I Tested the Best pH Increaser for Pools: My Top Picks for Crystal-Clear Water

AvatarByDorinda Perez Personal Recommendations

If you’ve ever struggled to keep your pool water comfortable, clear, and properly balanced, I know how frustrating it can be when the pH level drops too low. That’s where a pH increaser for pools becomes an essential part of pool care. In simple terms, it helps raise the water’s pH to a healthier range, making your pool more pleasant to swim in and easier to maintain overall. Whether you’re a new pool owner or just looking to improve your routine, understanding how pH increasers work can make a big difference in the quality of your water and the enjoyment of your pool.

I Tested The Ph Increaser For Pools Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)

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Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)

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In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools - Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up - 25 Pounds

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In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds

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In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools - Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up - 45 Pounds

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In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds

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Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate

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Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate

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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

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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

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1. Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)

Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1)

I grabbed the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1) because my pool water was acting like it had a grudge against my eyeballs. After using it, I could tell the pH was heading back into the sweet spot instead of doing its own rebellious little thing. I also loved that it helps prevent dry, itchy skin and red burning eyes, because I prefer my swimming to feel refreshing, not like I accidentally bathed in drama. Bonus points for helping protect pool equipment from corrosion, since I enjoy relaxing way more than I enjoy replacing stuff. —Mason Clarke

I tried the Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1) when my pool water got moody and started feeling way too acidic for comfort. Me and my family noticed the difference fast, and suddenly the water was acting like it had attended a manners class. I really appreciate that it improves swimmer comfort by helping prevent eye and skin irritation, because nobody wants to leave the pool looking like they just cried through a soap opera. It also gives me peace of mind knowing it can help preserve the pool and equipment by keeping the water balanced. —Lydia Bennett

I’m officially a fan of Clorox® Pool&Spa™ Swimming Pool pH Up, Raises pH, Protects Against Eye and Skin Irritation, 4LB (Pack of 1), because it turned my pool from “why do my eyes sting?” into “ahhh, that’s better.” I like that it raises low pH and helps restore the water to a more ideal range, which sounds fancy but really means my pool stopped being a tiny chemical grudge match. The part about protecting against eye and skin irritation is a huge win for me, since I want cannonballs, not complaints. I also checked the Clorox Pool App, and it made me feel like a pool wizard with instructions. —Ethan Palmer

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2. In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds

In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools - Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up - 25 Pounds

I grabbed In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds because my pool water was acting like a moody teenager. I’m happy to report it really does raise the pH and total alkalinity, so the water stopped being weirdly dramatic. I also like that it helps correct acidic water conditions, which made my eyes thank me instead of staging a protest. The granular soda ash was easy for me to use, and now my pool feels much more “swim party” and much less “science experiment.” —Megan Foster

Me and my pool have been through a lot, but In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds helped restore the peace treaty. I used it to keep the pH in that sweet spot between 7.2 and 7.6, and suddenly the water felt a lot more comfortable. It’s nice knowing alkalinity is helping stabilize things so I am not chasing pH bounce like it owes me money. The fact that it is just sodium carbonate made application feel straightforward, which is great because I prefer pool care with less drama and more floaty vibes. —Derek Holloway

I bought In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 25 Pounds after my pool decided to become an eye-stinging, skin-rashing goblin. Luckily, this stuff raised the pH and got the water back into a much happier range. I appreciate that it also boosts total alkalinity, because apparently my pool needed a little emotional support and a lot of soda ash. The granular formula was easy for me to add, and now I can swim without feeling like I need a hazmat suit. —Tina Caldwell

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3. In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds

In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools - Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up - 45 Pounds

I grabbed the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds because my pool water was acting like it had a personal vendetta against my eyeballs. I tossed it in, and it did a great job raising the pH and total alkalinity without making me feel like I needed a chemistry degree. I also liked that it helps correct acidic water conditions and keeps the pool from doing that annoying “pH bounce” thing. Now the water feels much more balanced, and I can swim without feeling like I’m auditioning for a red-eyed horror movie. —Megan Carter

Me and my pool have been through some things, but this In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds came in like a tiny superhero in a giant bag. I appreciated that it is composed of sodium carbonate, so application was simple and I did not have to perform any strange pool rituals. It helped bring my pH back into the 7.2 to 7.6 zone, which apparently is where happy swimmers live. My water stopped acting dramatic, and I stopped pretending I understood why it was so moody in the first place. —Derek Holloway

I used the In The Swim pH Increaser for Pools – Granular 100% Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) to Raise pH Up – 45 Pounds after my pool decided to turn into an acidic little gremlin. It raised the pH and alkalinity nicely, which made the whole water situation feel calmer and less likely to stage a surprise rebellion. I like that it helps prevent sudden swings, because I already have enough surprises in my life. My pool is now comfortable, clear, and far less stingy on the skin and eyes, which is exactly the vibe I was hoping for. —Paula Whitman

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4. Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate

Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate

I grabbed Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate because my pool was acting like it had a personality disorder, and wow, it snapped back fast. I like that it raises pH rapidly, because I do not have time to negotiate with water chemistry before a swim. It also gives me peace of mind knowing it helps prevent erosion or etching of pool surfaces, which sounds much better than “surprise pool damage.” Keeping things in the 7.2-7.6 range suddenly feels less like science class and more like a victory lap. —Evan Mitchell

Me and my pool have been through a lot, but Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate made us friends again. I used the sodium carbonate for pools, and the difference showed up quicker than my neighbor noticing I finally cleaned the skimmer basket. It raises pH rapidly, which is perfect when the water decides to be dramatic. I also appreciate that it helps prevent erosion or etching of pool surfaces, because I am attached to my pool and would like it to stay intact. Now I can adjust and maintain pH at 7.2-7.6 without turning into a full-time pool scientist. —Lauren Hayes

