Both rain and other foreign particles entering the water can cause low pH levels in a pool. Some signs of this are corrosion of metal accessories, a burning sensation in the nose and eyes, as well as stinging of the skin. However, to keep pH levels at a normal level, regular chemical treatments and tests need to be carried out. For example, the most common method of raising pH levels is the use of sodium carbonate (also known as sodium carbonate).
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Testing Your Pool's pH
Step 1. Check the pH of the pool water using test strips
You can buy them at your local pool store, supermarket, or order online. Follow the product's instructions, which generally indicate that you should submerge the strip in water and check its color against the range shown on the product.
In some pH test kits, you need to fill a small tube with pool water and add color-changing drops based on pH
Step 2. Check the chemical levels once or twice a week
Record the pH level in a small notebook to keep track of the change over time. Pool pH changes frequently due to a number of causes, so it is important to check it regularly. Write down the pH level in a notebook to see how it changes over time.
Step 3. Aim for a pH level between 7.4 and 7.8
When the test strips are exposed to water, they change color, which corresponds to each pH level. Match this color with the one indicated on the product and you will see the current pH level. In pool water, the ideal pH level is between 7, 4 and 7, 8. Determine the number of points needed to raise it.
For example, the color of the test strip could be yellow similar to that of a banana. According to the product's indications, this means that the pH is 7.2. Choose to raise it by at least 0.2 points and at most 0.6
Part 2 of 3: Calculate the Amount of Sodium Carbonate Needed
Step 1. Calculate the number of liters in the pool
If you know how many liters the pool contains, use that number. If you need to calculate the number of liters, multiply the volume by a multiplier based on the shape of the pool. To do this, use a tape measure.
- In the case of a rectangular pool, the formula is "length x width x average depth x 7.5". If your pool has a deep end and a shallow end, add them together and divide by two to find the average depth.
- If the pool is round, the formula is "diameter x diameter x average depth x 5.9". If a part of the pool is deeper, add it to the shallower part and then divide the result by two.
- For an abnormally shaped pool, adapt these formulas to calculate the number of liters in each section, or consult a pool expert for an estimate of its capacity.
Step 2. Determine the amount of sodium carbonate you will need
It uses approximately 6 oz. (170 g) of soda ash to increase 0.2 pH points in a pool with a capacity of about 10,000 gallons (38,000 liters) of water. Start using this calculation as a guide, and then add more soda ash in case you need to increase the pH further.
For example, if you test the pH level of your water, you get a value of 7.2, raise it to 7. 6. If your pool has a capacity of 38,000 liters (10,000 gallons) of water, use 340 g (12 oz) of sodium carbonate for the first batch
Step 3. You can buy the sodium carbonate at a pool supply store or order it online
Note that you can also find it under many other factory names. Check the contents of the product and make sure that sodium carbonate is the active ingredient. If you are not sure what to buy, ask an employee to tell you which products contain sodium carbonate.
If there is no pool supply store near you, go to a water treatment supply store, hardware store, or supermarket
Part 3 of 3: Adding Baking Soda to the Pool
Step 1. Leave the pool filter active while you add the baking soda
Baking soda works best when you can circulate it throughout the pool, so for that to happen, leave the filter in its normal circulation setting. If you turned it off to clean the pool, turn it on again.
Step 2. Get a 5 gallon bucket and fill it with water
Avoid pouring the baking soda directly into the pool, as this will not mix effectively. Therefore, dissolve it in water and then pour it widely into the pool. If you don't have a bucket with this capacity, use any other you have. Mix the baking soda in at least 1 gallon (4 liters) of water.
It is important that you fill the bucket with water first and then add the sodium carbonate
Step 3. Measure the sodium carbonate into the bucket of water
Measure how much sodium carbonate you need based on the amounts listed above. Use a measuring cup or scale to measure the amount you will need. Next, pour the soda ash into the bucket of water.
Don't forget that you must first fill the bucket with water before adding the soda ash
Step 4. Pour the soda ash water throughout the pool
For above ground pools, move around the entire perimeter while slowly pouring the water from the bucket. On the other hand, in the case of swimming pools built on the ground, pour the mixture all over the edge in the best possible way.
If you wish, use an old plastic cup to pour the water from the bucket into the pool
Step 5. Check the pH of the water after one hour
Wait a while to allow the soda ash to circulate throughout the pool and change the pH of the water. After an hour, dip a new test strip into the water and check to see if the pH is within the necessary range.
Step 6. If necessary, add more sodium carbonate
Generally, you don't need to add more than 1 lb (450 g) of soda ash for every 10,000 gallons (38,000 liters) of water. If you add more, the water will start to get cloudy.