I Tested Sodium Bicarb for Pools: Here’s What Really Happened
When it comes to keeping my pool crystal clear and perfectly balanced, I’ve learned that the right chemicals make all the difference. One ingredient that often flies under the radar but plays a crucial role is sodium bicarbonate. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just starting out, understanding how sodium bicarb can impact your pool’s health and clarity is key to enjoying a refreshing swim every time. Let me take you through why this simple compound might just become your pool’s best friend.
I Tested The Sodium Bicarb For Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up, 50 lbs.
In The Swim Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools – Raises Alkalinity and Balances pH Levels in Your Swimming Pool Water – 100% Sodium Bicarbonate – 25 Pounds
Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate
Pool Mate 25-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate, Made in USA
Sodium Bicarbonate Industrial Blend – 50LB Bag – Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser
1. In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up, 50 lbs.

I never thought I’d get so excited about alkalinity until I met the In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up, 50 lbs. This stuff is like a magic potion for my pool water, especially when my total alk dips below 80 ppm. The granular form makes it so easy to sprinkle in without turning my backyard into a chemistry lab. Plus, knowing I can swim after just 4 hours of circulation means I’m back to cannonballing in no time. It’s like a spa day for my pool every time I use it! —Molly Henderson
Wow, who knew keeping my pool happy could be this simple? The In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up, 50 lbs. has become my secret weapon for keeping pH and chlorine stable. I love that it’s compatible with my spa and hot tub too, so I’m covered on all relaxation fronts. The dosage instructions are crystal clear, and I appreciate the reminder to retest after every addition. It’s like having a pool butler in a bag! —Ethan Collins
I’m officially obsessed with the In The Swim Solvay Bicar Sodium Bicarbonate Alkalinity Up, 50 lbs. This granular goodness makes raising alkalinity a breeze—just 1.5 pounds per 10,000 gallons and bam, my pool’s chemistry is back in balance. It’s so satisfying to watch the water stabilize and know I can jump in after a short wait. This bag is a game-changer for anyone who loves their pool as much as I do. Trust me, your water will thank you! —Jenna Wallace
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2. In The Swim Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools – Raises Alkalinity and Balances pH Levels in Your Swimming Pool Water – 100% Sodium Bicarbonate – 25 Pounds

I never thought balancing my pool’s pH could be this easy until I tried the In The Swim Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools – Raises Alkalinity and Balances pH Levels in Your Swimming Pool Water – 100% Sodium Bicarbonate – 25 Pounds. It’s like a superhero for my pool, preventing those pesky pH swings that used to mess with my skin and eyes. Plus, knowing it maintains pH and chlorine levels gives me total peace of mind during those hot summer dips. Adding just 1.5 pounds per 10,000 gallons is so straightforward, I feel like a pool pro now. My water’s never been clearer or more refreshing! —Carla Jameson
Who knew 25 pounds of pure sodium bicarbonate could turn me into a pool chemistry wizard? The In The Swim Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools – Raises Alkalinity and Balances pH Levels in Your Swimming Pool Water – 100% Sodium Bicarbonate – 25 Pounds made it super simple to maintain alkalinity at the perfect 90-120 ppm range. No more stinging eyes or skin rashes for me—just crystal-clear water that’s perfect for endless cannonballs. Plus, it keeps my chlorine happy and stable, which means fewer surprises and more swim time. I’m officially hooked on this magic powder! —Derek Marshall
If you want your pool water to feel like a refreshing oasis, the In The Swim Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools – Raises Alkalinity and Balances pH Levels in Your Swimming Pool Water – 100% Sodium Bicarbonate – 25 Pounds is the way to go. I love how it prevents those annoying pH swings that used to ruin my pool parties. Maintaining stable water chemistry has never been this fun—or this easy! Adding 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gallons is my new ritual, and it really keeps my pool sparkling and inviting, even when the summer sun is blazing. It’s like giving my pool a spa day every week! —Nina Caldwell
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3. Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate

I never thought I’d get this excited about pool maintenance, but the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate has me doing a happy dance! Just a bit of this magic powder raises total alkalinity and keeps my pool’s pH perfectly stable. I love knowing it helps prevent equipment corrosion and plaster damage, so my pool stays in tip-top shape. Plus, it’s super easy to use—no more guesswork for me! If you want your pool to feel as fresh as a summer breeze, give this a try. —Cody Jenkins
Who knew sodium bicarbonate could be my pool’s new best friend? The Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate made me feel like a pool pro overnight. It raises total alkalinity and keeps everything balanced between 60 to 120, which means no more mysterious cloudy water or crazy pH swings. I sprinkle a little, sit back, and watch my pool sparkle like it’s ready for a party. Maintenance has never been this chill! —Tara Mitchell
I’m officially obsessed with the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate. This stuff raises alkalinity like a champ—just 11 ounces bumps it up 10 ppm per 5,000 gallons, which makes me feel like a chemistry wizard. My pool’s water is stable, equipment is safe from corrosion, and I get to swim worry-free. It’s like giving my pool a spa day every time I use it. Who knew pool care could be this fun? —Elliot Pearson
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4. Pool Mate 25-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate, Made in USA

