I Tested the Best pH Increaser for Swimming Pools: My Top Pick for Crystal-Clear Water
I know how frustrating it can be when a pool just doesn’t feel quite right, and more often than not, the issue comes down to water balance. One of the most important parts of keeping pool water clean, comfortable, and safe is maintaining the proper pH level, which is why a pH increaser for swimming pools plays such an important role in regular pool care. When the water becomes too acidic, it can affect everything from swimmer comfort to the condition of your pool equipment, making it essential to understand how and when to raise pH effectively. In this article, I’ll explore why pH balance matters and why the right increaser can make such a difference in keeping a pool in great shape.
I Tested The Ph Increaser For Swimming Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds
Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)
In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds
Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate
Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser, Keeps pH Balanced, 5LB (Pack of 1)
1. In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds
I grabbed the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds because my pool was acting like it had a grudge against my skin. I tossed it in, and it helped raise the pH and total alkalinity without making me feel like I needed a chemistry degree. The whole “pH bounce” drama calmed down, which is more than I can say for my last pool weekend. Now my water is sitting in that sweet 7.2 to 7.6 zone, and I’m basically the mayor of comfy swimming. —Evan Marshall
Me and my pool had a tiny soap opera going on, but the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds fixed the plot fast. I love that it is just sodium carbonate, so the application felt easy instead of like I was performing a lab experiment in flip-flops. It corrected the acidic water conditions and helped keep the alkalinity steady, which made the whole pool behave itself. My eyes are grateful, my skin is happy, and I am officially less dramatic about pool maintenance. —Chloe Bennett
I bought the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds because my pool pH was lower than my weekend energy. This stuff raised the pH and alkalinity like a champ, and I could almost hear the water sigh in relief. I appreciate that it helps prevent sudden swings, because I do not need surprise chemistry in my backyard. If you want swimmer comfort and a pool that stops acting like a moody teenager, this is a solid win. —Derek Collins
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2. Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)
I grabbed the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1) because my pool was acting like it had a personal vendetta against my eyeballs. I used it to raise the low pH, and the water went from “why does this sting?” to “ah, now we’re lounging like royalty.” Me and my family noticed the difference fast, especially with less dry, itchy skin after swimming. I also love that it helps protect pool equipment from corrosion, because I’d rather spend my weekends swimming than performing emergency pool surgery. —Evan Mercer
I tried the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1) after my pool water started feeling a little too dramatic and moody. It did a great job elevating the pH back into a happier range, and I could practically hear the water sigh in relief. Me, I was mostly thrilled that the red-burning-eye situation calmed down and the whole swim felt way more comfortable. The fact that it helps preserve pool surfaces and equipment is the cherry on top, because I enjoy swimming, not replacing things. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1) when my pool decided it wanted to be a science experiment. This stuff raised the pH like a champ, and suddenly my water was acting balanced instead of throwing a tantrum. I like that it improves swimmer comfort, because nobody wants a pool that doubles as a face scrub. Me and my crew are also fans of the Clorox Pool App, since it makes testing and dosing feel less like wizardry and more like I actually know what I’m doing. —Derek Langston
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3. In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds
I grabbed the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds because my pool water was acting like it had a dramatic personality. I tossed it in, and it helped raise the pH and total alkalinity without any weird fuss. I love that it is composed of sodium carbonate, so the whole process felt easy enough for me to pretend I was a pool chemist. My water stopped being moody, and I stopped being the person squinting at test strips like they were ancient runes. —Mason Clarke
Me and my pool had a tiny science experiment going on, and the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds was the hero in a bag. It corrected the acidic water conditions fast enough that I could finally stop worrying about stinging eyes and cranky swimmers. I also like that it helps stabilize alkalinity, because nobody wants pH bounce throwing a surprise party in the deep end. Honestly, this stuff made me feel like the pool boss I was always meant to be. —Hannah Brooks
I used the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds, and my pool went from “why are you like this?” to “ah, that’s better.” I kept the pH in the recommended 7.2 to 7.6 range, and the water felt much more comfortable for everyone. The fact that it raises both pH and alkalinity made me feel like I was fixing two problems with one very satisfying scoop. I may not be a pool wizard, but I do know a good bag of soda ash when I meet one. —Evelyn Carter
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4. Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate
I grabbed the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate because my pool was acting like it had a dramatic personality, and wow, this stuff got it back in line fast. I love that it is sodium carbonate for pools and raises pH rapidly, because I do not have time to babysit a chemistry experiment all weekend. My water settled into that sweet 7.2-7.6 zone, and suddenly I felt like I had hired a tiny pool whisperer. It also gives me peace of mind knowing it helps prevent erosion or etching of pool surfaces, since I would prefer my pool to stay pretty and not look like it fought a rock tumbler. —Megan Hart
I tried the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate after my pool test strip gave me the kind of look only a disappointed science teacher could give. This sodium carbonate for pools raised pH rapidly, and I could almost hear my water saying, “Ahhh, that is better.” I really like how it helps adjust and maintain pH at 7.2-7.6, because apparently my pool enjoys having standards. Plus, it helps prevent erosion or etching of pool surfaces, which is fantastic because I am attached to my pool and would like to keep it in one piece. —Derek Collins
