How much baking soda for a 25,000 gallon pool

In a 25,000 gallon pool, 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) of baking soda raises total alkalinity by 10 ppm. Going from 60 to 80 ppm takes 7 lb (3.2 kg). Baking soda nudges pH up only a little, so it is the tool for alkalinity, not for pH.

Baking soda doses for 25,000 gallons

pH change estimated from pH 7.4.
AlkalinityPounds / ouncesMetricpH change
TA 40 → 8014 lb6.4 kg+0.27
TA 50 → 8011 lb4.8 kg+0.19
TA 60 → 807 lb3.2 kg+0.12
TA 70 → 803.5 lb1.6 kg+0.05

Run it with your numbers

gal

Not sure? Work out your pool volume.

ppm
ppm
%

Used to show the pH change.

Add

7lb

of Baking soda / alkalinity up (sodium bicarbonate)

112 oz3.2 kg

Raises total alkalinity from 60 ppm to 80 ppm in 25,000 gal. pH moves to about 7.5.

  • Side effects: pH +0.12.
  • Retest after the water has circulated.

Check the product label. Strengths vary by brand, so enter the % printed on yours. Add one chemical at a time, into the water, and never mix chemicals.

Save this test and get reminded when it is time to retest.

Pool Calc for iPhoneComing soon to the App Store

About baking soda

Plain grocery-store baking soda is the same chemical as pool "alkalinity increaser", usually for less money. Broadcast it over the deep end with the pump running, or dissolve it in a bucket first.

Add no more than 40 ppm of alkalinity at a time, then retest after a few hours. If your goal is higher pH rather than higher alkalinity, use soda ash or borax instead: baking soda cannot push pH above about 8.3.

Dosing a 25,000 gallon pool

That is about the size of an 18 × 36 ft in-ground pool averaging 5 ft deep (about 24,240 gal). In a 25,000 gallon pool doses run to gallons and bags, so pour or broadcast them while walking along the deep end or in front of several returns rather than in one spot. Larger pools take longer to mix: give the pump at least an hour before you retest.

Questions

How much baking soda do I put in a 25,000 gallon pool?

3.5 lb per 10 ppm of alkalinity. From 60 to 80 ppm, 7 lb.

Does baking soda raise pH?

Slightly. It mostly raises alkalinity. To raise pH, soda ash or borax works better.

Can I swim after adding baking soda?

Yes, once it has dissolved and circulated, usually within an hour.