How to Raise PH in a Pool

How to Raise PH in a Pool

A step-by-step guide on how to raise ph in your pool with three inexpensive solutions: Soda ash, baking soda, or pH increaser. Maintaining proper pH levels in your pool is an important part of pool maintenance. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the water, and a pool with a pH that is too low or too high can cause problems for swimmers and the pool itself. In this blog, we’ll focus on how to raise pH in a pool.

Before we dive in, let’s first understand why maintaining the proper pH level is important. A pool with a pH level that is too low (below 7.2) can cause eye and skin irritation, corrosion of pool equipment and surfaces, and can also reduce the effectiveness of chlorine. On the other hand, a pH level that is too high (above 7.8) can cause cloudy water, scaling on surfaces, and again, reduce the effectiveness of chlorine.

So, if you find that the pH level of your pool is too low, how can you raise it? Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Test the pH level

The first step to raising the pH level is to test the water to determine what the current pH level is. You can use a test strip or liquid test kit to measure the pH level. Follow the instructions on the test kit or strip to get an accurate reading.

  1. Determine the amount of pH increaser needed

Once you know what the current pH level is, you can determine how much pH increaser you will need to add to the water. Most pool stores will have a chart or calculator that will tell you how much pH increaser to add based on the size of your pool and the current pH level. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to avoid adding too much pH increaser, which can lead to an excessively high pH level.

  1. Add the pH increaser

To add the pH increaser, you’ll need to follow the instructions on the product packaging. Generally, you’ll need to add the pH increaser to the pool water while the pool’s circulation system is running. This will help to evenly distribute the pH increaser throughout the pool. After adding the pH increaser, wait a few hours and test the pH level again to ensure that it has risen to the desired level.

  1. Repeat if necessary

If the pH level is still too low after the first treatment, you may need to add more pH increaser. However, be sure to wait a few hours and test the pH level again before adding more pH increaser to avoid overshooting the desired pH level.

In addition to using pH increaser, there are other steps you can take to help raise the pH level in your pool:

  1. Turn off or reduce the use of your pool heater

Pool heaters can cause the pH level to rise, so turning off or reducing their use can help raise the pH level.

  1. Add baking soda

Baking soda is another option to raise the pH level in your pool. To use baking soda, follow the instructions on the product packaging to determine how much to add. Generally, you’ll need to add the baking soda directly to the pool water while the pool’s circulation system is running. After adding the baking soda, wait a few hours and test the pH level again to ensure that it has risen to the desired level.

  1. Use aeration

Aeration is the process of adding air to the pool water, which can help to raise the pH level. You can use a pool fountain, waterfall, or other type of water feature to aerate the pool water. This will also help to circulate the water and distribute any added chemicals.

  1. Check the total alkalinity

Lastly, it’s important to check the total alkalinity of your pool water. If the total alkalinity is too low, it can make it difficult to raise the pH level. 

All pools need to be tested and balanced on a regular basis with basic pool chemistry. The key is understanding the pool’s pH level, which will determine how acidic or basic your water is. If you know what balance of chemicals your pool needs for proper maintenance then all you have to do is follow our quick tips for maintaining it! This includes keeping an eye on the chlorine levels as well as adding in the right amount of algaecide or shock treatment each week.

Back to blog