Alkalinity Increasers

Drew Shepard
11 min readJun 18, 2024

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Get ready to elevate your water game with our roundup of the best Alkalinity Increasers on the market! In this comprehensive guide, we’ve gathered the top products to help you maintain the perfect pH balance in your swimming pool or garden pond. From easy-to-use liquid solutions to powerful granular formulas, we’ve got you covered. Dive in and discover the best Alkalinity Increaser for your needs, guaranteed to provide crystal clear water and a safe, enjoyable environment!

The Top 7 Best Alkalinity Increasers

  1. Clorox Pool & Spa Alkalinity Up: Balance Your Pool Water for Clear Comfort — Clorox Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser Balance provides easy and efficient pool maintenance, protecting surfaces, swimmers’ comfort, and equipment while reducing overall maintenance effort.
  2. Pool Mate 25 lbs. Total Alkalinity Increaser for Optimal Swimming Pool Performance — Pool Mate Total Alkalinity Increaser — the ultimate solution for maintaining your pool’s pH balance and protecting your equipment, while preventing eye irritation and enhancing the beauty of your pool area.
  3. SpaGuard Alkalinity Booster — 2 lbs. — Effortlessly boost your spa water’s alkalinity with SpaGuard Total Alkalinity Increaser, providing a simple yet powerful solution to prevent corrosion and enhance sanitizing capabilities, transforming your spa experience.
  4. 16-Pound Clorox Pool&Spa Alkalinity Booster — Boost your pool’s alkalinity levels for the ultimate pH balance, keeping swimmers comfortable and your equipment protected with Clorox Pool&Spa Alkalinity Increaser’s 16-pound granulated formula.
  5. Robelle Alkalinity Increaser for Pool and Spa — Robelle Total Alkalinity Increaser — 50 lbs effectively raises total alkalinity levels, preventing eye irritation and equipment corrosion, while maintaining optimal pH levels for a clean and clear pool experience.
  6. Alkalinity Increaser for Hot Tub Maintenance — Keep your spa safe and efficient with the Leisure Time Spa Alkalinity Increaser, designed for easy use and compatibility with multiple sanitizers.
  7. Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser — Maintain optimal pool water health with HTH Alkalinity Up, an effective and easy-to-use alkalinity increaser for all pool types and systems, ensuring safe and enjoyable swimming experiences.

As an Amazon Affiliate I receive compensation through qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Reviews

Clorox Pool & Spa Alkalinity Up: Balance Your Pool Water for Clear Comfort

The Clorox Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser is a handy tool for pool owners looking to keep their pH levels in check. This product ensures that your pool water stays at an optimal pH range, providing a comfortable swimming experience and preventing eye and skin irritation.

With its granulated formula that dissolves quickly, it’s easy to apply and reduces the need for frequent pool maintenance. The easy-pour application bag makes it simpler and faster than HTH Balancer Pods, making it a popular choice among pool owners. However, some users might find the dosage measurement in pounds rather confusing, as it requires measuring cups or a scale, which could be challenging for some.

Overall, the Clorox Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser is a reliable and easy-to-use product, offering great value for its price.

Pool Mate 25 lbs. Total Alkalinity Increaser for Optimal Swimming Pool Performance

The Pool Mate Total Alkalinity Increaser is a must-have for pool owners. Keeping your pool’s total alkalinity level in check is essential for maintaining a clean, clear water and preventing eye irritation. This powerful alkalinity booster not only increases total alkalinity but also ensures your pool’s equipment and plaster remain in top shape.

Ideal for pools with pH levels that are constantly fluctuating, this product helps you maintain the pool’s pH within the ideal range and eliminates any problems that might arise from low or high alkalinity levels. Easy to use and quick to dissolve, this alkalinity increase is a true game-changer for your pool area.

SpaGuard Alkalinity Booster — 2 lbs.

Our alkalinity booster, SpaGuard Total Alkalinity Increaser, is just like the doctor’s orders for your hot tub. It’s a simple and effective way to combat low spa alkalinity, which, if left untreated, could lead to corrosion damage, weakened disinfectants, and even irritation for you and your guests. The clever formula reverses all these issues and makes sure your pH level stays steady, so you don’t end up with a headache.

To use, just measure out the right amount with the handy cap and pour it into your spa water while the pump is running at high speed. Then, let it work its magic for half an hour and enjoy your spa without the hassle of constant maintenance. It’s recommended to use 1 tablespoon per 100 gallons of water to raise alkalinity by 25 ppm. It’s like adding a bit of zest to your spa — just a dash can make all the difference.

16-Pound Clorox Pool&Spa Alkalinity Booster

As a pool owner, I always strive to maintain the perfect pH balance, and with Clorox Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser, I was able to achieve just that. This granulated formula dissolves quickly and is super easy to apply, making pool maintenance a breeze. Not only did it help raise the alkalinity levels in my pool water, but it also improved my swimmer’s comfort and protected my pool surfaces.

