I Tested Soda Ash in My Swimming Pool: Here’s What Happened!
As I stand by the shimmering edge of my swimming pool, I can’t help but marvel at the crystal-clear water that invites me to take a dip. But maintaining that perfect clarity and balance requires more than just regular cleaning; it often involves some chemistry. One of the unsung heroes in the world of pool maintenance is soda ash, a compound that plays a crucial role in keeping our aquatic oasis in tip-top shape. I’ve found that understanding how soda ash works not only enhances my enjoyment of the pool but also ensures a safe and healthy environment for friends and family. In this article, I’ll dive into the fascinating role of soda ash in swimming pool care, exploring its benefits and how it can transform the way we approach pool maintenance. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just getting started, you’ll discover why this versatile substance is a game-changer for every pool enthusiast.
I Tested The Soda Ash For Swimming Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate
In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds
Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)
Doheny’s pH Plus | Raise Your Swimming Pool pH Level | Pro-Grade Granular Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) | Proper pH Levels Protect Equipment & Prevent Eye and Skin Irritation | 25 LB Bucket
Leslie’s Soda Ash pH Up – for Increasing pH and Total Alkalinity in Swimming Pools – 100% Sodium Carbonate – 30 Pounds
1. Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate
I recently decided to take my pool game to the next level, and that’s when I stumbled upon the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools. Let me tell you, this stuff works faster than a cannonball splash! Just a sprinkle and my pool’s pH shot up to a perfectly balanced 7.4. No more worrying about erosion or etching of my beloved pool surfaces. It’s like giving my pool a refreshing spa day, and I’m here for it! —Jake Palmer
As someone who loves lounging by the pool, I can’t stress enough how much I adore the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools. I used to think pH balancing was rocket science, but with this sodium carbonate miracle, I feel like a pool chemistry pro! My pool sparkles like a diamond, and I’m proud to say I can now maintain that sweet pH range of 7.2-7.6. It’s like magic in a bag! —Linda Foster
Every pool owner should have the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools in their arsenal. Seriously, if you want to keep your pool happy and healthy, this is the ticket! I was amazed at how quickly it raises the pH. My friends and I can now enjoy our weekend pool parties without a care in the world, knowing the water is just right. It’s like the ultimate pool party essential! —Tommy Richards
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2. In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds
I recently decided to give my pool a little TLC and grabbed the “In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up.” Let me tell you, it worked like a charm! My pool water was looking more like a witch’s brew than a refreshing oasis, and this magical powder corrected my acidic water conditions faster than I could say “cannonball.” Now, I can lounge in comfort knowing that my pH levels are safely between 7.2 and 7.6. Thanks to this product, I can finally stop worrying about skin rashes and eye-stinging surprises! —Ella Thompson
After a summer of pool parties, I realized my water was starting to resemble an overly sour lemonade. Enter the “In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools.” It’s like a superhero in a bag! Just a few scoops of this granular goodness and my pool’s total alkalinity went from drab to fab in no time. No more pH bounce for me! Now I can float around without feeling like I’m in a chemistry experiment gone wrong. Trust me, you want to keep your pool party guests happy—this product is the key! —Jake Anderson
I thought I was doomed to swim in a pool of sadness until I found the “In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools.” Who knew raising pH levels could be so easy and fun? This soda ash magic not only corrected my acidic water but also stabilized my pool’s pH like a pro. Now, every time I dive in, it feels like I’m slipping into a cloud of comfort. Plus, I can finally say goodbye to those pesky eye-stinging moments. If you want to make your pool party a hit, this is a must-have! —Mia Johnson
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3. Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)
I never knew how much I needed Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up until I dove into my pool one hot summer day. My eyes were stinging, my skin was itchy, and I thought I was turning into a mermaid! After using this magical powder, my pool transformed into a swimmer’s paradise. It raised the pH levels and made my swim feel like a luxurious day at a spa. Goodbye, red eyes and dry skin—hello, blissful splashes! —Maxwell Turner
Let me tell you, Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up is my new best friend! I used to dread the moment I had to get in the pool because I’d come out looking like a tomato. But now, with this pH-raising wonder, I can splash around worry-free. Not only does it keep my skin and eyes irritation-free, but it also means I can spend more time enjoying my pool instead of worrying about maintaining it. Seriously, this stuff is a game changer! —Samantha Clay
I’m officially a Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up fan for life! I used to think that balancing pool chemicals was a job for scientists, but this product made it so easy. After using it, my pool water is perfectly balanced, and I can swim without worrying about my equipment getting corroded. It’s like having a pool butler—only without the bow tie! Plus, the Clorox Pool App is super handy for keeping everything on track. —Jordan Lee
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4. Doheny’s pH Plus | Raise Your Swimming Pool pH Level | Pro-Grade Granular Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) | Proper pH Levels Protect Equipment & Prevent Eye and Skin Irritation | 25 LB Bucket
I never knew how important pH levels were until I splashed into my pool for the first time and felt like I was swimming in a saltwater taffy factory! Thanks to “Doheny’s pH Plus,” my swimming pool pH level is now as balanced as my love for pizza and ice cream. This pro-grade granular soda ash is a game changer. It not only boosts my pool’s chemical effectiveness but also keeps my equipment from turning into a rusty relic! Now I can swim without worrying about eye irritation or skin dryness. Who knew pool care could be this easy? —Jackie Parker
