It's a hot, sunny day, and you decide it's the perfect time to take a dip in the pool. But something feels off. Your eyes start to sting, the water doesn't look as clear as it usually does, and a quick water test confirms your pH has dropped.
If you're wondering how to raise pH in pool water, the good news is it's usually a straightforward fix once you know what's causing the problem.
Between Arizona's summer heat, evaporation, and monsoon storms, your pool's water chemistry can change fast. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to raise the pH in a pool so you can restore balance and backyard enjoyment.
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What Is Pool pH — and What's the Right Level?
Pool pH measures how acidic or basic your water is using a scale from 0 to 14, with 7.0 considered neutral. For most swimming pools, the ideal range is 7.4 to 7.6. If the water falls below that range, it becomes acidic. If it rises too high, it becomes overly basic. Both can cause water quality problems, but this guide focuses on what to do when your pool's pH is too low.
| pH Range | Condition | What It Causes |
| Below 7.4 | Acidic | Eye and skin irritation, corrosion of metal components, damage to plaster and vinyl liners, reduced chlorine performance |
| 7.4-7.6 | Ideal | Comfortable swimming, effective chlorine, and better protection for pool equipment |
| Above 7.8 | Basic | Cloudy water, scale buildup, and significantly reduced chlorine effectiveness |
How pH and Alkalinity Are Related
pH and total alkalinity go hand in hand. While pH indicates how acidic or basic your water is, alkalinity helps prevent those levels from changing too quickly. For most pools, the ideal total alkalinity range is 80 to 120 ppm. When alkalinity drops too low, your pH can become frustratingly unpredictable. Bringing alkalinity back into range helps you maintain proper pH.
Why Arizona Pools Lose pH Faster
Arizona's climate doesn't give your pool much of a break. Between triple-digit temperatures, constant evaporation, and monsoon storms, water chemistry can change fast. We recommend testing more frequently during the hottest months instead of waiting until something feels off.
What Causes Low pH in a Pool?
Before treating your pool, you must first identify the cause of your pH drop. Common causes include:
- Rain and Debris: Heavy rain, especially during Arizona's monsoon season, can wash dirt and debris into your pool and lower pH.
- Carbon Dioxide Absorption: As carbon dioxide dissolves into your pool water, it forms carbonic acid that gradually lowers pH. Water features like fountains and waterfalls can accelerate this process.
- Chlorine Tablets: Trichlor tablets are acidic, so regular use can gradually lower your pool's pH.
- Heavy Pool Use: Frequent swimming introduces sweat, body oils, and other contaminants that can disrupt your water chemistry.
How to Test Your Pool pH Before Treating
Before adding any chemicals, make sure you have an accurate pH reading. Liquid drop test kits or digital pH meters provide the most reliable results, while test strips work well for quick routine checks.
To test your pool water, collect a sample 12 to 18 inches below the surface and away from return jets. Test in the morning, before the water has warmed up, for a more consistent reading.
How to Raise pH in a Pool — Step-by-Step
Once you've confirmed your pH is low, the next step is choosing the right solution. The best method depends on your current alkalinity level and how quickly you need to make an adjustment. Here's how to raise the pH level in a pool using soda ash, baking soda, and aeration.
Option 1 — Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) — Fastest Method
Need to raise your pool's pH quickly? Soda ash is usually the best choice when your total alkalinity is already in the recommended range. As a general guideline, 6 ounces per 10,000 gallons will raise pH by about 0.2. Use that baseline to calculate the amount your pool needs, and always follow the manufacturer's directions, as concentrations can vary by product.
To raise your pool's pH with soda ash:
- Test your current pH using a liquid test kit or digital meter.
- Calculate the amount of soda ash your pool needs based on its size and your desired pH adjustment.
- Pre-dissolve the soda ash in a bucket of pool water to help prevent cloudiness.
- Slowly pour the mixture near the return jets with the pump running.
- Let the pump circulate the water for at least 4 hours, then retest before deciding if another dose is needed.
Soda ash works quickly, so a little patience goes a long way. Let the water circulate before deciding if your pool needs another dose.
Option 2 — Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) — Raises Alkalinity and pH Together
When both your pH and total alkalinity are low, start with baking soda. It primarily raises alkalinity, creating a more stable foundation before you fine-tune your pH. As a general guideline, 1.5 pounds per 10,000 gallons raises total alkalinity by about 10 parts per million (ppm).
To raise alkalinity with baking soda:
- Test both your pH and total alkalinity.
