Just to say ty… im 71 yr old lady….have lived alone over 30 yrs….your the first one to break this down so it’s understandable!! This yr this heatwave is unbelievable (i am in Maine)! My pool is sparkling clear and im not spending my pool time cleaning!!! God bless you! 0
Pool guy here and I love that you talk about pool stores selling things people don't necessarily need!! They are in business to sell products. I tell all my customers to never step foot in a store unless they tell me first! haha Baking soda and Borax are my go to!!
@@CRN8091 It does a couple things. First, it will raise your pH without affecting TA so you don't get that yoyo effect. Second, it works as an algaestat meaning algae can't grow in a pool with borates in it. It does not kill it, just prevents growth. Boric acid is another option that pool stores sell in bulk.
that is not true. I ended up having to dump half a pool only using stabilized tablets because the cya/ STABILIZER was to high and locked up the chlorine. went to a salt chlorine generator, no more excessive cya. Don’t add baking soda either. just acid to lower PH. I can go weeks on vacation and not worry about a green pool even with a high ph and low alkalinity.
People who own pools have known this for quite a while. I have used this for a few years now and you can be sure that it is the reason why baking soda prices have more than doubled in the last year
Additional tip to save even more, check the price of the baking soda at the cleaning stuff isle vs the baking soda labeled “pool” in the pool isle. What I’ve found (at say Walmart) that the big box of Arm and Hammer baking soda in the cleaning isle was cheaper per pound than the Arm and Hammer baking soda in the pool isle.
I’m in Abington, Ma From the button on my heart and the family, THANK YOU. A MILLION TIMES, THANK YOU. This is the info that EVERY pool owner should know but aren’t told so pool place people. Much love, stay bless.
Thank you for the explanation…. I’ve had a pool for 20 years and I still can’t get it to stay clear and balance right….. I’m gonna try your tip and I’ll report back on how it done…. Pool places only want your money and I’m not throwing money away on nonsense bull crap chemicals that I don’t need…. Single mom life = very tight budget. Thank you again for the tip… I’ll post as soon as i try this and see what it does for me 😊
@@BOSSwky keep a eye on your Ph it’s not a special trick . It’s one of the things you want to keep balanced. Alkaline, sodium bicarbonate,/( baking soda )
I was having major issues with algae this year..lots of wash-off from the pavers, etc....lots of torrential rainfalls....I would chlorinate and shock my pool because it would turn green fast. It felt like so much more work this year than most years. I didn't know it could be the alkalinity. Thanks so much. I was doing it out of sequence. Much better.
Your the only one who explained this so well. I saw the pool guy use the same bag of Baking soda as you and I bought it too. I only had to use one bag per swim season. And never needed the pool guy but this season, it has been a headache with algea, cloudy water and this expensive pool shock never seemed to do the job! Thank you!!
And that's why you need a pool guy. Or good knowledge of pools and chemistry. You can't do too much of one chemical. I always run into this with DIYers
@@gereneschendel6145 Aluminum is what product? Baking soda? It's sodium bicarbonate, a fixed chemical. There's no aluminum. You could be thinking about baking powder which has leavening agents added that could contain a salt of aluminum.
Thanks for reminding me about the Baking Soda - I used this in the past and I still have one of those unopened ~ 12-lb bag. The heat has really made it harder to keeping the swimming pool tip-top-shape!
@@dogsarefun2 Thanks, we were on the threshold of a drought declaration, but lately we have a lot of rain that I cannot keep the swimming pool clear. Besides the rain the heat and humidity envelopes you as soon as you step outside.
Well, I looked at swimming pool and the water was yellowish/greenish - most likely the dead algae. We have had a lot of rain and when it isn't raining it is HOT and HUMID! I might have to try vacuum the swimming pool again, but that is a real challenge because I do not have skimmer vacuum plate - I just shoved the hose down the pipe. I did my first vacuum in nearly 5 years a couple of weeks ago. I removed the equipment that has been stowed in the cedar chest for a couple of years. The suction head may be salvageable if I can get replacement wheels and bearings, but that will be a pain. The swimming pool vacuum hoses are mostly intact, the swimming pool vacuum cannister - Wesson - appeared intact and without any cracks in the plastic housing. I used a suction head that is basically a triangular brush with maybe 30-feet of good vacuum hose line. I had a successful first vacuum with old equipment that I pieced together. Early this evening I did my usual swimming pool cleaning method: Step 0; Rinse the pool deck free of debris Step 1; Checked and emptied the skimmer basket free of debris and leaves Step 2; Brushed the floor and walls of the swimming pool Step 3; Checked the Chlorinating Tablet Floater it has tablets Step 4; Performed a full cycle cleaning of the swimming pool plumbing system; backwash, rinse and return to filtration Step 5; Added water to the swimming pool to account for the backwash and evaporation Usually I am just adding shock and liquid chlorine at different times on different days. In the past when the pool has gotten to this condition it usually tested to add approximately 20lbs to 35lbs of calcium Step 6; Added eight ounces-(8-oz) of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to balance the swimming pool ie., clear up the water by lowering the alkalinity or raising the ph - I am eyeballing it because I have not tested the swimming pool in months!
@@PappyNet01 get test strips, get alkalinity correct.... not knowing size of your pool... I use a floater chorine dispenser and keep it full with the hockey puck size tablets.... Clorox Pool & Spa Green Algae Eliminator2 to keep it clear free of algae... the copper in this product kills any algae and will prevent it from starting.