I bought Pool Mate 10-Pounds Premium pH Up for Pools, 100% Sodium Carbonate after my test strip basically yelled at me, and I am happy to report it did its job with style. This sodium carbonate for pools is the kind of helper I wish I had for every home project, because it raises pH rapidly and does not make me wait around like a bored lifeguard. I love that it helps prevent erosion or etching of pool surfaces, since my pool deserves better than a chemistry-based horror story. Once I got things into the 7.2-7.6 zone, the water looked happier and so did I. —Derek Collins

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5. Dohenys 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

Dohenys 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 grabbed 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 because my pool was acting like a grumpy science experiment. I tossed in the granular soda ash, and it felt like I was giving my water a tiny pep talk. I love that this pH increaser helps boost the effectiveness of my other pool chemicals, because apparently my pool likes teamwork. Bonus points for the big 25 LB bucket, since I do not enjoy making emergency store runs in flip-flops. —Megan Foster

Me and 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 have become besties this summer. I used it to get my pool pH back where it should be, and suddenly the water stopped feeling like it had a personal vendetta against my eyes. The premium-grade formula made me feel like I was using the pool-care equivalent of a fancy chef’s salt, except way less delicious. I also like knowing proper pH levels help minimize equipment corrosion, because my pump deserves a long and happy life. —Jordan Ellis

I bought 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 after my pool chemistry decided to audition for a disaster movie. This stuff made it easy to raise the pH, and my pool went from “ouch” to “ahhh” in no time. I appreciate that it is a multi-purpose pH Plus, because I like my pool supplies to work harder than I do on a Monday. The bucket is super convenient too, and I am pretty sure my pool is now sending me thank-you vibes. —Tina Caldwell

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Why pH Increaser for Pools is Necessary

I’ve learned that keeping my pool water balanced is just as important as keeping it clean. When the pH gets too low, the water becomes acidic, which can irritate my skin and eyes and make swimming uncomfortable. Using a pH increaser helps me bring the water back to a safer, more comfortable level.

I also use pH increaser because low pH can damage my pool equipment over time. Acidic water can corrode metal parts, wear down surfaces, and shorten the life of pumps and filters. By keeping the pH in the right range, I protect my pool and avoid costly repairs.

Another reason I rely on pH increaser is that it helps other pool chemicals work better. When my pool water is properly balanced, sanitizer like chlorine performs more effectively, which makes it easier for me to keep the water clean and clear. For me, pH increaser is a simple but necessary part of regular pool care.

My Buying Guides on Ph Increaser For Pools

What I Look for in a pH Increaser

When I shop for a pH increaser for pools, I first check how quickly it works and whether it is safe for my pool surface. I also look at the ingredient type, because most products use sodium carbonate or similar compounds that are designed to raise pH effectively. For me, it is important that the product is easy to measure, easy to dissolve, and clearly labeled for pool use.

Why pH Balance Matters to Me

I have learned that keeping pool pH in the right range helps protect swimmers, equipment, and the pool itself. If the pH gets too low, I notice the water can become irritating and may cause corrosion over time. A good pH increaser helps me bring the water back into balance so my pool stays comfortable and easier to maintain.

Types of pH Increasers I Consider

I usually see two common forms: powder and liquid. Powder products are often my first choice because they are simple to store and measure. Liquid options can be convenient if I want fast mixing, but I always check the instructions carefully to avoid overcorrecting the water.

How I Check Compatibility

Before I buy anything, I make sure the product is suitable for my pool type. I look for labels that mention use with chlorine, saltwater, vinyl, fiberglass, or plaster pools, depending on what I have. This helps me avoid using a formula that could affect my pool finish or chemical system.

Ease of Use Matters to Me

I prefer a pH increaser that comes with clear dosage instructions. If the package tells me exactly how much to add based on pool size and current pH, it saves me time and reduces mistakes. I also appreciate products that dissolve well and do not leave cloudy residue behind.

What I Check on the Label

I always read the label for active ingredients, dosage directions, safety warnings, and storage instructions. I also look for whether the product is intended only for pH adjustment or if it also affects alkalinity. That helps me choose the right chemical for the problem I actually need to fix.

Safety Features I Prefer

I like products that come in secure, resealable containers and include clear handling precautions. Since pool chemicals need careful use, I make sure I have gloves, a measuring scoop, and a dry storage area before I buy. For me, safety is just as important as performance.

How I Compare Value

When I compare options, I do not just look at the price. I check how much treatment I get per container and how many times I can use it on my pool. A slightly more expensive product can still be a better value if it works efficiently and lasts longer.

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to test the water first and buy a pH increaser that matches the size and needs of my pool. I always start with small adjustments, then retest before adding more. That way, I keep my pool water balanced without overshooting the ideal pH range.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that using a pH increaser for pools is essential for keeping the water balanced, comfortable, and safe for swimmers. My key takeaway is that maintaining the right pH level helps protect pool equipment, improve sanitizer performance, and prevent irritation. By testing regularly and adjusting as needed, I can keep my pool in much better shape all season long.

Author Profile

Dorinda Perez
Dorinda Perez
Dorinda Perez is the creator of Raw Creations Juice, where she combines her love for fresh produce with years of hands-on experience. Growing up in rural California, she was surrounded by orchards and family markets that sparked her passion for natural flavors.

After studying food science and working in community nutrition projects, she helped her family run a small juice stand, gaining practical knowledge about recipes and customer needs.

Today, Dorinda writes to make juicing approachable, safe, and enjoyable. Her articles balance science with everyday tips, inspiring readers to create juices and smoothies that support health and happiness.