Pool Total Alkalinity Guide — How to Adjust TA | PoolDose

Complete guide to pool total alkalinity. Learn the ideal TA range (80-120 ppm), how to raise alkalinity with baking soda, and lower it with muriatic acid.

How to Use the Alkalinity Calculator

Enter current and target total alkalinity to calculate the dose needed. The ideal TA range is 80-120 ppm. TA acts as a pH buffer — low TA causes pH to fluctuate, high TA causes scaling.

To raise alkalinity: use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). To lower alkalinity: use muriatic acid added near a return jet with the pump running.

Always adjust alkalinity before adjusting pH. Changes in TA will affect pH, so recheck pH after adjusting alkalinity.