Speaking with 40 years experience I’ll say that ph and alkalinity are critical to proper sanitation of a pool. Baking soda will indeed work to raise total alkalinity. That said, it’s simply not true that pool store alkalinity increaser is exactly the same as baking soda. It’s purified so you’re not adding minerals and metals to the water that will interfere with the sanitation process (household baking soda is not) and when at high enough levels will cause staining plus it’s hydrogenated so it will give more impact per pound. I’ll add you need to test water at least once a year for water hardness or calcium levels, phosphorus, copper and iron especially if it’s present in your source water. $.02
So how much do you use? Do replace shock with baking soda or still use shock? Pools are a ROYAL pain in the ass to keep clean for longer than a day! I have no luck at all with pools! Bout to hire a pool guy I guess
100%… a friend of mine turned me on to arm and hammer clear balance tabs. Been using them for the past 2 years and they work amazing. Along with proper chlorine levels is all you need
I’m am a pool store to just so you know! Do not try to balance alk until the water is around 70 degrees as well it changes as it warms up! Having more acidic water with slightly aggressive chlorine will flip water in 2 days open cold too that way it’s clear running the pump is cheeper then buying all the chemicals!
This video summed up everything I learned in10 years of pool care. Alkalinity level is very important and can be a little difficult to achieve compared to other chemicals. Shock is easy just add it to your pool 1 lb to 8,000 to 10,000 gallons. Add most definitely "Stabilizer", its sort of expensive but added it helps maintain these levels without the sun burning off everything. Its well worth it in the long run. Every summer I have to relearn these steps again. TY Great Video!! PS most shocks will give you the PH level you need when added to a proper level Alkalinity pool.
Renting a home with a pool and nervous I have a 2 person hot tube I can’t seem to have set rite or clean and scared to have to maintain a whole pool is it harder and how often do you have to maintain or clear I don’t want to have full a whole pool in California often I’ll go broke on just the pool , chemicals and filling !! Any advice recommended?& how to make chemicals last long and have it low maintenaced ?! Or am I over thinking , 🤔?! I do that a lot so forgive me
Good video. But ive read that if you add baking soda (alkalinity) you also raise the ph levels making the pool more "base", so after using baking soda, you may need to drop the ph else chlorine doesnt work as it should
It is possible that the PH also goes up a little, but rule of thumb is to fix your alkalinity first before fixing you PH. If you try fixing your PH and then fix alkalinity, you will be fighting an uphill battle. Ph fluctuates more frequently so having it a little high to start is ok, it will drop on its own.
If you have a saltwater pool…this is not needed. You just need to check your salt levels…and add more salt. I found the balance sweet spot of 3500 ppm of salt which keeps the water easy to maintain. Mostly just need to check stabilizer and chlorine levels. And twice a year I check for phosphates.
You might want to keep an eye on your hardness too because if your water is to "scaling" it will shorten the lifespan of your electrode. Hardness/Alkalinity to low it will erode the pool surface, basically trying to find neutral by extracting the calcium from the pools surface. (This is all referencing concrete pools)
Technically people just are not using the right amount chlorine to keep a steadily high enough level for a long enough time to kill the algae and oxidize burn off the combined chlorine levels. when chlorine level drops below the shock level within hours, and they wait till night time to add more chlorine is prolonging the process. Technically there is a sweet spot where chlorine is at peek effectiveness, One can still clear a green pool with those two things out of range. Now high cya/ stabilizer you will not be clearing that green pool .
I just finished cleaning up a green cloudy pool. used muriatic acid, yellow out, , clarifier, shock and 5 days running sand filter 24 hrs a day. NOW the pool is clean but white cloudy, meaning you can see the color of liner in the deep end but not the pattern. When its really clear you can see a coin on the bottom and heads or tails. How do I get it back to being that clear. I had rather not have to Flock! Alabama In ground vinyl pool.
I'm not a pool expert but as long as your water is balanced correctly, proper ph and alkalinity, your chlorine should do the work for you. Cloudy water can be a pain. Use a good clarifier and make sure to REALLY backwash your filter often. If your sand is older than 4yrs, it wont work as well either.
Well done but don't add granular shock around your pool like baking soda, you'll slowly be bleaching the crease or your liner down below. Mix it in water first if you can't put a pound at a time in a skimmer.
what if they don’t have a pool brush? Or time to brush the pool. Or just visually want to make sure no granular chlorine is sitting on an expensive liner. mixing it is the safest way.
Would this also work with a hot tub? I have an inflatable hot tub, I do have that same Baking soda just don't know if it would be too strong for the hot tub.
sounds like some algae staining. I'm pretty sure your will need a liner cleaning or something really strong to remove that. Did you try scrubbing it with a blue scotch brite pad?
if it feels crusty and hard, you may have a layer of scale protecting it from chlorine. I had that problem and so lowered my pH to 6.5 for a week. Cleared it up and all is now good. This happened to me after pretty much leaving my pool over winter. When bathing season started again, the liner felt rough like sandpaper, especially the floor at the deep end. That could be the problem. Don't see that comination of problems mentioned together much on YT or in publications
I just saw your video - thanks for the tip about the Baking Soda!! I have a 330 gallon beautiful water fountain in my yard that has brand new tile. How can I know how much baking soda I need to add? This is the 4th time we replace the tile because of the hard water boil up. THANK YOU!!!
While this is true, I'd be curious to know what your recommended number is for the alkalinity reading. I already use the drop testing, and I've been keeping my pool between 80 -90. The middle of the road on the test strips looks like 120ish.