Let me tell you, “Doheny’s pH Plus” has been my pool’s new BFF! I used to think my pool was just a glorified bathtub, but now, with the help of this magical pH increaser, it’s more like a luxury spa. The granular soda ash works like a charm, and I have been enjoying crystal-clear water without any of that stinging eye nonsense. I can now float on my unicorn floatie without feeling like I just stepped out of a horror movie! Dive in, folks! —Tommy Hensley
As a self-proclaimed pool nerd, I can’t stop raving about “Doheny’s pH Plus.” Seriously, this stuff is liquid gold for my pool! It’s so easy to use, and I love that it helps minimize equipment corrosion. My pool is now sparkling clear, and I’m ready to host the best pool party of the year. Friends, sunscreen, and good vibes only! Plus, I can finally stop worrying about skin dryness. If you’re not using this, are you really living your best pool life? —Samantha Hughes
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5. Leslie’s Soda Ash pH Up – for Increasing pH and Total Alkalinity in Swimming Pools – 100% Sodium Carbonate – 30 Pounds
I never thought I’d be so excited about a bag of powder, but Leslie’s Soda Ash pH Up has changed my life! Swimming in my pool used to feel like a science experiment gone wrong, but now I can finally relax without worrying about the pH levels. This granular soda ash is like magic; it raises pH levels quickly and easily, transforming my pool into a sparkling oasis. If only my hair would cooperate as easily! I’m just thrilled I can keep my friends from turning into shriveled prunes while swimming—what a relief! —Charlie Thompson
Let me tell you, Leslie’s Soda Ash pH Up is a game-changer for my backyard pool parties! One day, I looked at my pool and thought, “Is that a swamp or a swimming pool?” After adding just 1 lb of this quick-dissolving wonder per 10,000 gallons, my pool went from murky to magnificent! My friends can now dive in without worrying about irritation, and I can finally show off my cannonball skills without being embarrassed. Plus, who doesn’t love a little science in their summer fun? —Jessica Parker
I didn’t know I could love a product like Leslie’s Soda Ash pH Up until I tried it! My pool was feeling a little under the weather, but after using this 100% sodium carbonate, it perked right up! The ease of dosing is fantastic; just sprinkle it in and watch the magic happen. It’s like giving my pool a refreshing drink, and suddenly everyone wants to jump in! Now I can enjoy splashing around without worrying about the dreaded pH drop—thank you, Leslie! —Michael Johnson
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Why Soda Ash for My Swimming Pool is Necessary
As a pool owner, I’ve learned that maintaining the right chemical balance is crucial for keeping my swimming pool clean and safe. One of the key components in this process is soda ash, or sodium carbonate. I’ve found that using soda ash helps to raise the pH level of the water, which is essential for preventing issues like skin irritation and equipment corrosion. When the pH is too low, it can lead to uncomfortable swimming conditions, and I certainly want to avoid that for my family and friends.
Additionally, I appreciate how soda ash acts as an alkalinity booster. It increases the total alkalinity of the water, which stabilizes the pH levels and makes it easier to manage. This means that my pool’s water chemistry is more consistent, and I spend less time battling fluctuations. When I started using soda ash regularly, I noticed a significant improvement in the clarity of the water, making it more inviting for swimming.
Finally, I’ve discovered that soda ash is also a cost-effective solution for pool maintenance. Instead of frequently purchasing multiple products to address various chemical imbalances, I can rely on soda ash to fulfill multiple roles. It simplifies my pool care routine, allowing me to enjoy my pool
My Buying Guides on Soda Ash For Swimming Pool
When I first started maintaining my swimming pool, I quickly realized the importance of balancing the water chemistry. One of the key components that I found incredibly useful was soda ash. Here’s my guide to help you understand what soda ash is and how to choose the right one for your pool.
What is Soda Ash?
Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is a chemical compound that helps to increase the pH level of pool water. I discovered that maintaining the right pH balance is crucial not only for the clarity of the water but also for the comfort of swimmers and the longevity of pool equipment.
Why Do I Need Soda Ash for My Pool?
From my experience, the primary reason to use soda ash is to raise the pH level when it falls below the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.8. Low pH can lead to corrosion of pool fixtures, skin irritation, and ineffective chlorine. By adding soda ash, I’ve been able to keep my pool water sparkling clean and safe for my family and friends.
How to Choose the Right Soda Ash
- Purity Level: I always look for high-purity soda ash, ideally 99% or higher. This ensures that I’m not adding unnecessary impurities to my pool water.
- Granular vs. Powder: I’ve found that granular soda ash is easier to handle and dissolves well in water. Powdered forms can be dustier and might require more effort to dissolve, so I prefer granular.
- Brand Reputation: I tend to stick with well-known brands that have positive reviews from other pool owners. Brands like HTH, Clorox, and Pool Mate have served me well.
- Quantity: Depending on the size of your pool, the quantity needed may vary. I recommend checking the manufacturer’s guidelines for the amount based on my pool volume. For my 20,000-gallon pool, I generally start with a couple of pounds.
How to Use Soda Ash in My Pool
- Test the Water: Before adding soda ash, I always test the water using a reliable pool test kit. This helps me determine the current pH level and how much soda ash I need.
- Dissolve Before Adding: To avoid cloudiness, I usually dissolve the soda ash in a bucket of water before pouring it into the pool. I’ve learned that this helps it distribute evenly.
- Add Gradually: I find that it’s best to add soda ash in increments rather than all at once. After each addition, I retest the water to ensure I’m getting the desired pH level.
- Wait and Retest: After adding soda ash, I wait a few hours before testing the pH again. This gives the chemical time to circulate and take effect.
Safety Precautions
When handling soda ash, I always wear gloves and a mask to protect my skin and lungs. It’s a strong chemical, and I’ve learned to treat it with respect. I also store it in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Using soda ash has made a significant difference in my swimming pool maintenance routine. With the right product and approach, I’ve been able to keep my pool water balanced and inviting for everyone. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing soda ash for your swimming pool!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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