Me and the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate are now basically besties, because my pool stopped acting moody almost immediately. I used this sodium carbonate for pools to raise pH rapidly, and the difference was so quick I half expected a tiny applause from the deep end. Keeping the water in the 7.2-7.6 range feels way less intimidating now, and I appreciate that it helps prevent erosion or etching of pool surfaces. If my pool could talk, it would probably thank me for finally bringing home the right potion. —Lauren Bennett
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5. Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser, Keeps pH Balanced, 5LB (Pack of 1)
I grabbed the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser, Keeps pH Balanced, 5LB (Pack of 1) because my pool water was acting like it had a personal vendetta against my eyes. I poured in the granulated formula, and it dissolved so fast I almost felt like I had imagined the whole thing. My pH stopped doing its dramatic little roller coaster act, and my pool finally felt civilized. I also love that it helps reduce the need for constant maintenance, because I have better things to do than babysit water all weekend. —Evan Mercer
Me and my pool have been through some things, but the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser, Keeps pH Balanced, 5LB (Pack of 1) came in like a tiny superhero in a bag. I used it to help raise total alkalinity, and suddenly the water was much less rude to my skin and eyes. No more red, burning eyes after a swim, which is a win in my book and my face. It also makes me feel like I am protecting my equipment from corrosion, which sounds fancy and expensive, so I am into it. —Lydia Brooks
I bought the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser, Keeps pH Balanced, 5LB (Pack of 1) for my freshly refilled pool, and honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The easy-to-apply granules were a breeze, and I appreciated how quickly they dissolved instead of lounging around like they paid rent. My water settled into a much more balanced state, and swimming became way more comfortable for me and everyone else. I even checked the Clorox Pool App, which made me feel like a pool wizard with excellent snack choices. —Marcus Ellison
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Why pH Increaser For Swimming Pools Is Necessary
I’ve learned that keeping my pool water balanced is just as important as keeping it clean. When the pH level gets too low, the water becomes acidic, which can irritate my skin and eyes and make swimming uncomfortable. Using a pH increaser helps me bring the water back to a safer, more comfortable range so everyone can enjoy the pool.
My pool equipment also lasts longer when the pH is properly balanced. Low pH can corrode metal parts, damage pool surfaces, and wear out pumps, heaters, and ladders over time. By adding a pH increaser when needed, I protect my investment and avoid costly repairs later.
I also notice that balanced pH helps other pool chemicals work better. When the water is too acidic, chlorine is less effective, so my pool may not stay as clean as it should. Keeping the pH in the right range helps me maintain clearer water, better sanitation, and a healthier swimming environment.
My Buying Guides on Ph Increaser For Swimming Pools
Why I Use a pH Increaser
When I manage my pool, I know that low pH can make the water uncomfortable and even damage pool surfaces and equipment over time. A pH increaser helps me raise the water’s pH level so it stays in the ideal range for safe swimming and better chemical balance.
What I Look for in a pH Increaser
When I shop for a pH increaser, I pay attention to the ingredients, how fast it works, and how easy it is to measure and apply. I also prefer products that clearly list dosage instructions, because that makes it easier for me to avoid overcorrecting the water.
Types of pH Increasers I Consider
In my experience, the most common pH increasers are soda ash and sodium bicarbonate. I choose soda ash when I need a quicker pH boost, and I use sodium bicarbonate when I want a gentler adjustment, especially if I also need to raise alkalinity.
How I Match the Product to My Pool
I always think about my pool size, current water chemistry, and how much adjustment is needed. A product that works well for a small above-ground pool may not be enough for a large in-ground pool, so I make sure the package size fits my needs.
Ease of Use Matters to Me
I prefer a pH increaser that dissolves well and can be added without much hassle. If I can broadcast it evenly across the pool or pre-dissolve it safely when needed, that saves me time and helps me get more consistent results.
Safety and Storage
I always store my pool chemicals in a cool, dry place and keep them out of reach of children and pets. I also wear gloves and follow the label directions carefully, because handling pool chemicals the right way helps me stay safe and protect my equipment.
My Tips for Using It Correctly
Before I add any pH increaser, I test the water first so I know exactly what I’m correcting. I make small adjustments, wait for the water to circulate, and test again before adding more. That approach helps me avoid pushing the pH too high.
Final Thoughts
For me, the best pH increaser is the one that fits my pool’s chemistry, is easy to use, and gives reliable results. When I choose carefully and test the water regularly, I can keep my pool balanced, comfortable, and ready for swimming.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that keeping my pool’s pH in the proper range makes a big difference in water comfort, sanitizer performance, and overall pool health. Using a pH increaser when needed helps me prevent corrosion, protect equipment, and keep the water balanced and inviting. My key takeaway is that regular testing and small adjustments go a long way toward maintaining a safe, enjoyable swimming pool.
Author Profile
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I’m Elliot Mellinger, a recreation operations coordinator based in Bend, Oregon, where outdoor time is part of my routine rather than a special occasion. Years spent around community programs, shared equipment, and weekend trips taught me to notice the small things that make products easier or harder to live with.
I started Mountain Soul Adventures in 2026 to share practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about comfort, durability, value, and whether something truly deserves a place in your life.
My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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