How much baking soda per 10 ppm
lb of baking soda = (target − current) ÷ 10 × 1.4 × gallons ÷ 10,000
1.4 lb of baking soda raises total alkalinity (TA) by 10 ppm in 10,000 gallons. A 10,000-gallon pool needs 1.4 lb for 10 ppm, a 15,000-gallon pool 4.2 lb for 20 ppm and a 25,000-gallon pool 10.5 lb for 30 ppm. Broadcast it over the deep end with the pump running, or dissolve it in a bucket first, and retest after six hours before adding more.
| Pool | +10 ppm | +20 ppm | +30 ppm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 gal | 0.7 lb | 1.4 lb | 2.1 lb |
| 10,000 gal | 1.4 lb | 2.8 lb | 4.2 lb |
| 15,000 gal | 2.1 lb | 4.2 lb | 6.3 lb |
| 20,000 gal | 2.8 lb | 5.6 lb | 8.4 lb |
| 25,000 gal | 3.5 lb | 7 lb | 10.5 lb |
| 30,000 gal | 4.2 lb | 8.4 lb | 12.6 lb |
Baking soda, pH and soda ash
Baking soda mainly raises alkalinity and lifts pH only a little, because its own pH is about 8.3. That makes it the right product when TA is low and pH is fine. When pH is low but TA is in range, soda ash raises pH faster with less alkalinity; the pool pH calculator works out that dose. When TA is too high, acid brings it down: the pool alkalinity calculator and the muriatic acid pool calculator give the fluid ounces.
Baking soda factor (1.4 lb per 10 ppm per 10,000 gallons): Trouble Free Pool, Pool School "Pool Math" and product labels. Read October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much baking soda do I put in my pool?
1.4 lb of baking soda raises total alkalinity by 10 ppm in 10,000 gallons. Test TA, take the gap to your target in tens of ppm, and multiply by 1.4 lb per 10,000 gallons: 60 to 80 ppm in 15,000 gallons is 4.2 lb.
How much baking soda for a 20,000 gallon pool?
2.8 lb raises total alkalinity by 10 ppm in 20,000 gallons. From 60 to 80 ppm that is 5.6 lb, and from 50 to 80 ppm 8.4 lb. Add large doses in two portions and retest after six hours.
Does baking soda raise pH in a pool?
Only a little. Its own pH is about 8.3, so it lifts pool pH slightly while it raises alkalinity. To raise pH without much change in alkalinity, use soda ash: about 6 oz lifts 10,000 gallons by 0.2 at TA 100.
Is alkalinity increaser the same as baking soda?
Usually yes: most alkalinity increaser is sodium bicarbonate, the same chemical as grocery-store baking soda, often at a higher price per pound. Check that the label lists sodium bicarbonate as the only ingredient before you swap one for the other.
Can you put too much baking soda in a pool?
Yes. Total alkalinity above the range makes pH drift up, which can cloud the water and form scale. Muriatic acid brings it back down: about 25.6 fl oz of 31.45 % acid lowers TA by 10 ppm in 10,000 gallons.