Why soda ash is your pool’s best-kept secret
By PoolBrite | Pool Care Tips
If you’ve ever tested your pool water and found the pH creeping down into acidic territory, you’ve already encountered one of the most common — and most damaging — problems a pool owner can face. The good news? The fix is simple, affordable and sitting on the shelf at your nearest retailer. It’s called soda ash, and here’s why it deserves a permanent place in your pool care routine.
What is soda ash, and what does it do?
Soda ash — known chemically as sodium carbonate — is a white, powdery substance used to raise the pH level and increase the total alkalinity of your pool water. Think of pH as the measure of how acidic or basic your water is, on a scale of 0 to 14. The ideal range for a swimming pool sits between 7.2 and 7.6 — slightly alkaline, perfectly balanced and gentle on everything it touches.
When your pH dips below 7.2, your pool water becomes acidic. And acidic water is quietly destructive. Broadcasting a dose of PoolBrite Soda Ash evenly across your pool surface dissolves quickly and gets to work raising that pH back into the safe zone, restoring balance with minimal effort.
Why a low-acid pool matters more than you think
Many pool owners underestimate the damage that acidic water can cause, because it’s invisible until it’s too late. Here’s what a chronically low pH does over time:
It attacks your pool surfaces. Acidic water eats away at plaster, concrete and tile grout, leading to rough surfaces, staining and costly repairs that could have been avoided.
It corrodes your equipment. Your pump, filter, heating system and metal fittings are all vulnerable to acid damage. Corrosion shortens the lifespan of equipment significantly, turning a preventable chemistry problem into an expensive hardware replacement.
It irritates swimmers. Burning eyes, itchy skin and nasal discomfort during and after a swim are classic signs of water that’s too acidic. A well-balanced pool should feel comfortable — not like a punishment.
It reduces chlorine efficiency. This one surprises most people. When pH is too low, your chlorine burns off rapidly and becomes far less effective at sanitising the water. You end up using more product to achieve less protection.
Alkalinity: the stabiliser your pH needs
Total alkalinity works hand in hand with pH. It acts as a buffer, preventing wild swings in your pH level caused by rainfall, swimmer load or chemical additions. When alkalinity is too low, your pH becomes unstable and difficult to control — a condition known as “pH bounce.” Soda ash helps raise both values in tandem, making your water chemistry easier to maintain week after week.
The ideal total alkalinity range for a pool is 80–120 ppm (parts per million). Test regularly and dose with PoolBrite Soda Ash as needed to keep your readings in that zone.
Simple to use, powerful results
Dosing your pool with soda ash takes minutes. Broadcast it evenly across the pool surface with the pump running, allow it to circulate, and retest your water after a few hours. For best results, use an alkali demand test to determine the exact dose required for your pool’s volume.
A balanced pool isn’t just more enjoyable — it’s more economical, more hygienic and far longer-lasting. Keep PoolBrite Soda Ash on hand, test your water regularly, and you’ll always be ready for that next swim.
