What Does Baking Soda Do For A Pool?
Let’s take a look at why baking soda can be an impactful DIY solution to boost your pool’s overall health below.
What Can Baking Soda Do For A Pool?
Homeowners add baking soda to pool water to raise total alkalinity. It can also stabilize pH and help you maintain balanced and clear pool water over the long run.
Increases pH
With a pH hovering around 8, baking soda can be applied to slightly raise the pool’s pH. However, baking soda is not as strong a pH booster as Borax or soda ash.
Stabilizes Water Chemistry
Baking soda can reduce the risk of damages to surfaces and corrosion to pool equipment. It can also improve how well chlorine works in your pool water.
Raises Total Alkalinity
The thing baking soda does best in a pool is raise the total alkalinity. Baking soda ultimately acts as a buffer to prevent any pH fluctuations.
Proper alkalinity keeps pool chemicals working consistently while the water is safe and comfortable at all times.
How To Use Baking Soda In A Pool
Use these tips to safely apply some baking soda to your pool water:
- One common guideline is 1.5 pounds per 10,000 gallons of water.
- Use this amount in an attempt to raise total alkalinity by 10 ppm.
- Distribute the baking soda evenly around the pool while the pump runs.
- Wait between 6-24 hours before retesting and adding more, if needed.
- It’s best to use baking soda when total alkalinity drops below 80 ppm or a pH of 7.2.
- Refrain from using this agent as a primary pH booster if alkalinity is already balanced.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that baking soda will not completely clean cloudy water, replace chlorine, or kill algae. Overusing baking soda can result in high alkalinity, which makes it difficult to adjust pH.
It’s best to use baking soda as part of a balanced pool maintenance routine. When used correctly, baking soda is a great DIY tool to stabilize and clear the water.
Pool Leak Repair By Brian’s Pool Care
Brian’s Pool Care offers solutions to any pool problem you may be experiencing in Ahwatukee, AZ. Give us a call today at 480-907-7959 for more information or to schedule pool services.
