Expert Advice on How to Raise pH in Your Pool

Maintaining proper pH levels is one of the most crucial parts of pool maintenance. If your pool water becomes too acidic (low pH), it can damage equipment, irritate swimmers' skin and eyes, and reduce chlorine effectiveness. Conversely, high pH leads to cloudy water and scaling.

In this comprehensive guide, Anomaly Pool Services, the leading pool contractor in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, explains the best methods to increase pH in a pool, how to use pH Increaser for pools, and quick fixes for balanced water chemistry.

Why Is pH Balance So Important for Your Pool?

The ideal pH range for swimming pools is 7.4 to 7.6, slightly alkaline to match human tears and mucous membranes. When pH levels fall below 7.2, the water becomes harmful, leading to:

• Equipment Damage: Low pH corrodes metal ladders, pumps, and heaters.
• Skin & Eye Irritation: Acidic water causes red eyes and itchy skin.
• Ineffective Chlorine: Chlorine loses up to 50% of its sanitizing power at low pH.

If you notice these issues, it’s time to raise pH in the swimming pool using proven methods.

How to Raise the pH in a Pool: 3 Reliable Methods

Using Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda is a gentle way to increase pH in a pool, but it primarily raises total alkalinity first, which then stabilizes pH.

How Much Baking Soda to Raise pH in Pool?

• For a 10,000-gallon pool, add 1.5 lbs of baking soda to increase alkalinity by 10 ppm.
• Dissolve in a bucket of water before adding to the pool.
• Wait 6 hours, then retest before adding more.

Note: Baking soda is slower than dedicated pH Increasers but is great for gradual adjustments.

Using a pH Increaser for Pools (Sodium Carbonate/Soda Ash)

For faster results, a pH Increaser (sodium carbonate) is the best solution.

How to Use a pH Increaser Properly

• Test Water: Check current pH and alkalinity levels.
• Calculate Dosage: Typically, 6 oz per 10,000 gallons raises pH by 0.2.
• Pre-Dissolve: Mix in a bucket of water to prevent cloudiness.
• Add Near Return Jets: Pour slowly for even distribution.
• Retest After 4-6 Hours: Adjust again if needed.

For precise chemical balancing, consult Anomaly Pool Services, the trusted pool maintenance experts in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX.

Aeration: Raising pH Naturally

If you need a chemical-free method, aeration helps raise pH in the pool quickly by releasing carbon dioxide.

How to Aerate Your Pool

• Run water features (fountains, waterfalls).
• Point return jets upward to agitate the surface.
• Use an air compressor or aerator attachment.

This method is slower but avoids adding chemicals.

How to Raise pH in Pool Quickly in Emergency Situations

If your pH is dangerously low (below 7.0), take immediate action:

• Add Soda Ash (pH Increaser): This works faster than baking soda.
• Run the Pump for 6+ Hours: Ensures even chemical distribution.
• Retest & Adjust: Avoid overshooting the ideal range (7.4-7.6).

For urgent pool care, Anomaly Pool Services offers emergency pH balancing in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX.

Common Mistakes When Raising pH in a Swimming Pool

Avoid these errors to prevent further imbalances:

• Adding Too Much pH Increaser at Once: Can spike pH too high, causing scaling.
• Ignoring Alkalinity: Low alkalinity (below 80 ppm) makes pH unstable.
• Not Testing Before Treatment: Always check pH and alkalinity first.
• Using Muriatic Acid Instead of pH Increaser: Acid lowers pH, never use it to raise pH.

For expert guidance, trust Anomaly Pool Services for flawless water chemistry.

FAQs: How to Increase pH in Pool

How often should I test my pool’s pH?

Test at least twice a week, especially after heavy rain, pool parties, or chemical treatments.

Can I use borax to raise pH?

Yes, but borax also increases borate levels, which may require additional adjustments.

What’s the difference between pH and alkalinity?

• pH measures acidity (ideal: 7.4-7.6).
• Alkalinity stabilizes pH (ideal: 80-120 ppm).

Why does my pool pH keep dropping?

Common causes:

• Acidic rainwater or fill water
• Overuse of chlorine tablets (trichlor is acidic)
• High swimmer load (sweat and oils lower pH)

How long does it take for pH Increaser to work?

• Soda ash (pH increaser): 4-6 hours
• Baking soda: 6-12 hours (affects alkalinity first)
• Aeration: 24-48 hours (slowest method)

Should I hire a professional to balance my pool’s pH?

If pH keeps fluctuating despite adjustments, Anomaly Pool Services provides professional pool maintenance in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, ensuring perfect water chemistry year-round.

Pro Tip: Preventing pH Fluctuations

To maintain stable pH levels:

• Test water weekly
• Keep alkalinity in range (80-120 ppm)
• Use stabilized chlorine (not just tablets)
• Schedule regular maintenance with a professional

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to raise pH in the pool is essential for safe, clear, and comfortable swimming. Whether using baking soda, a pH increaser, or aeration, regular testing and adjustments are key.

For hassle-free pool care, rely on Anomaly Pool Services, the premier pool contractor in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX, for expert water balancing and maintenance. Contact us today for a perfectly balanced pool all season long!