Thanks for the tip!! We bought a house that already had a inground pool!! So much to learn!! Pool stores some of them- only want to sell me more chemicals:( New sub here too)
You're right, they don't have to come fix what you thought was supposed to be the dosage because they sold you stuff you had no idea what it's purpose was. I'm a pool pro and balanced is your key word and keeping it that way.
Thank you! I found another channel where muriatic acid was suggested. I did your routine & it worked great!! But it was cloudy the very next day 😭 It’s a tiny pool ~ 12x3 but after working in the yard I need my little pool! So I’ll keep trying. P.S. Love the accent 😃
You are the only guy with the right advice on that. I stumbled into that solution on my own, but now I know why it works! This is excellent advice. Thanks! Here is another tip for everyone's benefit. If you keep adding cyanuric acid, and it always reads low, you are low on Calcium Chloride. Raise Calcium Chloride and you may discover that you have plenty or even too much cyanuric acid.
my pool is down going to do repairs the skimmer, pipes to pump filter also down...can i still do the process just to keep some of the algae problem at bay
I've been told what is in our tap water anymore is causing this issue that's never been experienced til like 7 years ago. I forget what guy said exactly but basically if you fill your pool from house the water is not like it used to be and creates a chemical imbalance ongoing nightmare. So the baking soda has helped last year. But I didn't do what you did from the start of the season. So if you see this or anyone wants to respond. I plan on as I open pool filling the pool back to the level, test on alkinity, if off, do the baking soda, run filter then do the shock to get the pool started for the season vs not doing baking soda til I see algae problem.
Hi there, just to be clear, if algae creeps in, you do the baking soda thing? This year I battled algae due to my ignorance of keeping the solar blanket for more than 2 days last year. I have it under control now but it took a long time.
It was more of brown mustard algae that started happening few years back and I came across a video on baking soda and tried it. I've had a lot of stress lately so my brain is fried trying to remember all of last summer. I think I shocked pool and even did algaecide a separate time to combat that odd algae. So from there I kept testing water every couple days and looked at ph levels. When it was getting low I'd put in a small box of b soda. Trying to save money, so I would've used more. I figured at least I was doing something. So it helps on preventative maintenance once algae is killed off. I'd go to a pool place to get total info or search more here/online on the balancing of ph, alkalinity. It is nuts trying to understand it all. But at least you know baking soda, oh and put it in 1/2 hour before rechlorinating water is great preventative maintenance for algae. If you want to reply on your adventure of this, reply when you can!
I've been using this exact bag of baking soda in my pool for the past 3 years, I usually dissolve it in a bucket of water and just throw it in the pool from the deck You won't be sorry, it's inexpensive and works great! I never buy anything from the pool stores
@@nighthawk_predator1877 Out of work pool guy I’m guessing? I only use outlet store bleach and baking soda. Pool is consistently testing just right too.
The reason alkalinity is so important is because it's a buffer for your ph. When your alkalinity isn't correct, you can get something called 'ph bounce'. Your ph can move up and down each day depending on how many people use the pool, if it rained the day before and other factors. And the reason some people never need to add acid to adjust ph is because they use the chlorine jumbo tabs which are made of trichlor which has a ph around 3. The bags of shock that most people use are usually calcium hypochlorite which has a ph around 11. Proper water chemistry is important for pool surfaces and equipment and also swimmer comfort.
Nice clip”👍🏽 So I thank you my man , I’m a new home owner & my own pool guy. I was cloudy for weeks, seen your video got two bags of soda & now we’re pool ready again 💯 ( thank you )🙏🏽
ChatGPT - pH and alkalinity are related but distinct concepts in chemistry and water quality. pH: This measures the acidity or basicity of a solution on a scale from 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity. The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole pH value below 7 is 10 times more acidic than the next higher value, and each whole pH value above 7 is 10 times more alkaline than the next lower value. For example, a pH of 5 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 6. Alkalinity: This refers to the ability of a solution to neutralize acids. It is a measure of the buffering capacity of water, indicating its resistance to changes in pH when acids or bases are added. Alkalinity is usually expressed in terms of its carbonate concentration or equivalent, often measured in units of ppm (parts per million) or mg/L (milligrams per liter) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Higher alkalinity means that more acid is required to lower the pH of the solution. In summary, pH tells you how acidic or alkaline a solution is, while alkalinity tells you the water's ability to resist changes in pH by neutralizing acids. High alkalinity can help stabilize pH levels in water systems, such as in aquariums or swimming pools, by preventing rapid pH swings.
Yes, I look at alkalinity as the lock for the PH. If alkalinity is high, it allows PH to climb also. I do find that once I lock the alkalinity in place, I rarely ever have to mess with the alkalinity or PH again, even through multiple pool seasons, unless I or nature add large amounts of water to the pool again. If it's high, Muriatic Acid is your friend. Also, if you decrease PH too much, but alkalinity is good, just aerate to bring just the PH up by turning the return eye up until the flow breaks the surface.
Vinegar??? Never heard of that to use in pool. Muriartic acid brings PH down and is recommended. All you really need to keep a pool in balance is baking soda, muriatic acid and liquid. chlorine/ bleach. You will also need some conditioner to get a good CYA level. Do not add needles things to pool. It’s a waste of money and raises your TDS.
@@stanmondzelewski9253 depending on your alkalinity, liquid chlorine will raise PH. If I have to get PH up, I prefer to use aeration so your not adding unwanted things into your pool.
Let's look at a bag of Baking Soda and a bag of PH Up. Check the ingredients. Strictly speaking, baking soda is Sodium BIcarbonate. The PH Up bags available thru Amazon, Home Depot ect. are made of Sodium Carbonate. The singular Carbon molecule allows for more effective results and minimal powder refuse on the bottom. But yes, Arm And Hammer will do the job.
