{"id":18795,"date":"2025-05-19T12:24:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T12:24:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/?p=18795"},"modified":"2026-03-19T20:13:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T20:13:34","slug":"how-to-raise-alkalinity-in-your-pool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-raise-alkalinity-in-your-pool\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Raise the Alkaline Level in a Pool"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raising your pool&#8217;s alkalinity is a simple DIY project that only requires baking soda, your pool test kit, and a little patience. Read on for the exact calculations to determine how much baking soda you need, the best techniques for adding it to your pool, and what I do to keep my water crystal-clear and swim-ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why bother? Because low alkalinity &#8212; below 80 ppm &#8212; can corrode equipment, destabilize pH levels, and damage your pool surfaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Project difficulty:<\/strong> Easy<br><strong>Estimated time to complete: <\/strong>30 minutes (plus 4-6 hours wait time)<br><strong>Project cost:<\/strong> $10 &#8211; $20&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-c4e42a17-5b4c-4ebe-bf0d-4c879b6dd01c\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-raise-alkalinity-in-your-pool\/#0-what-is-alkalinity\" style=\"\">What is Alkalinity<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-raise-alkalinity-in-your-pool\/#1-steps-to-raise-alkalinity-in-your-pool\" style=\"\">Steps to Raise Alkalinity in Your Pool<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/pool-care\/how-to-raise-alkalinity-in-your-pool\/#6-faq-about-alkalinity-in-a-pool\" style=\"\">FAQ About Alkalinity in a Pool<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-is-alkalinity\">What is Alkalinity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Total alkalinity (TA) acts as your pool\u2019s pH stabilizer. It prevents sudden changes that can result from stormy weather or after a pool party.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your pool\u2019s alkalinity should stay between <strong>80-120 parts per million (ppm)<\/strong>. Checking it at least once a week will help keep all your chemicals in range to keep pool water from becoming acidic, corroding your pool equipment, and going green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-steps-to-raise-alkalinity-in-your-pool\">Steps to Raise Alkalinity in Your Pool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raising the alkalinity is the same for freshwater and saltwater pools. You just need regular baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to raise alkalinity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-step-1-test-your-pool-water\">Step 1: Test Your Pool Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gutter-in-heavy-rainfall-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/roof-styles-illustration-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3418-1-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pantone-colors.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Anthony-Brooks-150x150-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/adding-chemical-to-pool.jpeg\" alt=\"Person using a test strip to check chlorine levels in a pool\" class=\"wp-image-18552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/adding-chemical-to-pool.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/adding-chemical-to-pool-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/adding-chemical-to-pool-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/checking-the-water-quality-of-a-pool-with-the-help-of-a-test-strip-with-ph-value-chlorine-and-algaecide\/440974917\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Evgeniya Sheydt<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I use test strips for quick checks but use a standard drop kit for more accurate readings. If alkalinity is below 80 ppm, the test solution stays green. For the easiest and most precise option, you can pick up a digital pool water tester.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here in West Texas, I\u2019ve found that you get the most accurate and consistent readings when you test the water in the morning before the sun hits it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-step-2-calculate-amount-of-baking-soda-needed\">Step 2: Calculate Amount of Baking Soda Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<!DOCTYPE html>\n<html lang=\"en\">\n<head>\n  <meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n  <title>Alkalinity Calculator<\/title>\n  <style>\n    .abc-container {\n      font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif;\n      max-width: 600px;\n      margin: 30px auto;\n      background: #f4f4f4;\n      padding: 20px;\n      border-radius: 10px;\n      box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n    }\n\n    .abc-title {\n      text-align: center;\n      color: #0077b6;\n      font-size: 1.75rem;\n      margin-bottom: 20px;\n    }\n\n    .abc-label {\n      font-weight: bold;\n      display: block;\n      margin-bottom: 5px;\n    }\n\n    .abc-group {\n      margin-bottom: 15px;\n    }\n\n    .abc-input, .abc-button {\n      width: 100%;\n      padding: 10px;\n      font-size: 14px;\n      border-radius: 5px;\n      border: 1px solid #ccc;\n      box-sizing: border-box;\n    }\n\n    .abc-button {\n      background-color: #0077b6;\n      color: white;\n      border: none;\n      cursor: pointer;\n      font-weight: bold;\n      margin-top: 10px;\n    }\n\n    .abc-button:hover {\n      background-color: #023e8a;\n    }\n\n    .abc-result {\n      margin-top: 20px;\n      font-size: 