Swimming Pool Chemical - Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Carbonate, also known as soda ash or washing soda, is a chemical compound with a variety of applications, including in swimming pool maintenance. Here’s how it’s commonly used in pool maintenance:
pH Regulation: Sodium carbonate is often used to raise the pH of pool water. pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Pool water should typically have a pH between 7.2 and 7.8 for optimal swimmer comfort and to ensure the effectiveness of other pool chemicals. If the pH drops below this range, adding sodium carbonate can help raise it to the desired level.
Alkalinity Adjustment: Pool water alkalinity refers to its capacity to resist changes in pH. Sodium carbonate is sometimes used to raise the total alkalinity of pool water. Proper alkalinity levels (usually in the range of 80 to 120 ppm) help stabilize the pH, preventing rapid fluctuations that could lead to discomfort for swimmers and potential damage to pool equipment and surfaces.
Sodium Carbonate Custom Packaging
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The Advantages of Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)
- Soda ash can neutralize acids and raises the pH of the pool water to the ideal level of 7.4-7.6.
- Soda ash prevents excessive chlorine
- Reduces or eliminates chlorine odors
- Prevents corrosion of equipment and metal fittings
- Stops eye irritation, itching and corrosion caused by low pH
- Soda ash affects the pH without affecting the overall alkalinity level. Baking soda is a great alternative if you need to raise both the pH and the alkalinity.
- To add soda ash to your pool, test the water, calculate how much soda ash to add, collect some pool water in a bucket, add soda ash to the bucket, mix and dissolve the soda ash, and finally, pour the solution around the perimeter of the pool.
- To reduce cloudiness after adding soda ash, make sure the soda ash is completely dissolved before adding it, don’t use it when also adding calcium chloride, and measure carefully.
More about Soda Ash
What Is Soda Ash?
Soda ash is an odorless, white, water-soluble powder chemical that can be used to neutralize acids. Soda ash has a pH level between 11.3 and 11.7, making it a powerful combatant for low pH levels. It can also be used to remove both temporary and permanent hardness in water. Soda ash can remove calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, softening the water by essentially eliminating dissolved magnesium and calcium.
Soda Ash vs. Baking Soda
Soda ash and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) each have their unique advantages and disadvantages. If your pool has a low pH and alkalinity, baking soda is a good choice, as it will raise both at the same time. In fact, baking soda will affect the overall alkalinity more than it raises the pH – the opposite effect of soda ash. One major advantage to using soda ash is that it affects the pH but has a minimal effect on the overall alkalinity level.
How to Add Soda Ash to Your Pool
- To add soda ash to your pool, test the water, calculate how much soda ash to add, collect some pool water in a bucket, add soda ash to the bucket, mix and dissolve the soda ash, and finally, pour the solution around the perimeter of the pool.
Reduce Cloudiness After Adding Soda Ash
Cloudiness is the main side effect of using soda ash to balance the pH pool, but it should only happen if the soda ash was added incorrectly or if the alkalinity reaches over 120 ppm. If the cloudiness is due to high alkaline levels, you can use muriatic acid to lower alkalinity. Some tips to reduce the cloudiness:
- Make sure that you completely dissolve the soda ash with water before mixing it into the pool.
- Different chemicals should be added separately. Don’t add the soda ash while you are also adding calcium chloride. The same when using baking soda.
- Make sure adding right amount of soda ash. Adding too much soda ash will spike the alkalinity and require further rebalancing to fix.