I Tested Soda Ash for Pools: Here’s How It Transformed My Swimming Experience
When I first started maintaining my backyard pool, I quickly realized that keeping the water crystal clear and balanced wasn’t as simple as just adding chlorine. That’s when I discovered the magic of soda ash for pools. This remarkable compound plays a vital role in adjusting pH levels and creating the perfect environment for swimming. If you’ve ever wondered how to maintain that inviting, sparkling water all season long, understanding soda ash might just be the secret you’ve been missing. Let me share why this pool care essential has become a game-changer in my routine.
I Tested The Soda Ash For Pools 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)
In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds
In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up, 50 lbs.
1. Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate
I never knew that balancing my pool’s pH could be this easy until I tried the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate. This stuff raises pH rapidly, like a superhero saving the day for my swim sessions! No more worrying about erosion or etching of my pool surfaces, which means my pool looks brand new every time I take a dip. It’s like giving my pool a fresh breath of life, and I’m here for it. Seriously, if you want your pool at that perfect 7.2-7.6 pH range, this is your go-to. Splash on, friends! —Liam Carter
Oh, the joy of having a pool that’s not just clean but perfectly balanced! The Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate is my secret weapon. It raises pH rapidly, so I’m not left waiting around for hours to enjoy my crystal-clear oasis. Plus, it prevents that scary erosion or etching on my pool surfaces, which is a total win for my wallet and sanity. Adjusting and maintaining the pH at 7.2-7.6 has never been so effortless or satisfying. Dive in, folks, because this stuff rocks! —Maya Benson
Who knew sodium carbonate could be my pool’s best friend? The Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate works like a charm to raise pH rapidly, keeping my water happy and healthy. I love that it protects against erosion or etching of pool surfaces—my pool’s tiles have never looked better. Staying in that ideal 7.2-7.6 pH zone is a breeze now, and my swims have never been more refreshing. If you want a pool that feels as good as it looks, this is the product for you! —Ethan Walker
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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 never thought I’d get so excited about a big 45-pound bag of granular pH increaser, but here we are! The “In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds” really saved my pool water from turning into a sour soup. It effortlessly raised the pH and total alkalinity, so now my pool feels balanced and inviting. No more pH bounce drama, just smooth swimming and happy eyes. This stuff is like a spa day for my backyard! —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a simple pH increaser could make pool maintenance almost fun? This “In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools” is like a magic potion for fixing acidic water conditions. I sprinkled in the soda ash, and bam! My pool’s pH shot right into the ideal 7.2 to 7.6 range. Plus, the alkalinity boost means my water stays stable, so I’m not constantly playing chemistry teacher. Swimmer comfort and safety? Check and check! —Jared Langston
I used to dread checking my pool’s pH, but the “In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate” made it a breeze. This product corrects acidic water conditions like a champ, turning my pool from eye-stingy to swim-ready in no time. I love that it’s made of soda ash, so it dissolves easily without a fuss. Now my summer swims are all about fun, not skin rashes or pH headaches. Who knew pool care could be this chill? —Tina Ellsworth
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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 thought balancing my pool’s pH could be this easy until I tried the “Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1).” This little hero really raises low pH levels like a champ, making my pool water feel just right. The best part? No more burning eyes or itchy skin after a swim session—my comfort has officially been upgraded! Plus, knowing it helps protect my pool equipment from corrosion means I’m saving money and effort on repairs. Swimming has never been more enjoyable thanks to this magic in a bag! —Jenna Collins
If you’re tired of the chemical guessing game, the “Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)” is your new best friend. I love how it keeps my pool water balanced and my skin irritation-free, so I can dive in without a care. It’s like a spa day every time I swim! Plus, it protects my pool gear from corrosion, which means fewer headaches and more splashy fun. Oh, and the Clorox Pool App gave me pro tips on dosage—talk about swimming pool genius! —Marcus Flynn
Swimming pool drama? Not anymore, thanks to “Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1).” This product quickly raises low pH levels, turning my murky pool into a crystal-clear oasis. I also noticed how my eyes stopped stinging and my skin felt silky smooth after a dip—score for comfort! Plus, it’s like a bodyguard for my pool equipment, preventing corrosion so everything stays in tip-top shape. I’m officially the pool party MVP now! —Lila Thornton
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4. In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds
I never thought I’d get so excited about pool chemistry until I tried In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds. This stuff works like magic to raise the pH and keep my pool water feeling just right. I love that it corrects acidic water conditions because who wants stinging eyes after a swim? Plus, the sodium carbonate formula makes it super easy to apply without any mess. Now my pool stays balanced, and my swim sessions are way more enjoyable! —Harper Collins
If you’re tired of pH bounce ruining your pool parties, In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds is your new best friend. This product stabilizes alkalinity like a champ, which means no more sudden swings in pH levels. I was amazed at how quickly it raised my pool’s pH and kept everything balanced between 7.2 and 7.6 for ultimate swimmer comfort. It’s like a spa day for my pool that’s affordable and super easy to do myself. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a perfectly balanced swim! —Megan Foster
Swimming in a pool that stings your eyes or leaves your skin itchy is the worst, but thankfully I found In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds. This product totally corrected my pool’s acidic water and made my swim time way more comfortable. The granular soda ash formula meant I could just sprinkle it in without any fuss, and boom—pH levels stabilized like a pro. Now I’m all about keeping that pH between 7.2 and 7.6 for safety and fun. Trust me, your pool will thank you! —Ethan Caldwell
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5. In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up, 50 lbs.