I have a 330 gallon beautiful water fountain in my yard that has brand new tile. How can I know how much baking soda I need to add? This is the 4th time we replace the tile because of the hard water boil up. THANK YOU!!!
@@TheLeoGuido i would ask did you get it tested it to get the ph number and mineral content? May be there's more of a problem there than just baking soda can rectify.
It actually comes in both if yiu read the ingredients. Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Look closely Both of ours is in the laundry isle at Walmart
Does anyone know about cleaning "biofilm" from a pool? I'm dealing with a bunch of that right now. A mess, cloudy white flakes in the pool. Anyway, thank you.
Can you please add a list of all products needed to keep a pool clean? I just bought a pool for my daughter and have no idea what I am doing. From what I’m learning I need: 1) baking soda 2) chlorine tabs 3) granular shock 4) test strips ( what are the ranges needed for both alkalinity and ph) What is the difference between 3) and 4)? Are both needed or only one?
I have an 8 ft cowboy (stocktank) pool and only use 27-33% peroxide. The ph is spot on and color remains good but I keep getting white floaties in there? No clue what they are? Any thoughts?? I just drained it today in hopes to start fresh😊
Man. I was going crazy, it was the first time dealing with this. I switched he'd to the pucks that go in the floaters. It was enough my, chlorine levels dropped to 0. Thank you🙏🙏🤛
Excellent tip! My problem is the Alkalinity and pH, hardness are HIGH in my inground pool. The pool is very clear and blue for what it's worth. Any advice is welcomed. Thanks!
Ph and Alkalinity are usually high, especially after rain. Baking Soda raises ph. Most of the time, mine needs to be lowered. Another thing, if you don't use stabilizer, the sun will drain your chlorine. Right?
Just to say ty… im 71 yr old lady….have lived alone over 30 yrs….your the first one to break this down so it’s understandable!! This yr this heatwave is unbelievable (i am in Maine)! My pool is sparkling clear and im not spending my pool time cleaning!!! God bless you!
0
Same here, I am 71 and I take care of my pool and this tip saved me a LOT of money! And yes, the pool is sparkling clear and clean.
Why do you stay alone?
@@anna-m7q4i question so you just put the Baking Soda and that’s it ? No shoker?
Pool guy here and I love that you talk about pool stores selling things people don't necessarily need!! They are in business to sell products. I tell all my customers to never step foot in a store unless they tell me first! haha Baking soda and Borax are my go to!!
What does the borax do?.
@@CRN8091 It does a couple things. First, it will raise your pH without affecting TA so you don't get that yoyo effect. Second, it works as an algaestat meaning algae can't grow in a pool with borates in it. It does not kill it, just prevents growth. Boric acid is another option that pool stores sell in bulk.
OH! And let's not forget it will leave the skin silky soft.... for all those women out there!! haha
Solid tips without the BS. You got yourself a sub good sir.
He is right on that, I have been using just baking soda, shock and chlorine tablet in my pool..
What’s your stabilizer? Hope it’s not above 100… from the tabs.
@@swaptrex Tabs have very little stabiizer in them. You're just wasting chlorine if you aren't using a stabilizer It's $30 a year, don't cheap out
that is not true. I ended up having to dump half a pool only using stabilized tablets because the cya/ STABILIZER was to high and locked up the chlorine. went to a salt chlorine generator, no more excessive cya. Don’t add baking soda either. just acid to lower PH. I can go weeks on vacation and not worry about a green pool even with a high ph and low alkalinity.
What's shock?
Thanks! You explained pool chemicals much more clearly than the lady at my pool store.
She's trying to up sell
People who own pools have known this for quite a while. I have used this for a few years now and you can be sure that it is the reason why baking soda prices have more than doubled in the last year
Thanks for the tip, was wondering why my pool shock wasnt doing its job
Thank you !! My pool is so clear now !
Additional tip to save even more, check the price of the baking soda at the cleaning stuff isle vs the baking soda labeled “pool” in the pool isle. What I’ve found (at say Walmart) that the big box of Arm and Hammer baking soda in the cleaning isle was cheaper per pound than the Arm and Hammer baking soda in the pool isle.
I’m in Abington, Ma
From the button on my heart and the family, THANK YOU.
A MILLION TIMES, THANK YOU. This is the info that EVERY pool owner should know but aren’t told so pool place people.
Much love, stay bless.
Glad I could help!!!
Thank you for the explanation…. I’ve had a pool for 20 years and I still can’t get it to stay clear and balance right….. I’m gonna try your tip and I’ll report back on how it done…. Pool places only want your money and I’m not throwing money away on nonsense bull crap chemicals that I don’t need…. Single mom life = very tight budget.
Thank you again for the tip… I’ll post as soon as i try this and see what it does for me 😊
@@BOSSwky keep a eye on your Ph it’s not a special trick . It’s one of the things you want to keep balanced. Alkaline, sodium bicarbonate,/( baking soda )
I have been doing this for the last 2 years and it works like a charm
Exactly what I use and do. BAKING SODA IS THE GIFT...ONLY THING I USE with chlorine tabs and granular shock. No other chemicals needed. 😊
Watch your ph as well
Calcium hardness is important for keeping the pool surface in good shape, stabilizer is helpful to keep chlorine in pool longer…
No, not correct. You also need algaecide and stabilizer, and other chemicals depending on if you have a concrete pool.