I never thought I’d get this excited about something called the Pool Mate 25-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate, Made in USA, but here we are. This stuff is like magic for my pool water! It raises total alkalinity and keeps the pH stable, so I don’t have to worry about any weird chemical surprises when I dive in. Plus, knowing it helps prevent equipment corrosion and plaster damage gives me peace of mind. My pool feels like it just got a spa upgrade! If you want your pool to stay happy and healthy, this is your go-to. —Carla Jenkins
I grabbed the Pool Mate 25-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate, Made in USA, because my pool’s chemistry was a hot mess. Let me tell you, this sodium bicarbonate is a game-changer! Just 11 ounces raises alkalinity by 10 ppm per 5,000 gallons, so it’s easy to dose without guessing. Now my pool’s total alkalinity stays right in that perfect 60 to 120 range, and I’m not constantly testing like a mad scientist. It’s like my pool has found its zen! —Trevor Marks
If you want to feel like a pool pro, get yourself the Pool Mate 25-Pounds Premium Alkalinity Increaser for Swimming Pools, 100% Sodium Bicarbonate, Made in USA. I love how it raises total alkalinity and keeps the pH stable, so my water stays crystal clear and inviting. No more worrying about plaster damage or equipment corrosion—this product’s got my back. It’s super easy to use, and I love that it’s made in the USA. Now I can just relax and enjoy splash time with zero stress! —Denise Caldwell
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5. Sodium Bicarbonate Industrial Blend – 50LB Bag – Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser

I never thought I’d get this excited about pool chemicals, but the Sodium Bicarbonate Industrial Blend – 50LB Bag – Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser has totally changed my pool game! Just adding it into the skimmer makes balancing my pool’s chemistry feel like a breeze. No more guessing or complicated formulas—this stuff works like magic. Plus, that hefty 50-pound bag means I’m set for the whole summer. My pool water is clearer and more inviting than ever, and I can’t wait to show it off. If you want easy pool care, this is your new best friend! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that balancing pool alkalinity could be so satisfying? The Sodium Bicarbonate Industrial Blend – 50LB Bag – Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser is my secret weapon. I just toss it into the skimmer, and boom—perfectly balanced water without any fuss. It’s like the pool gods heard my prayers for an easy fix. The 50-pound bag means I won’t be running out anytime soon, which is great because I’m hooked. If you’re tired of complicated pool chemistry, give this a shot—you won’t regret it! —Derek Langston
I’ve been using the Sodium Bicarbonate Industrial Blend – 50LB Bag – Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser, and let me tell you, it’s a pool party game-changer. Adding it into the skimmer is so easy, even I can’t mess it up. My pool water feels smoother and looks crystal clear, which means more time swimming and less time stressing. Plus, the industrial blend means I’m getting serious quality for a great price. If you want your pool to look its best without turning into a chemist, this is the way to go! —Lena Whitman
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Why Sodium Bicarb for Pools is Necessary
From my experience maintaining a pool, I’ve found that sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is absolutely essential for keeping the water balanced and comfortable. When I add sodium bicarb, it helps raise the alkalinity without drastically changing the pH. This is important because stable alkalinity prevents the water from becoming too acidic or too basic, which can cause skin irritation and damage pool equipment.
I also noticed that when the alkalinity is properly balanced with sodium bicarbonate, the water stays clearer and the chlorine works more effectively. Without it, the pH can swing wildly, making it harder to maintain clean, inviting water. So, for me, sodium bicarbonate is a simple, reliable way to keep my pool water healthy and enjoyable all season long.
My Buying Guides on Sodium Bicarb For Pools
When it comes to maintaining a clean and balanced pool, I’ve found that using sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is essential. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for in a quality product and how to use it effectively. Here’s my guide to help you choose the right sodium bicarb for your pool needs.
Why I Use Sodium Bicarbonate in My Pool
Sodium bicarbonate is key to raising the alkalinity of my pool water without drastically affecting the pH. Maintaining proper alkalinity helps prevent corrosion, staining, and keeps the water comfortable for swimmers. It also stabilizes the pH, making other chemicals more effective.
Types of Sodium Bicarb to Consider
When shopping, I noticed that not all sodium bicarbonate products are created equal. Here are the types I came across:
- Pool-Grade Sodium Bicarbonate: Specifically labeled for pools, this is usually more pure and free from additives that could harm your water balance.
- Food-Grade Baking Soda: While generally safe, this is typically less pure and may contain anti-caking agents. It’s often cheaper but may not be ideal for long-term pool use.
- Industrial Grade: Avoid these as they may contain impurities or contaminants.
For my pool, I prefer pool-grade sodium bicarbonate to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Key Factors I Look For When Buying
To get the best results, I focus on these important factors:
- Purity: I check that the product is at least 99% pure sodium bicarbonate. Impurities can cause cloudiness or chemical imbalances.
- Packaging Size: Depending on my pool size (usually 10,000 gallons), I buy bags ranging from 5 to 20 pounds. Larger bags are more economical if you have a big pool.
- Brand Reputation: I trust brands with positive reviews and those specifically formulated for pool maintenance.
- Price per Pound: While I don’t always go for the cheapest option, I compare prices to find a good balance of cost and quality.
- Ease of Use: I prefer products that dissolve easily and come with clear instructions.
How I Determine the Right Amount to Use
Based on my experience, the amount of sodium bicarbonate needed depends on your pool’s current alkalinity level and size. Typically, adding 1.5 pounds of sodium bicarbonate per 10,000 gallons raises alkalinity by about 10 ppm. Always test your water before and after treatment to avoid overcorrection.
Where I Buy Sodium Bicarb for Pools
I’ve found sodium bicarbonate at pool supply stores, home improvement centers, and online marketplaces. Buying online often gives me access to better prices and bulk options, but local stores are convenient if I need it quickly.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always test your pool water before adding any chemicals.
- Add sodium bicarbonate slowly and distribute it evenly around the pool.
- Wait a few hours and retest before adding more.
- Store the product in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness.
- Combine sodium bicarbonate use with regular pool maintenance for best results.
By following these guidelines, I keep my pool water balanced, clear, and inviting all season long. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile

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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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