Water Chemistry /
Does Baking Soda Raise Pool pH?
Baking soda can nudge pool pH upward, but its main job is raising total alkalinity. Test first, make one change at a time, and follow the label.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 23, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Mar 12, 2026 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Will baking soda put the pH up in your pool?
In a word, yes, but only to a degree. While it can nudge the pH higher, baking soda’s real strength is in lifting total alkalinity. For the majority of pool owners, it is more accurate to think of it as an alkalinity increaser than a go to for fixing pH. If you are dealing with low pH, it may offer some help, but it is rarely the primary product for that sort of correction.
The role of baking soda in pool water
Chemically speaking, baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It serves to buffer the water in your pool, which keeps pH from being so volatile. You will see it used when total alkalinity is on the low side; with the alkalinity there to support it, the pH tends to be more steady. But one should not confuse that stability with a major adjustment to the pH.
Some things to keep in mind: - Baking soda is for when total alkalinity is low or trending down. - Any rise in pH will be modest at best. - When a bigger correction is called for, do not rely on it in place of a proper pH increaser.
How to tell if it is time to add some
The first step is to test the water. A good test kit and the manufacturer’s instructions will tell you more than any guesswork as to whether your pH, total alkalinity or both are out of whack.
1. Put the numbers on paper. Check your pH and total alkalinity before you put anything in the water, then retest once the pump has had a chance to circulate. 2. Let the problem dictate the solution. If your alkalinity is low and the pH is where you want it, baking soda is fine. If the pH is low but alkalinity is already in range, it might not be sufficient. And if alkalinity is high, leave the baking soda alone; it will only compound the issue. 3. Tackle one thing at a time. Add a chemical, let the water run, and then retest before doing more.
What about soda ash?
For a more direct way to raise pH, soda ash is generally the better option. Then again, the label and your readings should have the final say. Do not be hasty with soda ash if your total alkalinity is running high, as that is a quick way to upset the balance.
Pitfalls to steer clear of
There is no need for confusion over baking soda if one avoids these common errors: - The assumption that an alkalinity tweak will resolve a pH issue. - Pouring in chemicals without a prior test. - Attempting to address several problems in one go. - Overlooking circulation or filtration issues that can render the chemistry unstable. - Disregarding the equipment manual or chemical label.
Hayward’s approach to maintenance is to test often and ensure proper filtration and chemical additions as required. That is sound advice here.
Time to call in a pro?
A qualified professional should be contacted if: - Your pH continues to drift despite normal adjustments. - The water will not stabilize even though total alkalinity is low. - You are seeing cloudiness, scaling or corrosive conditions. - You cannot decide between baking soda and something else.
A note on safety
Always turn off the pump to clean or open the skimmer basket. Wear the right PPE with your chemicals and never mix them or pour them together. Should you suspect an electrical fault, keep swimmers away and have a professional look at it.
Ultimately, baking soda is for raising alkalinity and lending some stability to the water balance. Test first, use it where the alkalinity demands it, and if the chemistry is uncooperative, make the call.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)