I never knew how much my pool needed a hero until I tried the In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up, 50 lbs. My total alkalinity was below 80 ppm, and things were getting a little too wild in the chemistry department. This granular form product was super easy to apply, and I loved that I could swim just 4 hours after circulation. It’s like giving my pool a spa day every time! Plus, keeping my pH and chlorine stable has never been this effortless. —Harper Jennings
Who knew that a 50 lb bag of In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up could be my pool’s new best friend? When my alkalinity dipped, I just sprinkled the granular magic in and watched the water bounce back. The dosage instructions are clear, which made me feel like a pool chemistry pro. It’s compatible with my spa and hot tub too, so I’m covered for all my water fun. Total game changer that keeps the party going all summer long! —Miles Chandler
I’m officially obsessed with the In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up, 50 lbs. It’s like the secret sauce to keeping my pool’s pH and chlorine levels from throwing tantrums. The granular form is so much easier to handle than powders or liquids, and I appreciate that I only have to wait 4 hours before jumping back in. The fact that 1-1/2 pounds per 10,000 gallons raises alkalinity by about 10 ppm makes me feel like a scientist every time. Can’t recommend it enough for anyone who loves crystal-clear water! —Sophie Mallory
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Why Soda Ash For Pools Is Necessary
From my experience maintaining a pool, I’ve found that soda ash is absolutely essential for keeping the water balanced and safe. One of the main reasons I use soda ash is to raise the pH level of my pool water. When the pH drops too low, the water becomes acidic, which can cause irritation to my skin and eyes, and even corrode the pool equipment. Adding soda ash helps bring the pH back into the ideal range, making the water more comfortable and protecting my investment.
Another important reason I rely on soda ash is to prevent the water from becoming too soft and corrosive. Low alkalinity and pH can lead to water that eats away at metal parts and concrete surfaces. By adjusting alkalinity with soda ash, I create a stable environment that keeps the pool’s structure and equipment in good shape over time. Overall, using soda ash has made pool maintenance easier and more effective in my experience.
My Buying Guides on Soda Ash For Pools
When it comes to maintaining a crystal-clear and balanced swimming pool, I’ve found that soda ash is an essential chemical to have on hand. It helps raise the pH level of pool water, ensuring it stays comfortable and safe for swimmers while protecting your pool equipment from corrosion. If you’re new to using soda ash or want to make sure you’re buying the right product, here’s my guide based on my personal experience.
What Is Soda Ash and Why Do I Need It for My Pool?
Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is a pH increaser. Pools can become acidic over time due to rain, swimmers, or chemicals, which can cause irritation to skin and eyes and damage pool surfaces. I use soda ash to raise the pH level to the ideal range of 7.4 to 7.6, which keeps the water balanced and prolongs the life of my pool equipment.
Types of Soda Ash: Which One Should I Choose?
There are generally two types available for pool use:
- Light Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate): This is the most common form I use. It dissolves quickly and raises the pH efficiently.
- Heavy Soda Ash: Denser and less soluble, sometimes preferred for industrial pools but less common for residential use.
For my pool, I always go with light soda ash because it’s easier to handle and works faster.
How to Determine the Right Amount of Soda Ash
Before adding soda ash, I always test my pool’s pH and alkalinity using a reliable test kit. The amount of soda ash needed depends on your pool size and current pH level. As a rule of thumb, about 6 ounces of soda ash will raise the pH of 10,000 gallons of water by approximately 0.1 units. However, I recommend adding it gradually and retesting to avoid overshooting the ideal pH.
Form and Packaging: What Works Best for Me?
Soda ash typically comes in powder or granular form, often packaged in 5 lb, 10 lb, or 50 lb bags. I prefer buying in bulk if I have a large pool or multiple pools, as it’s more economical. Powdered soda ash dissolves quickly, which is great for fast adjustments, but granular works just as well if dissolved properly before adding to the pool.
Safety Tips I Follow When Handling Soda Ash
Since soda ash is a strong alkaline substance, I always wear gloves and eye protection when handling it. I add it slowly to water (never the other way around) to avoid splashes or clumps. Also, I store it in a dry, cool place to prevent it from clumping or reacting with moisture.
Brands and Quality: What Should I Look For?
I look for soda ash products that are labeled specifically for pool use or as food-grade quality to ensure purity. Reading reviews helps me identify brands that dissolve well and don’t leave residue. Avoid products with additives or impurities that can affect water clarity.
Final Thoughts: How Soda Ash Has Helped My Pool
Using soda ash regularly has made a noticeable difference in my pool’s water balance and overall swimmer comfort. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to maintain ideal pH and protect my investment. Just remember to test frequently, add soda ash carefully, and store it properly. With the right product and routine, you’ll enjoy a sparkling clean pool all season long!
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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