Normally, you have to monitor the hardness of the water or calcium level, pH level or the acidity and basicity level, and alkalinity or the buffering capacity.
If these are all unbalanced and disregarded, the life of the pool and equipment will deteriorate. It may even cause a great discomfort to anyone who will use your pool.
Now, this is where baking soda enters the picture. Adding this ingredient will largely help you balance these major items. However, the best way on how to add baking soda to pool is very tricky.
If you want to know how to clear a cloudy pool with baking soda, aside from balancing the major items given above – this piece is the one you are looking for.
In this guide, I will try to be as concise as possible to help you add baking soda to your pool.
Things You Will Need
Here are the materials and equipment you need to use. I have tried this task many times using different tools. And with these things, I find them all the most essential and helpful ones.
1. Measuring The Volume of The Pool
This only applies if you are not that familiar with the dimension and actual measurements of your pool. (Which I assume is not that applicable to many.) If you intend to do this manually:
- Tape Measure
- Calculator
On the other hand, I would rather suggest for you to use online pool volume calculators as these features are more accurate and complete. Using these will lessen the possible errors as well when manually calculating values.
Although, you may still find yourself needing the use of tape measures and other measuring instruments.
2. Measuring pH and alkalinity levels
- Pool Test Kits
As a popular alternative, some owners tend to measure these by hiring professional services in the market.
But, I find it very inefficient in terms of costs since you can do it all by yourself by utilizing different pool test kits. There are quite numerous products and brands that offer these kinds of kits.
3. Adding Baking Soda
- Food-grade baking soda or Sodium bicarbonate
- Weighing scale
- Pale or Container
4. Safety Equipment
- Mask
- Goggles
- Gloves
The Step-By-Step Process
1. Knowing The Volume of The Pool
Yes, you guessed it right!!!
Essentially, the volume of your pool is the foundation that you need for you to know how much baking soda you must use. I assume most of the owners already know these kinds of technical details. But if in case that you are not aware, simply take out your measuring tapes and calculators.
Get the measurements of the width, length, and depth. Once you get a hold of these, calculate these values according to the formula.
It is usually width x length x height for normal shapes and dimensions of pools. Hypertextbook could guide you in executing this.
As for pools with irregular shapes, you may use programs online. One of the most popular references that you could use is Swimmingpool’s volume calculator.
2. Getting the pH and alkalinity levels
The pH and alkalinity levels of your pool water can be measured by using pool test kits. These kits include the tools needed in getting the values of the measurement.
Although there are instructions that you could refer to, you may want to utilize your time with the specialists by asking the right questions.
The pH level must be in between 7.2 and 7.5. If the reading shows anything above 7.5 or 8.0, that means the water is basic. Hence, you may want to know how to lower pH in pool naturally. On the other hand, the water is acidic if the pH level is below 7.2.
As for the buffering capacity, the ideal alkalinity level is around 80 to 100 parts per million. Anything less to these values will make your pH drop.
Hence, adding baking soda will stabilize the alkalinity of your pool which will also lead to neutralizing the pH level.
keeping the pH and alkalinity levels balanced is essential as this maximizes the effectiveness of the disinfectant.
3. Wearing the Right Gear
When dealing with baking soda, you have to make sure that you are wearing safety gears. These gears include the goggles, gloves, and mask which will hinder you from inhaling the powder and having direct contact with it.
In addition, always regard all the necessary safety guidelines in handling the materials.
4. Computing the Amount of Baking Soda
Basing on pH levels
If the measurement reads a 7.2 pH level, you have to prepare 3 lbs. of baking soda in a clean pale or container for 10000 gallons of pool water. When your pool measures a total volume of 20000 gallons of water, then you need to prepare 6lbs in totality.
Basing on Alkalinity
Say, for instance, your pool reads a value of 20 parts per million of alkalinity, then you must prepare 12 lbs. of baking soda for 10000 gallons of water.
Now, if the level reaches 60 parts per million, 6 lbs. of baking soda must be ready to be added. This is accurately measured by specialists from Sciencing.
5. Adding the Baking Soda To the Pool
Once everything is prepared, start checking the perimeter of your pool. Stand in a place where you feel you are comfortable. Slowly, pour the baking soda into the deep end while moving around until enough baking soda is all added.
All Done and Set!
Keeping your pool clean and safe is very much essential especially if you and your family always use this amenity. The best way you could do to maintain a nice and safe pool is by adding baking soda.
Primarily, you must know the volume of your pool. Secondly, measure the pH and alkalinity levels by using pool test kits.
Thirdly, never forget to wear the safety gears and observe safety guidelines.
Fourthly, measure how much baking soda you need by basing it on either the actual levels of your alkalinity or pH.
Lastly, add the baking soda by pouring it on the deep end and slowly moving around the perimeter until all baking soda is added.
If you think that this is highly insightful and helpful, you may share this post to cater more knowledge and assistance. In addition, you may share your reactions and suggestions especially if you do have one in the comment section below.