Well you don’t know much about pools
@@billhenry7833you don’t know what your talking about
Thank you for your honesty
Thank you for being an honest one! This works and my pool is incredibly clear, ready for swim season and more importantly the water is balanced!
Very happy to hear it helped you!
I was having major issues with algae this year..lots of wash-off from the pavers, etc....lots of torrential rainfalls....I would chlorinate and shock my pool because it would turn green fast. It felt like so much more work this year than most years. I didn't know it could be the alkalinity. Thanks so much. I was doing it out of sequence. Much better.
so glad I could help!!
It's been a big issue this year. A lot of my pools got hit with mustard algae even though their levels are in optimum range.
Been doing this for years. It works.
I did it once it turned my pool dark green I shocked it got back but it’s not clear it’s cloudy so idk I’m afraid to try it again
Hi my friend am buying new house with the brand new pool , please if you can help me what type of chemical I need for the pool .
Your the only one who explained this so well. I saw the pool guy use the same bag of Baking soda as you and I bought it too. I only had to use one bag per swim season. And never needed the pool guy but this season, it has been a headache with algea, cloudy water and this expensive pool shock never seemed to do the job! Thank you!!
And that's why you need a pool guy. Or good knowledge of pools and chemistry. You can't do too much of one chemical. I always run into this with DIYers
Is this the only thing you need to keep a pool clean ? Or what else should I buy besides baking soda ?
I work for arm and hammer and I approve this message
I work for hammer arms and approve this comment.
😂 good one
Except the aluminum in the product is not good!
@@gereneschendel6145 Aluminum is what product? Baking soda? It's sodium bicarbonate, a fixed chemical. There's no aluminum. You could be thinking about baking powder which has leavening agents added that could contain a salt of aluminum.
😂😂
Thank you for this advice. My pool was green opening it. Did what you s😮at and it is now crystal clear. Thank you for sharing!!
Glad it helped!
My pool is green now going to do this tomorrow
Thanks for reminding me about the Baking Soda - I used this in the past and I still have one of those unopened ~ 12-lb bag. The heat has really made it harder to keeping the swimming pool tip-top-shape!
You are so welcome!
once you have alkalinity correct, it remains the same unless you get alot of rain.....
@@dogsarefun2 Thanks, we were on the threshold of a drought declaration, but lately we have a lot of rain that I cannot keep the swimming pool clear. Besides the rain the heat and humidity envelopes you as soon as you step outside.
Well, I looked at swimming pool and the water was yellowish/greenish - most likely the dead algae. We have had a lot of rain and when it isn't raining it is HOT and HUMID! I might have to try vacuum the swimming pool again, but that is a real challenge because I do not have skimmer vacuum plate - I just shoved the hose down the pipe. I did my first vacuum in nearly 5 years a couple of weeks ago. I removed the equipment that has been stowed in the cedar chest for a couple of years. The suction head may be salvageable if I can get replacement wheels and bearings, but that will be a pain. The swimming pool vacuum hoses are mostly intact, the swimming pool vacuum cannister - Wesson - appeared intact and without any cracks in the plastic housing. I used a suction head that is basically a triangular brush with maybe 30-feet of good vacuum hose line. I had a successful first vacuum with old equipment that I pieced together. Early this evening I did my usual swimming pool cleaning method:
Step 0; Rinse the pool deck free of debris
Step 1; Checked and emptied the skimmer basket free of debris and leaves
Step 2; Brushed the floor and walls of the swimming pool
Step 3; Checked the Chlorinating Tablet Floater it has tablets
Step 4; Performed a full cycle cleaning of the swimming pool plumbing system; backwash, rinse and return to filtration
Step 5; Added water to the swimming pool to account for the backwash and evaporation
Usually I am just adding shock and liquid chlorine at different times on different days. In the past when the pool has gotten to this condition it usually tested to add approximately 20lbs to 35lbs of calcium
Step 6; Added eight ounces-(8-oz) of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to balance the swimming pool ie., clear up the water by lowering the alkalinity or raising the ph - I am eyeballing it because I have not tested the swimming pool in months!
@@PappyNet01 get test strips, get alkalinity correct.... not knowing size of your pool... I use a floater chorine dispenser and keep it full with the hockey puck size tablets.... Clorox Pool & Spa Green Algae Eliminator2 to keep it clear free of algae... the copper in this product kills any algae and will prevent it from starting.
Alkalinity, is that what some might call 'stabilizer'? I have a test kit with 3 tests. Chlorine, PH and Stabilizer 🧐
Do you need this if you have a salt water pump?
Speaking with 40 years experience I’ll say that ph and alkalinity are critical to proper sanitation of a pool. Baking soda will indeed work to raise total alkalinity. That said, it’s simply not true that pool store alkalinity increaser is exactly the same as baking soda. It’s purified so you’re not adding minerals and metals to the water that will interfere with the sanitation process (household baking soda is not) and when at high enough levels will cause staining plus it’s hydrogenated so it will give more impact per pound. I’ll add you need to test water at least once a year for water hardness or calcium levels, phosphorus, copper and iron especially if it’s present in your source water. $.02
What should i do for stains on the bottom
Hi! Thanks for the video! Any idea what to do if alkalinity is too high? Thanks for any tips...
you rock! thank you ....its hard to find an honest pool guy ;-)
I appreciate that!
I Love Baking Soda!!! Now I love it even more... since I can use it in my pool!!! Thank you so much for this information!