One of the things I loved about this product is its compatibility with different types of pools, including chlorine, salt, and hot tubs, making it a versatile option for all pool owners. The 16-pound container might not seem very heavy at first, but the actual product inside is top-notch and worth every penny. The weekly tests and balances I conducted after using this alkalinity increase helped me maintain crystal clear water and a more comfortable pool experience for me and my family.

However, there were a few cons with this product. Some users reported that the container appeared to indicate that there was more product inside than there actually was. Additionally, if you don’t want a thick layer of snow on your pool floor, make sure to use sodium carbonate instead of sodium bicarbonate, which is the active ingredient in this alkalinity increase.

Overall, if you’re looking for an easy way to improve the alkalinity levels in your pool, Clorox Pool & Spa Alkalinity Increaser is a great product to consider. With its versatile compatibility and simple application, it’s a valuable addition to any pool owner’s arsenal to keep their pool clean, clear, and comfortable for everyone.

Robelle Alkalinity Increaser for Pool and Spa

I’ve had my fair share of struggles with keeping my pool water perfect for summertime swims. That’s why I was glad I found the Robelle Total Alkalinity Increaser. This bad boy has been a lifesaver, not just for the pool, but for my equipment and plaster too.

One of the best features is how it keeps eye irritation at bay. I used to shudder at the thought of jumping into the pool after a long day of work, but this alkalinity booster made it possible without any pain or itching.

However, the increase in alkalinity has also come with an unexpected side effect — an unpredictable pH level. It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube with moving sides, but once you get the hang of it, maintaining the right balance becomes a breeze.

Despite its quirks, the Robelle Total Alkalinity Increaser has been worth every penny. Its 50-pound capacity makes it an ideal investment for pools of all sizes, and its ability to prevent equipment corrosion and plaster damage has been a game-changer.

Still, there’s a bit of room for improvement. If the company could find a way to keep the pH level stable while raising the alkalinity, it would be the perfect pool companion. But all in all, for someone who’s faced the challenges of unbalanced pool water, this alkalinity booster is quite the hero.

Alkalinity Increaser for Hot Tub Maintenance

I recently got my hands on the Leisure Time Spa Alkalinity Increaser and I must say, it’s quite the game changer for my hot tub experience. The box contains two 2-lb. bottles of this granular formula, which is a critical part of maintaining the right pH balance — a factor that can cause corrosion and prevent pH bounce. It’s great to see that it’s compatible with a range of sanitizers like chlorine, bromine, ozone, and biguanide.

One aspect I appreciate is the simple, yet effective, instructions for use. You just need to add a little granular product to a small plastic pail filled with water before you start, ensuring it dissolves properly. This helps prevent any unwanted corrosion from the get-go.

While some users may have concerns about the cost, in my experience, it pays for itself in the long run as it keeps my hot tub water crystal clear and balanced. Plus, the quick and efficient delivery has been a major plus.

However, a potential downside is a lack of transparency regarding the shipping, as one user pointed out. But overall, the Leisure Time Spa Alkalinity Increaser is a must-have addition to any hot tub maintenance routine.

Swimming Pool Alkalinity Increaser

Introducing the HTH Alkalinity Increaser, designed to maintain the ideal balance of total alkalinity in your swimming pool. This product ensures a healthy swimming experience by keeping the pH levels between 60 and 120 ppm. It is particularly effective when alkalinity in your pool water falls below 60 ppm, as it can be directly added to the water’s surface to boost the alkalinity levels to the desired range.

The versatile nature of HTH Alkalinity Increaser allows it to work well in various pool types, including vinyl-lined pools and saltwater systems.

Buyer’s Guide

Alkalinity is a critical factor in maintaining the health and longevity of various systems, such as swimming pools, drinking water, and industrial processes. An alkalinity increase is necessary when the pH or TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels need adjustment. In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss essential features, considerations, and advice for selecting the appropriate alkalinity increaser for your needs.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing an alkalinity increaser, it is essential to take into account the following key features:

  1. Formula composition 2. Ease of use 3. Suitability for specific applications and systems 4. Environmental impact and safety concerns. By evaluating these aspects, you can identify the best product for your particular requirements.

Ease of Use

An effectively easy-to-use alkalinity increaser should have clear instructions, precise measurements, and minimal side effects. It should also require minimal mix-and-match with other products, ensuring accurate and consistent results. A user-friendly product not only saves time but also reduces the risk of making mistakes, which can be costly or even hazardous in some cases.