16px;\n      font-weight: bold;\n      text-align: center;\n      color: #023e8a;\n    }\n  <\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n  <div class=\"abc-container\">\n    <h1 class=\"abc-title\">Alkalinity Calculator<\/h1>\n\n    <div class=\"abc-group\">\n      <label for=\"abc-volume\" class=\"abc-label\">Pool Volume (gallons):<\/label>\n      <input type=\"number\" id=\"abc-volume\" class=\"abc-input\" placeholder=\"e.g. 15000\">\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"abc-group\">\n      <label for=\"abc-current\" class=\"abc-label\">Current Alkalinity (ppm):<\/label>\n      <input type=\"number\" id=\"abc-current\" class=\"abc-input\" placeholder=\"e.g. 50\">\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"abc-group\">\n      <label for=\"abc-target\" class=\"abc-label\">Target Alkalinity (ppm):<\/label>\n      <input type=\"number\" id=\"abc-target\" class=\"abc-input\" placeholder=\"e.g. 90\">\n    <\/div>\n\n    <button class=\"abc-button\" onclick=\"abcCalculate()\">Calculate<\/button>\n\n    <div id=\"abc-result\" class=\"abc-result\"><\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <script>\n    function abcCalculate() {\n      const volume = parseFloat(document.getElementById('abc-volume').value);\n      const current = parseFloat(document.getElementById('abc-current').value);\n      const target = parseFloat(document.getElementById('abc-target').value);\n      const result = document.getElementById('abc-result');\n\n      if (!volume || !current || !target || target <= current) {\n        result.textContent = 'Please enter valid numbers. Target must be higher than current.';\n        return;\n      }\n\n      const ppmIncrease = target - current;\n      const gallonsRatio = volume \/ 10000;\n      const bakingSoda = gallonsRatio * 1.5 * (ppmIncrease \/ 10);\n\n      result.textContent = `You need approximately ${bakingSoda.toFixed(2)} lbs of baking soda.`;\n    }\n  <\/script>\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These days, I\u2019m content with a smaller 5,000 gallon pool compared to the 18,000 gallon one my friend has, but regardless of the size, the process for raising the alkalinity levels is the same. Here's what you need to know for a typical 10,000-gallon pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Basic Rule:<\/strong> 1.5 pounds of baking soda will raise alkalinity by 10 ppm in a 10,000-gallon pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To calculate how much you need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Figure out how many ppm you need to raise the alkalinity to between 80 and 120 ppm.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Example: Your test shows you alkaline level is 50 ppm, and your goal is 90 ppm, an increase of 40 ppm<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Divide your pool volume in gallons by 10,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Multiply by 1.5 lbs of baking soda<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Then, multiply by the desired ppm increase divided by 10.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Example<\/strong> - For a 15,000-gallon pool needing a 40 ppm increase, the calculation is:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>15,000 \u00f7 10,000 \u00d7 1.5 \u00d7 (40 \u00f7 10) = 9 lbs of baking soda.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>My tip: <\/strong>I often buy large bags of baking soda at my local grocery or hardware store. It\u2019s usually cheaper than branded \u201calkalinity increasers,\u201d which are essentially the same product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-step-3-add-the-baking-soda\">Step 3: Add the Baking Soda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gutter-in-heavy-rainfall-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/roof-styles-illustration-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3418-1-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pantone-colors.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Anthony-Brooks-150x150-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Untitled-design-2-2.jpg\" alt=\"baking soda\" class=\"wp-image-14307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Untitled-design-2-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Untitled-design-2-2-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Untitled-design-2-2-768x538.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freepik.com\/free-photo\/using-baking-soda-organic-cleaning-house-products_12107602.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Freepik<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how I do it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Add 1\/2 to 3\/4<strong> <\/strong>of your calculated baking soda amount by broadcasting it in wide arcs across the pool surface. Never add baking soda through the skimmer; it can damage your equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t just dump it in, as most of it will settle to the bottom. You can also dissolve it in a 5-gallon bucket half full of pool water, then pour it in slowly to let the jets circulate it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Run your pool's filtration system for at least six hours to let the baking soda circulate and dissolve completely. I usually let it run overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>My tip:<\/strong> Mind the wind. A single gust at the right time can send your baking soda flying into the neighbor's yard, and unfortunately, right into their face if they happen to be on the other side of the fence. He didn\u2019t think it was as funny as I did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-step-4-retest-and-adjust-if-needed\">Step 4: Retest and Adjust if Needed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gutter-in-heavy-rainfall-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/roof-styles-illustration-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/IMG_3418-1-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pantone-colors.