How to Bring pH Up in Pool: The Complete Beginner's Guide

Taking care of your pool isn't just about keeping it clean—it’s also about making sure the water is safe, comfortable, and well-balanced. One of the most important things to check in your pool is the pH level. If the pH level gets too low, it can cause skin irritation, damage pool parts, and even make chlorine stop working properly. Don’t worry—raising pH is simple once you understand how it works. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to bring pH up in your pool, why it matters, and the best ways to do it.

Why Is Pool pH Important?

The pH level tells you if your pool water is too acidic (low pH) or too basic (high pH). A good swimming pool should have a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8, with 7.6 being ideal. This range is best for swimmer comfort, equipment protection, and chlorine effectiveness.

What Happens If pH Is Too Low?

Your eyes may burn, and your skin may feel itchy or dry.

Metal pool parts can rust, and liners or plaster can weaken.

Your pool may become cloudy and hard to keep clean.

Chlorine won’t work properly, so germs and algae can grow faster.

Keeping the pH balanced helps make swimming safer and more fun for everyone.

What Causes Low pH in Pools?

A lot of things can cause your pool's pH to drop:

Heavy rain, especially acid rain, adds acidic water to your pool.

Adding too much muriatic acid when lowering alkalinity.

Leaks or frequent refilling with low-pH water.

Swimmers adding sweat, sunscreen, or oils into the water.

Evaporation and poor filtration can also change pH levels.

Sunlight can cause chlorine to break down, which affects pH balance.

By knowing what causes pH to drop, you can take steps to keep your water stable.

How to Test Your Pool’s pH Level

You should test your pool water at least twice a week, and always before adding chemicals. Here are the three main testing methods:

1. Test Strips

Fast and easy—just dip in water and compare colors to the chart.

Shows pH, chlorine, and sometimes alkalinity levels.

Good for quick checks.

2. Liquid Test Kit

You mix pool water with special drops and compare the color.

Gives more accurate results than test strips.

Great for people who test often.

3. Digital pH Meter

Place the probe in the pool water and read the exact pH on the screen.

No guessing with colors—very accurate.

Best for serious pool owners or professionals.

For best results, use HTH™ 6-Way Test Strips or the HTH™ Pool Water Test Kit. These tools help you track the four main chemical levels in your pool.

The Best Ways to Raise pH in a Pool

When your pH is too low, don’t panic. You have several options to bring it back up safely.

1. Using Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate)

Raises pH quickly without raising alkalinity too much.

Use about 6 ounces per 10,000 gallons to raise pH by 0.2.

Always mix soda ash in a bucket of pool water before adding.

Walk around the pool while pouring slowly with the pump running.

This method works fast and is often used when only pH is low.

2. Using Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Raises total alkalinity and slightly raises pH.

Add 1.5 pounds per 10,000 gallons to raise alkalinity by 10 ppm.

Best when both pH and alkalinity are too low.

Spread evenly and dissolve before pouring into the pool.

Use a Pool Volume Calculator, Baking Soda Dosage Chart, and Soda Ash Dosage Chart to get the right amount based on your pool’s size.

3. Using Aeration

Natural method that increases pH by adding air to the water.

Use waterfalls, fountains, or point jets upward.

Best for small changes in pH, not quick fixes.

You can combine aeration with baking soda for gentle, longer-lasting pH correction.

How to Add Chemicals the Safe Way

Adding pool chemicals is simple, but you should always do it the safe way:

Test your water before you start.

Measure your pool size using a Pool Volume Calculator.

Look up the right dose in a chemical dosage chart.

Wear gloves and read all safety labels on products.

Dissolve dry chemicals in a bucket of water first.

Add chemicals slowly while walking around the pool edge.

Keep the pump running to circulate the water.

Retest water 30–60 minutes later.

Add more if needed, but don’t go overboard.

If your water turns cloudy, run your filter for 24 hours and test again.

What Is Alkalinity and Why Does It Matter?

Total alkalinity keeps your pH from jumping up and down, a problem called pH bounce. If alkalinity is too low, your pH won’t stay where it should.

How to Keep Alkalinity in Range:

Ideal range is 80–120 ppm

Use baking soda to raise alkalinity

Test it along with pH each week

Balanced alkalinity makes pool water more stable, comfortable, and clear.

Problems Caused by Low pH (And How to Fix Them)

Low pH can cause several pool issues:

1. Cloudy Pool Water

May happen after adding soda ash or if the water is too acidic.

Run your filter for 24–48 hours.

Use a pool clarifier if it doesn’t clear up.

Check water hardness and clean your filter system.

2. Algae Growth

Algae types: green, yellow (mustard), and black.

Often caused by unbalanced pH and weak chlorine.

Use superchlorination and a good algaecide.

Keep pH and chlorine in the right range to prevent it.

3. Corrosion and Scaling

Low pH causes corrosion of ladders, pipes, and surfaces.

High pH or hard water causes scaling or white chalky buildup.

Test for calcium hardness and maintain proper pH and alkalinity to stop this.

Keeping Your Pool Water Balanced Long-Term

The best way to avoid pH problems is to check your water regularly and keep all chemicals in balance:

Test 2 times a week, or more during hot weather

Ideal pH: 7.2–7.8

Ideal alkalinity: 80–120 ppm

Chlorine: 1–3 ppm

Use a Pool Water Test Chart to track your numbers

After big pool parties or storms, always retest

Keep chemicals in a dry place, in a resealable pouch

If pH keeps changing a lot, it may be time to have a professional check for leaks or problems with your filtration system.

The Relationship Between pH and Chlorine

Did you know that pH affects how well chlorine works? When pH is too low or too high, chlorine becomes less effective, and bacteria or algae can grow. Keeping the pH balanced means:

Chlorine works better

You’ll need to use less chlorine

Water feels more comfortable for swimmers

Less risk of irritation and corrosion

Final Tips for Pool Owners

Always keep a supply of pH increaser, baking soda, or soda ash.

Follow the directions on chemical labels carefully.

Use a scooper or measuring cup to be precise.

If you feel unsure or the water still looks wrong, don’t hesitate to call a pool care professional.

In Summary

Knowing how to bring pH up in your pool is one of the best things you can do for clear, clean, and safe swimming water. Whether you choose baking soda, soda ash, or natural methods like aeration, testing and balancing regularly will keep your pool water healthy all season long.

Key Takeaways:

Ideal pH is 7.2–7.8, with 7.6 being perfect

Test water regularly with strips, drops, or digital meters

Use the right amount of chemical based on pool volume

Balance pH and alkalinity together for best results

Fix cloudy water, algae, or corrosion fast

Track your levels with a Pool Test Log or Pool Water Chart

With the right tools, a little time, and safe habits, your pool will be clear, sparkling, and ready to enjoy every day.