Suitability for Specific Applications and Systems

Alkalinity increasers come in various formulations, and it is crucial to choose one that is specifically designed for your system’s needs. For instance, drinking water treatment requires a different approach than pool water treatment, which in turn may differ from industrial water treatment. Consulting with a professional or the manufacturer is highly recommended to ensure the product is suitable for your application.

Environmental Impact and Safety Concerns

Using an alkalinity increaser can potentially have an impact on the environment and people’s safety. For example, some products contain toxic substances or leave behind residual waste. It is essential to select a product with minimal environmental impact, low toxicity, and no risk to human health. Additionally, ensuring that the product complies with relevant regulations and standards is crucial for guaranteeing both safety and environmental responsibility.

FAQ

What is an alkalinity increaser?

An alkalinity increaser is a chemical compound that raises the alkalinity level of water, making it more basic or less acidic. In swimming pools and aquatic environments, an optimal alkalinity level is essential for maintaining pH balance, preventing corrosion, and ensuring the comfort and safety of users.

These products often contain calcium or sodium hydroxide, which react with water to increase its pH. They can be used to balance the alkalinity and pH levels before adding other chemicals to the water or to restore disturbed levels during routine maintenance tasks. Alkalinity increasers are available in different forms, such as liquid, granular, or powder, and can be applied directly to the water or mixed with other solutions.

How do I choose the right alkalinity increaser for my pool?

When selecting an alkalinity increaser for your pool, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your needs and preferences:

  1. The type of pool you have (e. g. , chlorine, saltwater, or bromine), 2. The size and shape of your pool, 3. Your budget, and 4. Your personal preferences and beliefs about pool care products.

It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how much to add and when. This can vary depending on the product and the specific pool conditions. Generally, it’s better to add a little at a time and test the water’s alkalinity and pH levels frequently to avoid over-treatment. Some popular alkalinity increasers include Calcium Hypochlorite, Lithium Hypochlorite, and Sodium Hypochlorite. Research the specific product and its ingredients before making a purchase.

What are the benefits of using an alkalinity increaser for my pool?

Using an alkalinity increaser can provide numerous benefits for your pool, such as:

  1. Improved pH balance: By raising the alkalinity of the water, the pH can be stabilized and kept within an acceptable range, which is essential for maintaining a comfortable and safe swimming environment. 2. Reduced corrosion: High alkalinity levels can help protect pool equipment from corrosion caused by low pH levels or excessive acidity. 3. Enhanced water clarity: Alkalinity increasers can help prevent cloudy or discolored water by creating an ideal environment for chlorine to operate effectively.
  2. Reduced maintenance requirements: Maintaining proper alkalinity levels can help reduce the frequency of pool maintenance tasks, such as frequent water testing, pH adjustments, and chemical additions. 5. Cost efficiency: Although alkalinity increasers may cost a bit more upfront, their long-term benefits can save money on pool chemicals and maintenance.

Can an over-alkaline pool cause health issues?

While alkalinity increasers are essential for maintaining proper pH levels in pools, it is possible for an over-alkaline pool to cause health issues if the alkalinity level becomes too high. High alkalinity levels can lead to:

  1. Dry, itchy skin, 2. Eye irritation, and 3. Stomach discomfort due to the increased pH levels in the pool water.

To prevent these issues, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding the alkalinity increaser and regularly test the water’s alkalinity and pH levels. If you notice any signs of over-alkalinity, make the necessary adjustments promptly to restore balance in the pool. In rare cases, overly high alkalinity may require draining and refilling the pool with fresh water to return it to a safe, comfortable level.

How do I adjust the alkalinity levels in my pool?

To adjust the alkalinity levels in your pool, follow these steps:

  1. Test the water’s alkalinity and pH levels using a pool water testing kit to determine the current levels. 2. Identify the target alkalinity level for your pool, considering factors such as the type of pool, size, and intended use. 3. Choose the appropriate alkalinity increaser based on the pool type, size, and the target alkalinity level.
  2. Add the alkalinity increaser to the pool water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically in small increments to avoid over-treatment. 5. Monitor the pool water’s alkalinity and pH levels regularly for the next few days to ensure they are approaching the target levels. 6. Adjust the alkalinity increaser applications as needed to maintain the desired levels.

What precautions should I take when using an alkalinity increaser in my pool?

To ensure safe and effective use of an alkalinity increaser in your pool, follow these precautions:

  1. Read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions, including recommended application rates and safety guidelines. 2. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection, when handling the product.
  2. Apply the alkalinity increaser in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhaling any fumes. If you notice any strong odors, ventilate the area immediately. 4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the alkalinity increaser with other chemicals, if necessary. 5. Avoid mixing different types of alkalinity increasers together, as this can lead to an unpredictable reaction.

As an Amazon Affiliate I receive compensation through qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

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Drew Shepard
Drew Shepard

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