Raising pH in Swimming Pool: A Complete Guide for Clear, Balanced Water

If you’re a pool owner, you already know how important water balance is for keeping your pool safe, clean, and enjoyable. One of the most common challenges people face is low pH levels. When the water becomes too acidic, it can cause discomfort for swimmers, damage your pool equipment, and make chlorine less effective. That’s why understanding how to raise pH in a swimming pool is crucial for every pool owner.

What Does pH Mean in Pool Water?

pH is a scale that measures how acidic or basic your pool water is, ranging from 0 to 14.

• pH 0–6.9 = Acidic

• pH 7.0 = Neutral

• pH 7.2–7.8 = Ideal pool range

• pH 8–14 = Basic (alkaline)

For swimming pools, the ideal range is between 7.2 and 7.8. Anything below 7.2 is considered too acidic and needs to be corrected quickly.

Why Is Low pH a Problem in Swimming Pools?

When your pool’s pH is too low, it affects both swimmers and your pool system. Here are some common issues caused by acidic water:

1. Eye and skin irritation – Acidic water stings the eyes and causes dry, itchy skin.

2. Corrosion – Pool ladders, heaters, pumps, and liners can corrode over time.

3. Damaged surfaces – Concrete, plaster, and tile grout may weaken or stain.

4. Ineffective chlorine – Low pH reduces chlorine’s sanitizing power, leading to algae growth.

5. Cloudy water – Poor chemical balance often makes the water look dull and unclear.

Simply put, low pH creates an uncomfortable and unsafe swimming environment.

What Causes Low pH in Pools?

There are several reasons why your pool pH may drop:

• Heavy rainfall – Rainwater is naturally acidic and lowers pH when it enters the pool.

• Excess chlorine – Overusing stabilized chlorine can drive down pH.

• Debris and organic matter – Leaves, dirt, and sweat break down into acidic byproducts.

• High swimmer load – Oils, sunscreen, and sweat from multiple swimmers affect balance.

• Chemical overdosing – Adding too much muriatic acid or pH decreaser.

Knowing the cause helps prevent future problems and keeps your water stable.

How to Raise pH in a Swimming Pool

Now let’s look at the best ways to raise pool pH effectively.

1. Use Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate)

The most common method is adding soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate. It’s designed to raise pH quickly while slightly increasing total alkalinity.

• Dosage: About 6 ounces of soda ash per 10,000 gallons raises pH by 0.2 points.

• How to add:

  1. Test your pool water first.

  2. Measure the required amount of soda ash.

  3. Sprinkle it evenly across the surface of the pool.

  4. Run the pump for several hours to circulate.

  5. Retest after 6–12 hours.

2. Use Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Baking soda primarily raises alkalinity, but it also helps boost pH slightly. If both pH and alkalinity are low, baking soda can be a good option.

• Dosage: 1.5 pounds per 10,000 gallons raises alkalinity by 10 ppm.

• Best use: When both alkalinity and pH are low.

3. Aerate the Water

If your alkalinity is fine but pH is still low, aeration can help. Running water features like fountains, jets, or even pointing your return jets upward can increase pH naturally without chemicals. This method takes longer but avoids chemical imbalances.

4. Use pH Increaser Products

Commercial pH increasers are available at pool stores and are essentially soda ash. They come with exact dosing instructions, making them beginner-friendly.

Step-by-Step Process to Raise Pool pH

1. Test the water – Use a reliable pool test kit or digital meter.

2. Check alkalinity – Ensure total alkalinity is within 80–120 ppm before adjusting pH.

3. Choose your method – Soda ash for quick results, baking soda if alkalinity is low, or aeration for gradual adjustment.

4. Add chemicals slowly – Spread across the pool surface; don’t dump in one spot.

5. Run circulation system – Keep your pump running for at least 6–8 hours.

6. Retest water – Check pH after 6–24 hours and adjust again if needed.

Safety Tips When Raising pH

• Wear gloves and goggles when handling chemicals.

• Never mix chemicals together before adding them to the pool.

• Add chemicals to water, not water to chemicals.

• Increase in small steps to avoid overcorrection.

• Keep chemicals stored safely away from children and pets.

Preventing Low pH in Your Pool

Once you’ve corrected your pH, it’s important to prevent it from dropping again. Here are some prevention tips:

1. Test water weekly – Frequent testing helps catch problems early.

2. Balance alkalinity first – Stable alkalinity keeps pH from fluctuating.

3. Avoid over-chlorination – Use proper dosages to prevent acidic swings.

4. Use a pool cover – Keeps out rainwater and debris.

5. Shock the pool properly – Use non-chlorine shock if possible to prevent pH drops.

DIY vs. Professional Pool Service

Many pool owners manage pH adjustments on their own, but sometimes professional help makes sense.

DIY Pros:

• Cost-effective

• Easy to learn with test kits

• Full control over your pool

DIY Cons:

• Requires frequent monitoring

• Risk of over/under-correcting

• More time-consuming

Professional Service Pros:

• Consistent water balance

• Prevents equipment damage

• Saves time and effort

If you’re too busy or unsure about chemical dosing, hiring a professional for weekly pool service can be a smart investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long after raising pH can you swim?
It’s usually safe to swim after 2–4 hours once the chemicals have circulated.

2. What if pH keeps dropping after adjustment?
Check alkalinity. Low alkalinity often causes unstable pH.

3. Can I use household baking soda instead of pool chemicals?
Yes, baking soda raises alkalinity and slightly increases pH. For larger adjustments, soda ash is better.

4. Will high pH cause problems?
Yes, pH above 7.8 leads to cloudy water, scaling, and reduced chlorine effectiveness.