How to raise total alkalinity in your pool

Doses checked 11/9/2026

Add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in parts. The official chart from the Indiana Department of Health gives 1.4 lb to raise alkalinity by 10 ppm in 10,000 US gallons. Add the first part with the pump running, wait at least 4 hours, retest, then work out the rest. Aim for 80–120 ppm, the band in the Licking County Health Department (Ohio) chart.

Checked on every build: 11 tests of the sums this calculator runs, including 1 amount printed in published charts, labels and manuals (ours must match them, or land under them where we start low on purpose) and 5 tests of its limits: caps, smaller rounds, and the cases where it gives no amount.

Read before you add anything

Never add acid and chlorine at the same time, and never mix them, even in a bucket or feeder. Mixing chlorine products with acid can create toxic gas. Add one, let the pump run, retest, then add the other.
Always add the chemical to water, never water to the chemical.
Add one chemical at a time. Never mix chemicals together, and use a separate clean scoop for each.
Add chemicals only when nobody is in the pool.
Wear the protective gear your product label asks for, such as goggles and gloves.
Handle chemicals in a well-ventilated area.
Add acid with the pump running, into the deep end, away from the skimmer and away from any floater or feeder that holds chlorine tablets.
Never add shock (cal-hypo or any other chlorine product) through the skimmer, or through any floater or feeder that holds or has held tablets, and never put different chlorine products in the same feeder.
Only pre-dissolve a chemical in a bucket if its label tells you to.
Store chemicals in a secure place away from children and pets, and never store liquid chemicals above dry chemicals.
Read the product label before each use. If the label differs from this estimate, follow the label.
These amounts are estimates. Add in stages and retest before adding more.
This tool cannot tell you the water is safe to swim in. Follow your product label, and if in doubt ask a pool professional.

Where each line comes from

CDC, Using Pool Chemicals Safely Official: “Never mix / Chlorine products with acid; this could create toxic gases” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
12.5% liquid chlorine label, EPA-accepted Other source: “Mixing this product with chemicals (e.g. ammonia, acids, detergents, etc.) or organic matter (e.g. urine, feces, etc.)” ... “will release chlorine gas which is irritating to eyes, lungs and mucous membranes.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
CDC Official: “add pool chemical to water; NEVER add water to pool chemical” and “violent (potentially explosive) reaction can occur” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Virginia Department of Health Official: “Add chemicals to water - not water to chemicals.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Indiana Department of Health Official: “Add acids to water, NEVER water to acid. Remember AAA (Always Add Acid).” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
CDC Model Aquatic Health Code 2024, 5.9.3.4.2.3.1 Official: “Two or more chemicals shall never be mixed in the same dilution water.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Indiana Official: “Never mix any chemicals together.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Virginia Official: “Designate tools per chemical - Do not use the same scoop for different chemicals.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
MAHC 5.9.3.4.1.2 Official: “Chemicals added manually directly into the AQUATIC VENUE shall only be introduced in the absence of BATHERS.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Virginia Official: “NEVER add pool chemicals when the pool is in use, and only add them poolside as directed by the product label.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
CDC, Using Pool Chemicals Safely Official: “Dress for safety by wearing appropriate safety equipment (for example, safety goggles, gloves, and mask)” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
12.5% liquid chlorine label, EPA-accepted Other source: “Wear safety glasses or goggles and rubber gloves when handling this product.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Alliance Trading pH Down (dry acid) label Other source: “Wear goggles or safety glasses and rubber gloves when handling this product.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
CDC, Using Pool Chemicals Safely Official: “Handle in a well-ventilated area” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Leslie's muriatic acid Other source: “With the pump running, pour the solution into the deep end of your pool, or away from the skimmer or any fixtures.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Alliance Trading pH Down label Other source: “To add this product, broadcast into the deep end of the pool when not in use.” and “Do not add near metal fittings nor allow pH to drop below 7.2.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
CDC Official: “Never mix / Chlorine products with acid; this could create toxic gases” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
UConn Health, Connecticut Poison Control Center, "Splish Splash Safety" Other source: “Keep acids away from other chemicals.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Alliance Chemical 12.5% sodium hypochlorite safety data sheet Other source: “Never mix with acids, ammonia or other cleaning products: this releases toxic chlorine or chloramine gas.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
HTH Pool Care Shock, calcium hypochlorite 52% Other source: “Do not use this product in a floater or feeder.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
HTH 3" Chlorine Tabs Advanced Other source: “Do not use this product in floaters or feeders that have been used with other chlorinating products.” and “Do not use with any other tablets or sticks in the same skimmer, floater, or feeder.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
BioGuard cal-hypo label, EPA-accepted Other source: “Do not add this product to any dispensing device containing remnants of any other product.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
CDC Official, under “Never mix”: “Different pool chemicals (for example, different types of chlorine products) with each other or with any other substance” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
CDC Official: “Only pre-dissolve pool chemicals when directed by product label” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Virginia Official: “Store chemicals in secure location away from children and pets.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Virginia Official: “Never store liquid chemicals above dry chemicals.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
CDC Official: “Read chemical product label before each use” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Yakima County chart Official: “NOTE: This chart gives approximate amounts of each chemical listed. Always read the labels for exact” / “amounts needed for your chemical adjustments.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Licking County Official: “Always follow instructions on the manufactures label for exact dosage amounts and handling.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Multnomah County Official: “It is always better to add part of the required amount of chemical over several occasions” ... “than all at once (EXCEPTION: breakpoint chlorination).” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Indiana Official: “Add large amounts gradually in thirds over a 2-hour period.” Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Our own rule for every result: we point you to your label and the official guidance instead.

