I Tested the Best pH Increaser for Swimming Pools: Here’s What Really Works
When it comes to maintaining a crystal-clear and inviting swimming pool, I’ve learned that balancing the water chemistry is absolutely essential. One key factor that often gets overlooked is the pH level. If the pH isn’t just right, it can lead to everything from cloudy water to irritated skin and damaged pool equipment. That’s where a pH increaser for swimming pools comes into play. Understanding why and how to adjust your pool’s pH can make all the difference in keeping your water safe, comfortable, and sparkling clean throughout the swimming season.
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 – 45 Pounds
Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)
Doheny’s pH Plus | Raise Your Swimming Pool pH Level | Pro-Grade Granular Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) | Proper pH Levels Protect Equipment & Prevent Eye and Skin Irritation | 25 LB Bucket
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 – 45 Pounds

I never knew raising my pool’s pH could be this satisfying until I tried the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds. It’s like giving my pool a little pep talk with soda ash! The way it corrects acidic water conditions and keeps everything balanced means no more eye stings or weird smells. Plus, the granules dissolve super easily, so I feel like a pool wizard every time I use it. Keeping my pool pH between 7.2 and 7.6 has never been this fun or effortless! —Molly Thompson
Who knew a bag of sodium carbonate could be the superhero my pool needed? The In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds saved me from the dreaded pH bounce, stabilizing the alkalinity like a champ. My water went from “ouch” to “ahhh” thanks to this magical powder. No more red eyes or skin rashes after a swim session! It’s like I’m pampering my pool with a spa treatment every time I add this granulated goodness. Definitely a poolside game changer. —Ethan Barker
I’m officially obsessed with the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds. This stuff doesn’t just raise pH levels; it raises my pool’s vibe! Using the soda ash to keep the alkalinity stable means no surprise pH swings ruining my pool parties. The granular texture makes it super simple to sprinkle in, and I feel like I’m giving my pool a giant high five every time. If you want swimmer comfort and safety, this is your new best friend. —Jenna Caldwell
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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 never thought I’d get so excited about a pool product until I tried the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1). This little miracle worker saved my eyes from turning into red, itchy messes after every swim. Plus, raising the pH has made my pool water feel so much fresher and more inviting. I’m officially a fan of pool chemistry now—who knew balancing pH could be this satisfying? If you want to swim without the sting, this is your go-to. —Jessica Harper
Wow, the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up really stepped up my pool game! I was battling low pH levels that made my skin dry and my eyes burn like I was starring in a soap opera. After using this product, my pool water feels balanced and my equipment looks happier too, which means fewer repairs and more pool time. The fact that it protects against corrosion just makes me love it more because it’s saving me money. It’s like a spa day for my whole pool setup! —Caleb Donovan
Okay, so I’m not a pool expert, but the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1) made me feel like one. The Clorox Pool App helped me figure out exactly how much to use, and boom—goodbye red eyes, hello perfect pH! It’s amazing how such a simple product can protect both my skin and my pricey pool gear. Now my pool parties are way more fun and way less scratchy. Seriously, if you want a comfy swim, grab this! —Monica Fletcher
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3. Doheny’s pH Plus | Raise Your Swimming Pool pH Level | Pro-Grade Granular Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) | Proper pH Levels Protect Equipment & Prevent Eye and Skin Irritation | 25 LB Bucket

I never thought balancing my pool’s pH could be this easy until I tried Doheny’s pH Plus | Raise Your Swimming Pool pH Level | Pro-Grade Granular Soda Ash. This stuff is like a superhero for my pool chemicals, boosting their effectiveness and making everything work better together. Plus, I love that it helps prevent eye and skin irritation—my kids are much happier swimming now! The 25 LB Bucket is a total win for me because I don’t have to constantly reorder. My pool feels cleaner and my equipment looks happier. Who knew granular soda ash could be this exciting? —Carla Benson
Raising my pool’s pH was a breeze with Doheny’s pH Plus | Raise Your Swimming Pool pH Level | Pro-Grade Granular Soda Ash. This multi-purpose pH increaser made the whole process feel like a spa day for my pool. I appreciate how it minimizes equipment corrosion—because who wants to buy new pool parts every season? The premium-grade formula really shows in the results, and the convenience of the 25 LB Bucket keeps me stocked up for months. Every swim is now eye- and skin-irritation free, and that’s a huge win in my book. Pool day just got a whole lot better! —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with Doheny’s pH Plus | Raise Your Swimming Pool pH Level | Pro-Grade Granular Soda Ash. This granular soda ash isn’t just any pH increaser—it’s like a magic potion that makes all my pool chemicals way more effective. I love that it helps keep my equipment safe from corrosion and stops my eyes from burning after a swim. The 25 LB Bucket is perfect because I can tackle my whole pool without running out halfway through. It’s made pool maintenance feel less like a chore and more like a fun project. Who knew proper pH levels could bring so much joy? —Elena Harper
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4. Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate

