Most pool owners have no idea that they can use household baking soda in their swimming pool to adjust the PH and the alkalinity. The most common thing sold to swimming pool owners is something called Alk up or total alkalinity. The problem with buying alkalinity from your swimming pool dealer is that the price is way more expensive then regular baking soda.
Instead of wasting money on over priced buckets of total alkalinity you can use the baking soda found right in the local supermarket. One of the most common brands of baking soda you will find in most stores is Arm & Hammer baking soda. If you buy the large box of Arm & Hammer baking soda on the side you will see a chart on how much you should add to raise the total alkalinity according to your swimming pool size.You can also lower your high pH levels with baking soda.
To save even more money on the cost of your total alkalinity you can shop at discount home centers and buy your baking soda in bulk. This can not only save you money but can also save you a trip to the pool supply store in the middle of the summer when you need more pool chemicals.
Make sure you add the correct amount. If the TA is too high, you will have problems. Also, Baking Soda will not lower pH. Use muriatic acid.
John Galcius
This is true, you always want to check your chemicals first!
how much does a person using baking soda put in a 850 gallon pool
Hi Gary,
I would initially add around 10lbs then I would check the pool water with AquaCheck Strips or a test kit and make sure the end result is 90ppm – 120ppm,
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Joseph
Hi….. Why cant I find some place on the net that would simply tell me how to raise and lower EACH… of the following:
1 ) Total Bromine
2 ) Free Chlorine
3 ) Total Alkalinity
4 ) ph
5 ) Total Hardness
Wouldnt that solve the amount of questions people like myself have?
Yes I need these answers as well.
Hi Paul.
I will right you a nice guide in the next 24 hours and then send you the link as well as place it here as well.
Thanks for the recommendation and feedback,
Joseph