Reference 2 min read Updated 2026-06-01

Pool pH Adjustment Reference Table

v2026.07

Quick reference doses for raising and lowering pool pH. pH adjustment dose depends heavily on total alkalinity.

pH adjustment doses are approximate — total alkalinity significantly affects the amount of chemical needed for a given pH change. Always fix alkalinity first.

Muriatic Acid (31.45%) to Lower pH — TA at 80–120 ppm

Pool VolumepH 7.8 → 7.4pH 8.0 → 7.4pH 8.2 → 7.4
8,000 gal8 fl oz16 fl oz24 fl oz
10,000 gal10 fl oz20 fl oz30 fl oz
12,000 gal12 fl oz24 fl oz36 fl oz
15,000 gal15 fl oz30 fl oz45 fl oz
20,000 gal20 fl oz40 fl oz60 fl oz

Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH — TA at 80–120 ppm

Pool VolumepH 7.0 → 7.4pH 7.2 → 7.4pH 7.0 → 7.6
10,000 gal8 oz4 oz12 oz
15,000 gal12 oz6 oz18 oz
20,000 gal16 oz8 oz24 oz

Notes

  • These are approximate starting doses. Always add incrementally and retest.
  • High alkalinity (above 150 ppm) makes pH much harder to lower — may need 2–3x these doses.
  • Pre-dissolve soda ash in a bucket of water before adding to prevent white cloudiness.
Sources:
  1. Taylor Technologies — Pool/Spa Water Chemistry Reference

Last reviewed: 2026-06-01