How much baking soda raises alkalinity

The chart from the Indiana Department of Health says Sodium Bicarbonate 1.4 lbs 4.2 lbs 7.0 lbs for rises of 10 ppm and more in 10,000 US gallons. Other official charts give a little more, 1.5 lb; for example Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health says For each 10,000 gallons of water, add 1.5 lbs. of sodium bicarbonate to raise the alkalinity 10 ppm. When sources differ we start with the smaller amount, and you retest.

The first part is three quarters of the total, or the amount for 30 ppm if that is less. Pool volumes are estimates, and once baking soda is in, only acid or a partial drain brings alkalinity back down. Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health puts it this way: It is always better to add part of the required amount of chemical over several occasions.

For example, say your pool holds 20,000 US gallons and total alkalinity is 60 ppm. To reach 80 ppm the calculator estimates 5.6 lb in all, and says to add 4.2 lb (1,905 g) now, wait and retest, then work out the rest from the new reading.

Baking soda and pH

Retest pH as well as alkalinity: the charts give no pH figure for baking soda. If pH is still low once alkalinity is in range, the charts list soda ash (sodium carbonate) for pH: see how to raise pH.

Add some, wait, retest

Test total alkalinity and pH.
Put on the protective gear your label asks for, such as goggles and gloves. Make sure nobody is in the pool, and run the pump.
Add the first part of the baking soda as your label directs. Add nothing else at the same time.
Wait at least 4 hours with the pump running, then retest alkalinity and pH.
Work out the rest from the new reading. Stop at 80 ppm or a little above.

When to ask a pool professional

Total alkalinity is below 40 ppm: that is far outside the normal range, and the calculator gives no amount.
The water is green, black or very cloudy (you can't see the drain at the bottom of the deep end): keep everyone out. The calculator asks how the water looks, and whether the pool is a hot tub or a public or commercial pool, which it doesn't cover.

Questions people ask

How do I raise the alkalinity in my pool?

Add baking soda in parts with the pump running. By the official chart, 1.4 lb raises alkalinity by 10 ppm in 10,000 US gallons. Wait at least 4 hours after the first part, retest, then work out the rest.

What counts as low alkalinity?

Below 80 ppm is below the band the calculator aims for, 80–120 ppm. CDC's model code for public pools sets 60 ppm as the bottom of its range.

Why add it in parts?

Pool volumes are estimates, and baking soda can only be undone with acid or a partial drain. A first part, a wait and a retest keeps you from overshooting.

How long after adding baking soda can I swim?

One maker, Leslie's, says of its alkalinity product Takes around 4 hours for full circulation of Alkalinity Up. Wait until it has fully dissolved, and until free chlorine and pH are back within your label's range.

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The charts behind this page

Show all 10 figures and where each one comes from

Each figure this page and its calculator use. Open one for the source's own words, the other sources we checked it against, and the checks it has been through.