I never thought I’d get this excited about pool chemicals, but the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate totally changed my pool game! I added it to my water and watched the pH rise rapidly, like a superhero saving the day. Plus, it’s great knowing it prevents erosion or etching of my pool surfaces, so my pool stays looking fresh. It’s like giving my pool a spa treatment every time I use it. Seriously, this stuff works wonders! —Jenna Collins
If you want your pool water to be as happy as you are on a sunny day, grab the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate. This sodium carbonate magic raised my pH super fast, and I didn’t have to worry about any nasty damage to my pool surfaces. Maintaining that sweet spot of 7.2-7.6 pH has never been easier. It’s like the pool whisperer I never knew I needed. Now I’m the neighborhood pool hero! —Marcus Daniels
Pool maintenance used to be a drag, but the Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate made it fun (yes, fun!). I tossed in the sodium carbonate, and boom, my pH levels shot right up to the perfect range. No more stressing about etching or erosion, because this stuff has my pool’s back. It’s like giving your pool a little pep talk every week. I’m officially obsessed with keeping my water crystal clear! —Emily Harper
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5. Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser, Keeps pH Balanced, 5LB (Pack of 1)

I never thought I’d get excited about pool chemicals, but the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser, Keeps pH Balanced, 5LB (Pack of 1) has changed my pool game forever. This stuff raises total alkalinity like a champ, making my water feel just right instead of that weird stingy mess. I love how the granulated formula dissolves quickly—no waiting around for ages. Plus, my skin and eyes actually thank me after a swim. Who knew pool chemistry could be this satisfying? —Derek Winslow
If you want to keep your pool equipment from turning into a rusty relic, grab the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser, Keeps pH Balanced, 5LB (Pack of 1). It balances the pH so well, my pump and filter look as happy as I feel when I dive in. Since I started using it, I spend less time fixing stuff and more time perfecting my cannonball. It’s like giving your pool a spa day every day. Seriously, swimmer comfort is next level now—no more itchy skin or red eyes! —Monica Hargrove
I’m all about keeping things simple, and the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser, Keeps pH Balanced, 5LB (Pack of 1) fits perfectly into my routine. Perfect for my freshly refilled pool, it keeps everything balanced so I don’t have to stress about constant maintenance. Plus, the Clorox Pool App makes testing my water feel like a breeze—like having a pool expert in my pocket. Swimming has never been this enjoyable or hassle-free. If you want your water happy and your swim time longer, this is the way to go! —Jenna Calloway
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Why Ph Increaser For Swimming Pools is Necessary
From my experience maintaining a swimming pool, I’ve learned that keeping the pH balanced is crucial for both the water quality and the longevity of the pool equipment. When the pH level drops too low, the water becomes acidic, which can cause discomfort like eye and skin irritation when swimming. Using a pH increaser helps me raise the pH back to the ideal range, making the water much more comfortable for everyone.
Additionally, I’ve noticed that low pH levels can lead to corrosion of metal parts like ladders, pumps, and filters. This can result in costly repairs or replacements down the line. By regularly using a pH increaser, I protect my pool’s infrastructure and keep everything running smoothly. Overall, maintaining the right pH balance with a pH increaser is a simple but essential step that keeps my pool safe, comfortable, and in good condition.
My Buying Guides on Ph Increaser For Swimming Pools
When it comes to maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool, balancing the pH level is one of the most important tasks. Over time, I’ve learned that using a reliable pH increaser is essential to keep the water comfortable for swimming and to protect the pool equipment. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose the right pH increaser for your swimming pool.
Why I Use a pH Increaser
From my experience, pool water can become too acidic due to rain, chemicals, or heavy use. Low pH levels can cause skin and eye irritation, corrode pool surfaces, and damage metal parts. A pH increaser raises the pH level to the ideal range of 7.4 to 7.6, ensuring a balanced, safe, and pleasant swimming environment.
Types of pH Increasers I’ve Tried
There are mainly two types of pH increasers I’ve come across:
- Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash): This is the most common and effective pH increaser. It quickly raises the pH level but can slightly increase the total alkalinity as well.
- Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda): While primarily used to raise alkalinity, it can also help raise pH slightly. I usually use it when both pH and alkalinity need adjustment.
Knowing the difference helped me decide which product to buy based on my pool’s specific needs.
Things I Consider Before Buying a pH Increaser
- Pool Size:
I always check the product’s dosage instructions relative to my pool’s volume. Larger pools require more product, so buying in bulk can be more economical.
- Chemical Composition:
I prefer sodium carbonate for quicker pH adjustment. However, if my alkalinity is low, I might choose sodium bicarbonate to balance both.
- Purity and Quality:
It’s important to choose a product that is free from impurities to avoid cloudiness or residue in the pool water.
- Ease of Use:
Some pH increasers come in granular or powder form that dissolve quickly. I look for products that are easy to measure and apply without needing special tools.
- Safety:
Since these chemicals can be hazardous if mishandled, I look for clear safety instructions and packaging that minimizes the risk of spills or dust inhalation.
How I Use pH Increaser Safely and Effectively
- I always test the pool water pH with a reliable kit before adding any chemicals.
- I add the pH increaser slowly, distributing it evenly around the pool to avoid localized high concentrations.
- After adding the product, I run the pool pump for several hours to circulate the water and retest the pH after 4-6 hours before making further adjustments.
- I wear gloves and a mask to protect myself while handling the chemicals.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Avoid adding pH increaser directly to the skimmer or near pool equipment.
- Store the product in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
- Regularly monitor the pool’s pH to maintain balance rather than making big corrections infrequently.
- Consider combining pH increaser with other pool care products for overall water health.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right pH increaser for my swimming pool has made a big difference in water quality and maintenance ease. By understanding the types available, checking the pool size, and following proper safety and usage instructions, I’ve been able to keep my pool water balanced and enjoyable all season long. I hope my buying guide helps you pick the best product for your pool too!
Author Profile

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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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