So how much do you use? Do replace shock with baking soda or still use shock? Pools are a ROYAL pain in the ass to keep clean for longer than a day! I have no luck at all with pools! Bout to hire a pool guy I guess
100%… a friend of mine turned me on to arm and hammer clear balance tabs. Been using them for the past 2 years and they work amazing. Along with proper chlorine levels is all you need
I’m am a pool store to just so you know! Do not try to balance alk until the water is around 70 degrees as well it changes as it warms up! Having more acidic water with slightly aggressive chlorine will flip water in 2 days open cold too that way it’s clear running the pump is cheeper then buying all the chemicals!
This video summed up everything I learned in10 years of pool care. Alkalinity level is very important and can be a little difficult to achieve compared to other chemicals. Shock is easy just add it to your pool 1 lb to 8,000 to 10,000 gallons. Add most definitely "Stabilizer", its sort of expensive but added it helps maintain these levels without the sun burning off everything. Its well worth it in the long run. Every summer I have to relearn these steps again. TY Great Video!! PS most shocks will give you the PH level you need when added to a proper level Alkalinity pool.
Renting a home with a pool and nervous I have a 2 person hot tube I can’t seem to have set rite or clean and scared to have to maintain a whole pool is it harder and how often do you have to maintain or clear I don’t want to have full a whole pool in California often I’ll go broke on just the pool , chemicals and filling !! Any advice recommended?& how to make chemicals last long and have it low maintenaced ?! Or am I over thinking , 🤔?! I do that a lot so forgive me
Thank you !! neighbor's pool is so clear now !
visit my channel so i can have a pool 😄
Good video. But ive read that if you add baking soda (alkalinity) you also raise the ph levels making the pool more "base", so after using baking soda, you may need to drop the ph else chlorine doesnt work as it should
It is possible that the PH also goes up a little, but rule of thumb is to fix your alkalinity first before fixing you PH. If you try fixing your PH and then fix alkalinity, you will be fighting an uphill battle. Ph fluctuates more frequently so having it a little high to start is ok, it will drop on its own.
@@nextleveldiy thanks mate
@@nextleveldiy
Great simple video. thanks
This guy is exactly right everything is spot on
Thanks bro! Much appreciated!
Does this work with saltwater pools too?
From what I gather, yes
Good Advice Brother I'll try it and sounds really cheap
Thank you, I have spent to much money at the pool store already.
Glad I could help
Thank you I have tried this with a green pool and this stuff really work my pool water is a 100% clear
I just seen this product at Walmart today I will be saving money this year. Thank You
It’s the same price.
Thank you! Can't wait to rry this. I've been throwing a lot of money at the pool this year and finally discovered the Alkalinity was super low!
If you have a saltwater pool…this is not needed. You just need to check your salt levels…and add more salt. I found the balance sweet spot of 3500 ppm of salt which keeps the water easy to maintain. Mostly just need to check stabilizer and chlorine levels. And twice a year I check for phosphates.
You might want to keep an eye on your hardness too because if your water is to "scaling" it will shorten the lifespan of your electrode. Hardness/Alkalinity to low it will erode the pool surface, basically trying to find neutral by extracting the calcium from the pools surface. (This is all referencing concrete pools)
If you are not a Costco member, you can go to Bulk Barn and buy baking soda in bulk.
Thank you for this knowledge. Right on.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks ! I believe I’ve been doing it all wrong as in shocking my pool and cleaning it before checking levels
technically shock will not work unless your alkalinity and PH are in range
Umm what is shocking the pool mean
@@pammiestewart1419means putting in lots of chlorine to shock the water after heavy use like a pool party.
Technically people just are not using the right amount chlorine to keep a steadily high enough level for a long enough time to kill the algae and oxidize burn off the combined chlorine levels. when chlorine level drops below the shock level within hours, and they wait till night time to add more chlorine is prolonging the process. Technically there is a sweet spot where chlorine is at peek effectiveness, One can still clear a green pool with those two things out of range. Now high cya/ stabilizer you will not be clearing that green pool .
Thanks for the info
i have black spots on my liner. Ive done everything I know to do. What should i do next?
mold, mildew, algae? what is your what chemistry like?
@@nextleveldiy chemistry is good.
But it will increase the calcium hardness. My pool in Phoenix always has high hardness issue
I just finished cleaning up a green cloudy pool. used muriatic acid, yellow out, , clarifier, shock and 5 days running sand filter 24 hrs a day. NOW the pool is clean but white cloudy, meaning you can see the color of liner in the deep end but not the pattern. When its really clear you can see a coin on the bottom and heads or tails. How do I get it back to being that clear. I had rather not have to Flock! Alabama In ground vinyl pool.
I'm not a pool expert but as long as your water is balanced correctly, proper ph and alkalinity, your chlorine should do the work for you. Cloudy water can be a pain. Use a good clarifier and make sure to REALLY backwash your filter often. If your sand is older than 4yrs, it wont work as well either.
@@nextleveldiy It took a week, but finally it's clear, Thank You
Well done but don't add granular shock around your pool like baking soda, you'll slowly be bleaching the crease or your liner down below. Mix it in water first if you can't put a pound at a time in a skimmer.
Or brush the pool after as you are supposed to after adding granular shock.
what if they don’t have a pool brush? Or time to brush the pool. Or just visually want to make sure no granular chlorine is sitting on an expensive liner. mixing it is the safest way.
Would this also work with a hot tub? I have an inflatable hot tub, I do have that same Baking soda just don't know if it would be too strong for the hot tub.
Thank you so much! The water is clear but the bottom vynil has a greenish kind of layer that won't come out. Any advice? Thanks!
sounds like some algae staining. I'm pretty sure your will need a liner cleaning or something really strong to remove that. Did you try scrubbing it with a blue scotch brite pad?