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Anthony-Brooks-150x150-1.jpgwp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/test-pool-water.jpeg\" alt=\"A hand using a digital salt meter to measure the salinity level in a swimming pool, with a pool vacuum visible underwater.\" class=\"wp-image-18807\" srcset=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/test-pool-water.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/test-pool-water-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/test-pool-water-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/resort-private-pool-has-weekly-check-maintenance-test-salt-meter-level-to-make-sure-water-is-clean-and-can-swim\/203789159\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jade<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where your patience pays off.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Test both total alkalinity and pH levels using your liquid test kit or test strips after the circulation time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repeat the process with the remaining baking soda until you reach the desired levels, if needed. It\u2019s much easier to add more baking soda later than to have to go back and try to rebalance it with an acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>My tip:<\/strong> If I accidentally overshot (which has happened during \"pool math\" failures), I don't worry too much if it's just slightly high. I've found it's better to be at the higher end of the range (100-120 ppm) during summer, as the intense heat and evaporation tend to concentrate chemicals over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What Causes Low Alkalinity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few things can drop your total alkalinity levels, including low pH, heavy pool use, too much muriatic acid, heavy rain, and repeatedly shocking your pool<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simon Spragg of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techpools.es\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Techpools<\/a> explains the rain effect: \"Surrounding vegetation can be the cause of 'acid rain' which will reduce pH. In other areas of the world, rain may be more alkaline.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-faq-about-alkalinity-in-a-pool\">FAQ About Alkalinity in a Pool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747162673746\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do you raise pH and alkalinity in a pool?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">When both are low, it's best to adjust the alkalinity first with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to bring it into range, then use soda ash (sodium carbonate) to bump up the pH if it\u2019s still low. Going in the opposite order will leave your pH bouncing all over the place.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747162678079\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I swim in a pool with high alkalinity?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Technically, yes. By itself, alkalinity doesn\u2019t make a pool unsafe to swim in. However, the side effects of high alkalinity can make the water less desirable. It can render<strong> <\/strong>chlorine\u2019s sanitation power ineffective and the resulting high pH may cause skin rashes and eye irritation, depending on how extreme the levels are.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1747162683762\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What\u2019s the difference between baking soda and soda ash?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) works to raise alkalinity while only slightly elevating pH levels. Soda ash (sodium carbonate) works to raise pH while only slightly elevating alkalinity.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-keeping-the-balance\">Keeping the Balance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being proactive about testing and adjusting alkalinity saves time and money in the long run. It prevents equipment damage, reduces the need for extra chemicals, and keeps your pool swim-ready all season long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you need a hand with your pool chemistry, Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.homegnome.com\/?intent=poolCleaning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">skilled pool services<\/a> and leave the rest to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/\">Home Gnome<\/a>&nbsp;delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/pool-water-testing\/88605031\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">strannik9211<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Raising the alkaline level in a pool is a simple matter of checking the alkaline levels using commercially available test kits, then adding baking soda to the water gradually<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":18803,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[142],"tags":[80],"class_list":["post-18795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pool-care","tag-pool-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/pool-water-testing.jpeg","author_info":{"display_name":"Raven Wisdom","author_link":"https:\/\/homegnome.com\/blog\/author\/raven-wisdom\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Raise the Alkaline Level in a Pool<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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