Alkalinity Calculator

Calculate how much baking soda or muriatic acid to add to bring your pool total alkalinity into the ideal range.

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How It Works

Total alkalinity (TA) is the measure of water ability to resist pH changes. Think of it as a shock absorber for your pH level. When TA is too low (below 80 ppm), pH bounces around wildly and is hard to control. When TA is too high (above 120 ppm), pH stays stubbornly high and the water tends to get cloudy. The ideal range depends on your pool surface: 80-120 ppm for plaster and fiberglass, 100-150 ppm for vinyl liners. Always adjust alkalinity before pH. Add baking soda in stages — no more than 2 lbs per 10,000 gallons at a time, with the pump running.