Yes sir I did use it, will follow your advice and update you...thanks a lot!!!
if it feels crusty and hard, you may have a layer of scale protecting it from chlorine. I had that problem and so lowered my pH to 6.5 for a week. Cleared it up and all is now good. This happened to me after pretty much leaving my pool over winter. When bathing season started again, the liner felt rough like sandpaper, especially the floor at the deep end. That could be the problem. Don't see that comination of problems mentioned together much on YT or in publications
Does this work for above ground pool.
I just saw your video - thanks for the tip about the Baking Soda!! I have a 330 gallon beautiful water fountain in my yard that has brand new tile. How can I know how much baking soda I need to add? This is the 4th time we replace the tile because of the hard water boil up. THANK YOU!!!
While this is true, I'd be curious to know what your recommended number is for the alkalinity reading. I already use the drop testing, and I've been keeping my pool between 80 -90. The middle of the road on the test strips looks like 120ish.
Thanks for the interesting video.
Thanks for the tip!! We bought a house that already had a inground pool!! So much to learn!! Pool stores some of them- only want to sell me more chemicals:( New sub here too)
You're right, they don't have to come fix what you thought was supposed to be the dosage because they sold you stuff you had no idea what it's purpose was. I'm a pool pro and balanced is your key word and keeping it that way.
Been using this also as needed but grew up with a pool so unless I go vaca I have no.problem
Can I use this method for my lay z hot tub??
My test strips have expired. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you! I found another channel where muriatic acid was suggested.
I did your routine & it worked great!!
But it was cloudy the very next day 😭
It’s a tiny pool ~ 12x3 but after working in the yard I need my little pool! So I’ll keep trying.
P.S. Love the accent 😃
You are the only guy with the right advice on that. I stumbled into that solution on my own, but now I know why it works! This is excellent advice. Thanks!
Here is another tip for everyone's benefit. If you keep adding cyanuric acid, and it always reads low, you are low on Calcium Chloride. Raise Calcium Chloride and you may discover that you have plenty or even too much cyanuric acid.
Can I use baking soda in salt water pool ?
Awesome video. My pool guy sucks and i work to much to do it myself so im training my 13 year old to do it.
my pool is down going to do repairs the skimmer, pipes to pump filter also down...can i still do the process just to keep some of the algae problem at bay
Thank-you! Wish I saw this seven years ago. I also wish I paid more attention in organic chemistry!
woooow w straight forward , plain and simple and u r rightttttttttt
thanks will try 73 yrs old daughter in college tired of trying, thought of taking pool down. spending money on chem. what about vacuming?
this video is on water balancing, not vacuuming
Very good video. Telling the truth on where to save money.
Can you use this with a saltwater filter and chlorinator?
Hello so all i need to put is the baking soda and thats it im good to go ? Its my first time cleaning a pool help plz
How much baking soda would you add to an extremely green pool?
Thanks for sharing. Good informations
Any chance you doing a review on the John Kavli mower blades ?
nothing yet, I'd be happy to if someone wants to send me a set
I've been told what is in our tap water anymore is causing this issue that's never been experienced til like 7 years ago. I forget what guy said exactly but basically if you fill your pool from house the water is not like it used to be and creates a chemical imbalance ongoing nightmare. So the baking soda has helped last year. But I didn't do what you did from the start of the season. So if you see this or anyone wants to respond. I plan on as I open pool filling the pool back to the level, test on alkinity, if off, do the baking soda, run filter then do the shock to get the pool started for the season vs not doing baking soda til I see algae problem.
Hi there, just to be clear, if algae creeps in, you do the baking soda thing? This year I battled algae due to my ignorance of keeping the solar blanket for more than 2 days last year. I have it under control now but it took a long time.
It was more of brown mustard algae that started happening few years back and I came across a video on baking soda and tried it.
I've had a lot of stress lately so my brain is fried trying to remember all of last summer. I think I shocked pool and even did algaecide a separate time to combat that odd algae.
So from there I kept testing water every couple days and looked at ph levels. When it was getting low I'd put in a small box of b soda. Trying to save money, so I would've used more. I figured at least I was doing something. So it helps on preventative maintenance once algae is killed off.
I'd go to a pool place to get total info or search more here/online on the balancing of ph, alkalinity. It is nuts trying to understand it all.
But at least you know baking soda, oh and put it in 1/2 hour before rechlorinating water is great preventative maintenance for algae.
If you want to reply on your adventure of this, reply when you can!
I've been using this exact bag of baking soda in my pool for the past 3 years, I usually dissolve it in a bucket of water and just throw it in the pool from the deck
You won't be sorry, it's inexpensive and works great! I never buy anything from the pool stores
Thanks for sharing!
Good luck with your pools surface over time then. Baking soda isn't the only chemical your pool will ever need.
@@nighthawk_predator1877
Out of work pool guy I’m guessing? I only use outlet store bleach and baking soda. Pool is consistently testing just right too.
Doesn't baking soda raise pH? I can't keep mine down. 😢
Costco has these huge bags on the baking aisle year round fyi!
The reason alkalinity is so important is because it's a buffer for your ph. When your alkalinity isn't correct, you can get something called 'ph bounce'. Your ph can move up and down each day depending on how many people use the pool, if it rained the day before and other factors. And the reason some people never need to add acid to adjust ph is because they use the chlorine jumbo tabs which are made of trichlor which has a ph around 3. The bags of shock that most people use are usually calcium hypochlorite which has a ph around 11. Proper water chemistry is important for pool surfaces and equipment and also swimmer comfort.