- Calculate the amount of baking soda your pool needs.
- Dissolve the baking soda in a bucket of pool water as much as possible.
- Slowly pour the mixture near the return jets with the pump running.
- Let the pump circulate the water for at least 4 hours, then retest your alkalinity followed by your pH.
Once your alkalinity is back in the recommended range, check your pH again. You may find it has already improved or only needs a small adjustment with soda ash.
Option 3 — Aeration (Chemical-Free Method)
If your alkalinity is already where it should be and your pH only needs a small boost, you may not need any additional chemicals at all. Aeration naturally raises pH by releasing carbon dioxide from the water, making it a great option for smaller adjustments.
To aerate your pool:
- Turn on waterfalls, fountains, deck jets, or other water features.
- Angle your return jets upward to create more surface movement.
- Let the water circulate for 24 to 48 hours before testing again.
Many Arizona pool owners already have water features that can help with this process. Using a pool aerator to raise pH naturally is another effective option when you want to make a gradual adjustment without reaching for additional chemicals.
How to Raise Both pH and Alkalinity in a Pool
When both your pH and total alkalinity are low, the order in which you treat them matters. Raising pH before correcting alkalinity often leads to temporary results because low alkalinity makes pH unstable. Start by bringing your alkalinity back into range, then make any final pH adjustments if needed.
The Correct Order of Operations
- Test your pH and total alkalinity with a liquid test kit or digital meter, and record both readings before adding any chemicals.
- If your total alkalinity is below 80 ppm, add baking soda using the dosing guidelines above. Run the pump for 4 to 6 hours to fully circulate the water.
- Retest your alkalinity. Once it's between 80 and 120 ppm, check your pH again.
- If your pH is still below 7.4, add soda ash using the recommended dosage. Allow the pump to run for another 4 to 6 hours before testing again.
- Avoid treating pH and alkalinity with different chemicals simultaneously. Making one adjustment at a time makes it much easier to see how your water is responding.
When Aeration Helps After Raising Alkalinity
Once your alkalinity is within range, your pH may still need a slight boost. Before reaching for more chemicals, try increasing aeration. Running fountains, waterfalls, or other water features for 24 to 48 hours can naturally raise the water's pH by releasing carbon dioxide.
Common Mistakes When Raising Pool pH
Even with the right products, a few common mistakes can send your water chemistry in the wrong direction.
Mistake 1 — Adding Too Much at Once
Adding too much soda ash at once can push your pH too high and leave the water cloudy. Avoid adding more than 1 pound per 10,000 gallons in a single treatment, and spread larger adjustments over multiple days.
Mistake 2 — Retesting Too Soon
Water needs time to circulate after chemicals are added. Wait 4 to 6 hours before testing again to avoid making unnecessary adjustments. If your pH ends up too high, you'll need to lower your pool pH before adding more chemicals.
Mistake 3 — Fixing pH Without Checking Alkalinity First
Low alkalinity makes it difficult to stabilize pH. Always test both readings before treating your pool, and if alkalinity is below 80 ppm, correct it first.
Mistake 4 — Using the Wrong Chemical
Soda ash and baking soda serve different purposes. Soda ash raises pH, while baking soda primarily raises total alkalinity. Choosing the right product from the start makes balancing your water much easier.
Still trying to figure out how to raise the pH in pool water? Whether you're choosing the right pool chemicals or troubleshooting stubborn water chemistry issues, the team at ePoolSupply is here to help. We've helped Arizona pool owners keep their pools balanced for years, and we'll point you in the right direction.
FAQs on Raising Pool pH and Alkalinity
How much soda ash should I add to raise my pool's pH?
A good starting point is 6 ounces per 10,000 gallons to raise pH by about 0.2. Always follow the product label and retest your water before adding more.
Can I use baking soda to raise pH in my pool?
Yes, but baking soda mainly raises total alkalinity. If your pH is the only issue, soda ash is usually the better choice.
How long does it take to raise pool pH?
With the pump running, soda ash typically works within 4 to 6 hours. Aeration takes longer but can gradually raise pH without adding chemicals.
What raises pH and alkalinity at the same time?
Baking soda raises both, though its biggest impact is on total alkalinity. If your pH still needs a boost afterward, you can make a final adjustment with soda ash.
Why does my pool's pH keep dropping?
Low alkalinity is often the reason, but frequent tablet use, heavy rain, and high pool use can also contribute. Testing both pH and alkalinity together helps pinpoint the cause.