Calculate exact baking soda or muriatic acid dose to raise or lower total alkalinity in your pool. Free alkalinity calculator with ideal TA range 80–120 ppm for proper water balance.
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.
Total alkalinity (TA) measures the water's ability to resist changes in pH — it acts as a pH buffer. Proper TA (80-120 ppm) keeps pH stable. Low TA causes pH to fluctuate wildly (pH bounce). High TA makes it difficult to adjust pH and can cause cloudy water and scaling.
To raise total alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Dissolve it in a bucket of water before adding to the pool. Add in increments and retest after 6 hours. Baking soda raises TA with minimal effect on pH.
To lower total alkalinity, add muriatic acid near a return jet with the pump running. Lower alkalinity before adjusting pH, as changes in TA will affect pH. Add acid in small doses and retest after 6 hours.
Always adjust total alkalinity first, then pH. TA acts as a buffer for pH, so getting TA in range first makes pH adjustment easier and more stable. After adjusting TA, wait 6-8 hours before testing and adjusting pH.
High alkalinity (above 180 ppm) makes it very difficult to lower pH, causes cloudy water, promotes calcium scaling on pool surfaces and equipment, and reduces chlorine effectiveness. Lower it gradually using muriatic acid.