Sodium bicarbonate increases total alkalinity and pH. It has no direct chlorine-removing properties, but its influence on pH can affect both the effectiveness of chlorine and the rate at which it gasses off into the air.
Higher pHs promote a shift to the more unstable OCl-/hypochlorite ion, which gasses off more readily than the HOCl/hypochlorous acid that dominates in lower pH water. Many people believe that the odor of chlorine around a pool indicates that there is too much chlorine in the pool.
The truth is that they’re smelling all that escaping hypochlorite ion, the pool actually has too little chlorine, and it’s almost always due to an excessively high pH.
Thiosulfate is the most commonly used chlorine neutralizer in pools and spas. Ascorbic acid can be used, but it is more commonly reserved for water entering ponds and streams that support aquatic life because it does not reduce oxygen levels as dramatically as sulphur-based compounds.
If your pool has one or more aerator fittings, running them (especially when the sun is out) can help to drive chlorine from the water to the atmosphere much faster than water at rest.
What Effect Does Baking Soda Have on Chlorine Levels?
Baking soda does not work directly to lower chlorine levels, so how does it do so? By killing germs, chlorine sanitizes the pool and reduces the risk of swimming.
However, using too much chlorine causes an imbalance in the pH and causes it to become acidic by lowering the total alkalinity.
Baking soda is mostly sodium bicarbonate, which is an alkaline substance. When the pH of the water falls below 6, baking soda can raise it to 7 or 8.
If the amount of chlorine in the pool becomes too high, you can add some baking soda to it. When sodium bicarbonate reacts with chlorine, it produces chlorine gas, which vaporizes.
As a result, the chlorine gases escape, and the total chlorine level gradually decreases. Baking soda, on the other hand, increases alkalinity, restoring the pH level to neutral and making the pool safe to swim in.
You can also use Hydrogen Peroxide as a neutralizer, but it slows down the process. As a result, combining it with some baking soda expedites the process significantly.
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How Do You Add Baking Soda to a Pool?
You now understand how baking soda can help reduce excess chlorine in the pool. But you can’t just toss some soda in the pool and expect it to work like magic. When using baking soda in the pool, there are some rules to follow.
Step 1: Determine Alkalinity
Before you decide to add baking soda to your pool, you should first determine its current pH and alkalinity. pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, and alkalinity should be between 110 and 150 ppm.
When the pH falls below 6 and the alkalinity falls below 80 ppm, you must use chlorine neutralizers. The baking soda is then used to raise the alkalinity and pH level.
Step 2: Purchase Enough Quantity
After you’ve determined the level of excess chlorine, you’ll need to purchase some baking soda.
Depending on the level of alkalinity, the amount should be in bulk, ranging from 3 to 10 pounds.
Typically, a 5 pound container is sufficient to reduce the chlorine level. However, if the chlorine level is too high or you used too much chlorine, you may need to use about 8 pounds of baking soda.
The size of your pool is also important; for example, if your pool is 10,000 gallons, you will need 10 pounds of soda to neutralize the chlorine level.
Step 3: Determine How Much to Add
You must calculate the amount of soda to be used in the pool. It is critical to understand the amount, or your pool will become overly alkaline.
Typically, the container contains amount recommendations, but it is better to start with a lower amount than the recommendations.
Step 4: Pour in the soda.
The baking soda primarily remains in powder form in the container. As a result, it is preferable to use them in powder form.
If you use 1.5 pounds in any size pool, it will raise the alkalinity level by about 10 ppm for every 10,000 gallons.
If the alkaline level is less than 7.2, add 3 to 4 pounds of soda, but not all at once. Begin with one-fourth of the total amount and gradually mix it in.
It’s preferable if the level stays low and there’s more to add. If the alkaline level rises, some acidic compounds may be required to keep the water neutral.
Step 5: Repeat the test after 6 hours.
You must wait 6 hours before conducting a test because the soda requires time to dissolve in water.
During the period, you are not required to do anything. However, waiting more than 24 hours is not advised. Sodium Carbonate will lose its effectiveness if this is not done.
Step 6: If Extra Dense, Dilute
Because of some miscalculations, some solutions may be more basic than desirable. As a result, it is preferable to dilute the soda first before using it in your pool.
You can also consult the user manual to see if there are any suggestions for diluting the solution.
Step 7: Repetition of the Procedure
After you have completed the neutralizing process, you must conduct a test. Check the pH and alkalinity levels to see if they are within the normal range.
If the pH is less than 7 and the alkalinity is less than 110 ppm, you must repeat the process until the water is within the standard range.
Baking Soda Issues You Should Be Aware Of
If you use baking soda to reduce the chlorine level in your pool, there is no major issue. However, after 24 hours of using baking soda, you will notice some harmful chlorine odors.
The odors are caused by chlorine gases, which were previously produced by reacting with Sodium Bicarbonate. People may believe that excessive chlorine is used to shock the pool. It’s just the gases, though.
If you use too much soda, the pool will scale and the water will become too hard. Hard water is also unsuitable for swimming.
But don’t let these disadvantages deter you because there are some advantages as well. Baking soda aids in the removal of algae and corrosion from the pipes.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the pool’s chlorine level is critical for a safe swim. You won’t have to spend any extra money if you can reduce the amount of chlorine in the water by adding baking soda.
So, keep your pool in good condition so that you can swim freely. I wish you a wonderful summer!
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