Summer Pool pH: Balanced Pool, Happy You!
Summer is officially here, and that means it’s time to prep your pool for sunny, splash-filled days! 🏊
A sparkling, swim-ready pool starts with one of the most important factors in water care: balanced pH and alkalinity. Two of the most effective (and affordable!) tools for maintaining that balance are sodium carbonate (soda ash) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). But they’re not the same—and knowing when and how to use each can save you money, protect your pool, and keep your water naturally comfortable all summer long.
🧪 Soda Ash vs. Baking Soda: What’s the Difference?
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When to Use Baking Soda (pH Balance): Use when your pool’s pH drops below 7.2., Low pH water can cause skin and eye irritation, corrosion of metal parts and pool surfaces, and inefficient chlorine performance.
How to Use It: Dissolve Baking Soda (pH Balance) in a bucket of water Pour evenly around the pool with pump running Retest after a few hours. Suggested Dose: 6 oz per 10,000 gallons of water raises pH by ~0.2.
Tip: Baking Soda is ideal for naturally boosting pH while keeping alkalinity in check—just what your chlorine needs to stay effective!
Why Pool Owners Prefer Baking Soda:
✅ Naturally safe & non-toxic
✅ Gentle on skin and eyes
✅ Budget-friendly & easy to apply
✅ Multipurpose – Clean tile lines, steps, and even household cleaning
When to Use Soda Ash (Alkalinity Increaser): Use when total alkalinity falls below 80 ppm.
Low alkalinity causes: pH fluctuations (swings up and down) Poor chlorine performance Cloudy or corrosive water.
How to Use It: Sprinkle Soda Ash (Alkalinity Increaser) directly into pool water, for larger doses (3–4 lbs or more), dissolve first for even distribution circulate with pump and retest. Suggested Dose: 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons raises alkalinity by ~10 ppm.
🌿 Why Balance Matters – And Why Natural Is Better ? When pH and alkalinity are unbalanced, chlorine doesn’t work efficiently. Water gets cloudy or irritating and your equipment wears down faster. That’s why more DIY pool owners are turning to natural, food-grade solutions like baking soda and soda ash: They’re simple, safe, effective and often cheaper than synthetic chemical alternatives.
⚠️ Avoid These Common Mistakes:
❌ Overdosing – Always add gradually and test before reapplying
❌ Mixing chemicals – Never combine different products before adding
❌ Skipping pump circulation – Always run your pump to distribute
❌ Using the wrong product – Baking soda is for low pH, soda ash is for low alkalinity!
✅ In Conclusion, A Balanced Pool is a Happy Pool. With just two simple, natural tools, you can manage your pool’s water chemistry safely and affordably. Use baking soda to gently raise pH. Use soda ash to stabilize alkalinity and protect your water balance. Best of all? Both are DIY-friendly, multi-use, and cost-effective, giving you more control, less hassle, and a pool that’s always ready for summer fun.
Ready to stock up? Naturally maintain your pool with trusted, food-grade products.