Which chemical is used to increase total alkalinity?

Sodium bicarbonate is used to increase total alkalinity in pool water. Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH levels, helping to stabilize them and prevent rapid fluctuations. When sodium bicarbonate is added to the pool, it dissolves and raises the alkalinity without significantly affecting the pH, making it an ideal choice for maintaining proper water balance.

The optimal range for total alkalinity in pool water is generally between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). Maintaining this range helps protect pool equipment and enhances the effectiveness of sanitizers. Sodium bicarbonate, due to its alkaline properties, effectively contributes to achieving and maintaining this balance.

Other options, such as sodium carbonate, can also affect total alkalinity but are more aggressive in raising pH levels. Muriatic acid, on the other hand, is used to decrease alkalinity and pH, while calcium carbonate primarily contributes to both calcium hardness and total alkalinity, though it is not as commonly used specifically to raise total alkalinity alone.