.9. If the pool has varying depths, combine the deep and shallow measurements, then divide by 2 to calculate the average depth.
• For pools with other shapes, you can adjust the formulas to account for each section's volume or consult an expert to estimate the pool's total volume.

Calculate the required amount of soda ash. To raise the pH by 0.2 in 37,850 L of water, you'll need approximately 170 g of soda ash. Use this as a reference and add more soda ash if you need to raise the pH more.

• For example, if the pH test shows a level of 7.2 and you want to raise it to 7.6, and the pool contains exactly 37,850 L of water, you'll need 340 g of soda ash for the first treatment.

Purchase soda ash from pool supply stores or order it online. There are many different brands of soda ash available, so make sure to check the ingredient list and choose one that mainly contains sodium carbonate. If you're unsure, ask the store staff which product contains soda ash (soda ash).

• If you're not near a pool supply store, you can try finding it at a water treatment supply shop, a supermarket, or large retail centers like Walmart.

Run the pool filter when adding soda ash to the pool. Soda ash works best when it's properly circulated throughout the pool. To ensure this, you should run the filter in its normal mode. If you've turned off the filter to clean the pool, don't forget to turn it back on afterward.

Fill a bucket with about 19 L of water. Avoid directly pouring soda ash into the pool, as it may not dissolve evenly. Instead, dissolve the soda ash in a bucket of water, then pour it into the pool. If you don't have a 19 L bucket, you can use any other suitable container. Just make sure to mix the soda ash with at least 3.8 L of water.

• Be sure to add the water to the bucket first, then add the soda ash afterward.

Measure the required amount of soda ash to dissolve in the bucket. Use the quantity mentioned above to determine how much soda ash you need. You can use a measuring cup or a scale to weigh the soda ash before adding it to the water.

• Remember, always add the water to the bucket first, then pour in the soda ash.

Pour the water mixed with soda powder around the pool. For an in-ground pool, walk around and slowly pour the water from the bucket into the pool. For an above-ground pool, try to pour the water mixed with soda powder around the edge of the pool.

• If you prefer, you can use an old plastic scoop to transfer the water from the bucket and pour it into the pool, one scoop at a time.

Wait for a while to allow the soda powder to circulate in the pool and alter the pH level of the water. After an hour, take a fresh test strip, dip it into the water, and check if the pH level has reached the desired range.

Add more soda powder if necessary. Generally, you should not exceed 455 g of soda powder for 37,850 L of water. Using more than this amount may cause the water to become cloudy.

• If the pH level hasn't reached the desired level, check again after one or two days and add soda powder according to the calculated amount.

• Test strips can also help determine the chlorine concentration, alkalinity, and calcium hardness of the water. Maintaining all of these chemicals at proper levels will keep the pool water clean, hygienic, and safe.