The Best Pool pH Increasers (And How to Use Them)

The Best Pool pH Increasers (And How to Use Them)

If your pool water is too acidic, it can irritate skin and eyes, corrode equipment, and throw off chlorine effectiveness. That’s where pH increasers come in. These products raise the pH level in your pool to the proper range, helping to stabilize the water and protect both swimmers and surfaces. But using the wrong product or applying it incorrectly can cause just as many problems as doing nothing. Here’s what you need to know.

Why pH Balance Is So Important

Your pool’s pH level measures how acidic or basic the water is. A perfect balance keeps everything running smoothly. When pH is too low (below 7.2), water becomes corrosive and uncomfortable.

Signs your pool pH is too low:

• Burning or itchy eyes after swimming
• Skin irritation or dryness
• Rapid chlorine loss
• Etching on plaster or pool surfaces
• Corrosion of metal components like ladders and heat exchangers

The ideal pH range for most pools is 7.4 to 7.6. Within this window, chlorine works efficiently, and the water stays comfortable and safe.

What Is a pH Increaser?

A pH increaser is a chemical that raises the pH level in pool water. The most common type is soda ash (sodium carbonate), though other products can be used depending on your pool’s needs.

Benefits of using a pH increaser:

• Prevents corrosion of pool equipment
• Reduces eye and skin irritation
• Helps chlorine remain effective longer
• Maintains overall water balance

It’s important to use the right product at the right time to avoid overshooting and making the water too basic.

Top Pool pH Increaser Products

Here are some of the most trusted and widely used pH increasers on the market:

1. Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)

• Most common pool pH increaser
• Fast-acting and easy to find
• Raises pH without a major effect on alkalinity

Best for: Regular pH adjustments in chlorinated pools

2. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

• Technically an alkalinity increaser but can raise pH slightly
• Gentle effect and good for small adjustments

Best for: Boosting total alkalinity while slightly lifting pH

3. Commercial pH Up Products

• Pre-packaged formulas made with soda ash or sodium carbonate
• Often sold under names like “pH Plus” or “pH Increaser”

Best for: Pool owners who prefer ready-to-use formulations

Always check the label to see the active ingredient and follow instructions closely.

How to Choose the Right pH Increaser

Choosing the right product depends on what you’re trying to correct.

Use soda ash if:

• pH is below 7.2 but total alkalinity is within range

Use baking soda if:

• Both pH and total alkalinity are low

Avoid using both at once. Too much adjustment can create cloudy water or pH bounce.

Step-by-Step: How to Use pH Increasers Safely

Using a pH increaser is easy, but it must be done carefully to avoid overshooting the target.

Step 1: Test Your Water

• Use a liquid test kit or test strips to measure current pH
• Also test total alkalinity to ensure it’s within 80 to 120 ppm

If alkalinity is too low, correct that first with baking soda.

Step 2: Calculate the Correct Dose

• Follow the dosage instructions on the product label
• As a general guide: 6 ounces of soda ash raises pH by about 0.2 in 10,000 gallons

Use a pool calculator to confirm your specific dosage needs.

Step 3: Pre-Dissolve if Necessary

• Mix powder in a bucket of warm pool water before adding
• This helps prevent cloudiness and ensures even distribution

Some products can be added directly to the pool, but check the label to be sure.

Step 4: Add to the Pool

• Pour the solution slowly around the perimeter with the pump running
• Avoid dumping it all in one spot
• Let the water circulate for at least 30 to 60 minutes

Keep swimmers out of the water during this time.

Step 5: Retest and Adjust

• Retest pH after 1 to 2 hours
• If the pH is still low, repeat with a smaller dose

Avoid raising pH above 7.8, which can lead to scaling and cloudiness.

Tips for Keeping pH Balanced Long-Term

Maintaining proper pH is easier when you take a proactive approach. Here’s how:

• Test water at least 2–3 times per week
• Balance alkalinity first before adjusting pH
• Keep chlorine between 1 and 3 ppm
• Cover the pool when not in use to reduce evaporation and chemical loss
• Avoid overusing acidic products like trichlor tablets or pH down

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding pH increaser without testing first
• Overdosing and causing cloudy water
• Ignoring total alkalinity, which buffers pH
• Failing to circulate water after chemical addition
• Mixing incompatible chemicals too closely together

Balanced pH supports every part of your pool system, from swimmer comfort to chlorine performance. By choosing the right pH increaser and using it correctly, you avoid common water issues and keep your pool crystal clear all season long.