Home › pH
Pool pH calculator
The CDC recommends pH 7.0 to 7.8 for pools. Above 8.0, chlorine becomes much less effective, and below 7.0 pipes are more likely to corrode.
Lowering pH in 10,000 gallons
| At alkalinity | 7.8 to 7.4 | 8.0 to 7.4 | 8.2 to 7.4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 ppm | 6 fl oz | 8 fl oz | 9 fl oz |
| 80 ppm | 8 fl oz | 10 fl oz | 12 fl oz |
| 100 ppm | 10 fl oz | 13 fl oz | 15 fl oz |
| 120 ppm | 12 fl oz | 15 fl oz | 18 fl oz |
| 150 ppm | 15 fl oz | 19 fl oz | 23 fl oz |
Raising pH in 10,000 gallons
| At alkalinity | 7.0 to 7.4 | 7.2 to 7.4 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 ppm | 15 oz | 6 oz |
| 80 ppm | 1.2 lb | 8 oz |
| 100 ppm | 1.5 lb | 9 oz |
| 120 ppm | 1.8 lb | 11 oz |
Why this is an estimate
The dose comes from carbonate chemistry at a typical ionic strength. Stabilizer and borates also buffer pH, so real pools can need more. Pool test kits are also only good to about 0.2 pH. Dose three quarters, retest, and finish from there.
Add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals, one at a time, with the pump running. Wear gloves and eye protection, and never mix products.