Pool owners often encounter issues with their water chemistry, and an unstable pH is a common symptom of a deeper problem: low total alkalinity. At NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., we aim to simplify pool maintenance by identifying these common problems and offering practical solutions. Understanding what causes low alkalinity in swimming pools is the first step towards resolving pH instability and ensuring a healthy aquatic environment.

Common Culprits Behind Low Alkalinity

Several factors can contribute to a depletion of your pool's total alkalinity:

  • Rainfall: Rainwater is often acidic and can deplete alkalinity as it mixes with your pool water. Heavy rain events can significantly lower TA levels.
  • Acidic Additives: Using too much acid to lower pH or employing other acidic pool treatments can directly reduce alkalinity.
  • Bather Load: The more people use your pool, the more external substances like sweat, oils, and lotions are introduced. These can consume alkalinity over time.
  • Evaporation: As water evaporates, the concentration of dissolved solids, including alkaline substances, can change, sometimes leading to a relative decrease in alkalinity.
  • Poor Initial Water Source: If your source water has inherently low alkalinity, you'll need to be more diligent in its replenishment.

The Impact of Low Alkalinity on Your Pool

The most immediate and noticeable effect of low alkalinity is pH instability, or 'pH bounce.' This erratic pH behavior can:

  • Reduce the effectiveness of your chlorine sanitizer, making it harder to keep your pool free of algae and bacteria.
  • Cause discomfort for swimmers, leading to red eyes and itchy skin.
  • Promote corrosion of pool surfaces, equipment, and metal components.
  • Lead to staining or etching of pool surfaces.

Addressing these issues requires understanding how to raise pool alkalinity with baking soda. This simple household item, sodium bicarbonate, is a powerful tool for restoring your pool's alkalinity to the optimal range of 80-120 ppm.

Restoring Alkalinity with Baking Soda

The process of raising alkalinity with baking soda is straightforward. First, test your current total alkalinity level. If it's below the recommended range, you'll need to add baking soda. A general guideline is to add 1.5 pounds of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of pool water to increase the alkalinity by approximately 10 ppm. It’s best to add it gradually, broadcasting it evenly across the pool surface while the pump is running. Allow the chemical to circulate for at least six hours, then retest. Repeat the process if necessary until the desired alkalinity level is achieved.

NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. encourages a proactive approach to pool care. By understanding the causes of low alkalinity and implementing simple solutions like using baking soda, you can ensure a consistently balanced and enjoyable pool experience. Regular testing and timely adjustments are the keys to preventing common pool problems and maintaining the longevity of your investment.