Acceptable total alkalinity range: 60–180 ppm Official
CDC Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (2024), Code Official says: Total alkalinity shall be maintained in the range of 60 to 180 ppm (mg/L). Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: AQUA Magazine Other source says: Total Alkalinity shall be maintained between a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 180 ppm. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Oregon Health Authority: Water Quality Standards, OAR 333-062-1000 (public pools) Official says: Total Alkalinity 60ppm 60-180ppm 180ppm Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Ideal total alkalinity (calculator target band): 80–120 ppm Official
Licking County Health Department (Ohio): Pool and Spa Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says: Total Alkalinity (ppm) 60 80-120 Should not impair ability to meet other Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Pentair IntelliChlor IC15/20/40/60 Installation and User's Guide, P/N 520589 Rev R Other source says: 80 - 120 ppm Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Leslie's: Alkalinity Up Other source says: The ideal ranges for any swimming pool should be between 80 and 120 ppm for Total Alkalinity. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says: The desirable range for pools is 80-150 ppm Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Alliance Trading 'pH DOWN' label, sodium bisulfate 93.2% Other source says: Balance total alkalinity in pool water to 80-125 ppm for plaster finishes and 125-150 for vinyl, fiberglass and other non-masonry finishes. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): lb to raise total alkalinity 10 ppm in 10,000 US gal: 1.4 lb per 10 ppm per 10,000 US gal Official
Indiana Department of Health: Adjusting Chemical Levels in a Swimming Pool / Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says: Sodium Bicarbonate 1.4 lbs 4.2 lbs 7.0 lbs Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Salt Lake County Health Department (Utah): pool chemical dosages Official says: Sodium Bicarbonate 1 ½ lb. 7 ½ lb. 15 lb. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Yakima County (Washington): Chemical Dosing chart Official says: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) 1.5 pounds Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says: For each 10,000 gallons of water, add 1.5 lbs. of sodium bicarbonate to raise the alkalinity 10 ppm. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Leslie's: Alkalinity Up Other source says: Dosage: 1-1/2 lb per 10,000 gallons increases alkalinity level by approximately 10 ppm Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure. Looked up again on 11/10/2026 by a checker who couldn't see our figure: it came back with the same figure.
Add large amounts in parts and retest: add in parts Official
Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says: It is always better to add part of the required amount of chemical over several occasions Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Indiana Department of Health: Adjusting Chemical Levels in a Swimming Pool / Water Chemistry Adjustment Guide Official says: Add large amounts gradually in thirds over a 2-hour period. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Multnomah County (Oregon) Environmental Health: Water Treatment - Swimming Pools, EHS-0058 Official says: Add acid slowly over a period of hours or days, testing frequently. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Circulation time stated on balancer products: 4 hours Other source
Leslie's: Soda Ash pH Up Other source says: You can swim after 4 hours of circulation once the product is fully dissolved. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Leslie's: Alkalinity Up Other source says: Takes around 4 hours for full circulation of Alkalinity Up. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Also checked: Leslie's: Dry Acid pH Down Other source says: You can swim after 4 hours of circulation Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Baking soda: wait before swimming (one product's own page): once fully dissolved; about four hours of circulation (one maker) Other source
Leslie's: Alkalinity Up Other source says: Takes around 4 hours for full circulation of Alkalinity Up. Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
US gallon to liters: 3.785412 L per US gal Official
NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B.8 conversion factors Official says: gallon (U.S.) (gal) | liter (L) | 3.785 412 | E+00 Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
US fluid ounce to milliliters: 29.57353 mL per US fl oz Official
NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B.8 conversion factors Official says: ounce (U.S. fluid) (fl oz) | milliliter (mL) | 2.957 353 | E+01 Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Ounce (avoirdupois) to grams: 28.34952 g per oz Official
NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B.8 conversion factors Official says: ounce (avoirdupois) (oz) | gram (g) | 2.834 952 | E+01 Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.
Pound to kilograms: 0.4535924 kg per lb Official
NIST Special Publication 811, Appendix B.8 conversion factors Official says: pound (avoirdupois) (lb) | kilogram (kg) | 4.535 924 | E-01 Source page (opens in a new browser tab)
Checked against the source on 11/9/2026. Re-opened by a second checker on 11/9/2026, who matched the source's words to this figure.