Young man, would that also work with my pond and our country sulfur water?
I'm not really sure about that issue?
Nice clip”👍🏽 So I thank you my man , I’m a new home owner & my own pool guy. I was cloudy for weeks, seen your video got two bags of soda & now we’re pool ready again 💯 ( thank you )🙏🏽
That is awesome!
Do you have a recommendation for shock?
How often do you put in baking soda
ChatGPT - pH and alkalinity are related but distinct concepts in chemistry and water quality.
pH: This measures the acidity or basicity of a solution on a scale from 0 to 14, where 7 is neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity. The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole pH value below 7 is 10 times more acidic than the next higher value, and each whole pH value above 7 is 10 times more alkaline than the next lower value. For example, a pH of 5 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 6.
Alkalinity: This refers to the ability of a solution to neutralize acids. It is a measure of the buffering capacity of water, indicating its resistance to changes in pH when acids or bases are added. Alkalinity is usually expressed in terms of its carbonate concentration or equivalent, often measured in units of ppm (parts per million) or mg/L (milligrams per liter) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Higher alkalinity means that more acid is required to lower the pH of the solution.
In summary, pH tells you how acidic or alkaline a solution is, while alkalinity tells you the water's ability to resist changes in pH by neutralizing acids. High alkalinity can help stabilize pH levels in water systems, such as in aquariums or swimming pools, by preventing rapid pH swings.
Yes, I look at alkalinity as the lock for the PH. If alkalinity is high, it allows PH to climb also. I do find that once I lock the alkalinity in place, I rarely ever have to mess with the alkalinity or PH again, even through multiple pool seasons, unless I or nature add large amounts of water to the pool again. If it's high, Muriatic Acid is your friend. Also, if you decrease PH too much, but alkalinity is good, just aerate to bring just the PH up by turning the return eye up until the flow breaks the surface.
Does the baking soda work the same for in ground pools with marsite walls and floor?
this should work in any pool regardless of what kind of pool.
Looks like you have the same issue i have with the power cable tangling up on the dolphin. Any suggestions on that,
Unfortunately not! Easy enough to straighten out when it happens. I'm looking into the new cordless robots!
Baking sofa (sodium bicarbonate) to increase pH and Vinegar to decrease pH.
Vinegar??? Never heard of that to use in pool.
Muriartic acid brings PH down and is recommended.
All you really need to keep a pool in balance is baking soda, muriatic acid and liquid. chlorine/ bleach. You will also need some conditioner to get a good CYA level. Do not add needles things to pool. It’s a waste of money and raises your TDS.
Sodium bicarb is for alkilinity. Yes it can bump ph.
Soda ash is better suited for raising ph
Acid to lower both
@@stanmondzelewski9253 depending on your alkalinity, liquid chlorine will raise PH. If I have to get PH up, I prefer to use aeration so your not adding unwanted things into your pool.
Soda ash to raise ph and muratic acid to lower ph and alkalinity. Baking soda to raise alkalinity
How often do you use baking soda to maintain the pool? Twice a year?
when needed
Ok so someone on a FB page is saying shock will always work if you use enough, is this true? Ty
Shock and chlorine will not work at all if alkalinity and PH are out of range.
Any way to get rid of pool paint chips all over in pool? Pool paint been peeling off getting pool dirty
Let's look at a bag of Baking Soda and a bag of PH Up. Check the ingredients. Strictly speaking, baking soda is Sodium BIcarbonate. The PH Up bags available thru Amazon, Home Depot ect. are made of Sodium Carbonate. The singular Carbon molecule allows for more effective results and minimal powder refuse on the bottom. But yes, Arm And Hammer will do the job.
I have a 330 gallon beautiful water fountain in my yard that has brand new tile. How can I know how much baking soda I need to add? This is the 4th time we replace the tile because of the hard water boil up. THANK YOU!!!
@@TheLeoGuido i would ask did you get it tested it to get the ph number and mineral content? May be there's more of a problem there than just baking soda can rectify.
It actually comes in both if yiu read the ingredients.
Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
Look closely
Both of ours is in the laundry isle at Walmart
Do you have any advise to down the PH?
Does anyone know about cleaning "biofilm" from a pool? I'm dealing with a bunch of that right now. A mess, cloudy white flakes in the pool. Anyway, thank you.
Can you please add a list of all products needed to keep a pool clean? I just bought a pool for my daughter and have no idea what I am doing. From what I’m learning I need:
1) baking soda
2) chlorine tabs
3) granular shock
4) test strips ( what are the ranges needed for both alkalinity and ph)
What is the difference between 3) and 4)? Are both needed or only one?
tysm 😁
I have an 8 ft cowboy (stocktank) pool and only use 27-33% peroxide. The ph is spot on and color remains good but I keep getting white floaties in there? No clue what they are? Any thoughts?? I just drained it today in hopes to start fresh😊
sorry, I cant seem to help you. good luck
@@nextleveldiy got it figured out😊👍
Man. I was going crazy, it was the first time dealing with this. I switched he'd to the pucks that go in the floaters. It was enough my, chlorine levels dropped to 0. Thank you🙏🙏🤛
Excellent tip! My problem is the Alkalinity and pH, hardness are HIGH in my inground pool. The pool is very clear and blue for what it's worth. Any advice is welcomed. Thanks!
i've been keeping an eye on the test strips and Im pretty sure they are not expired mines a 20-25k gallon and I put about 30 boxes of 500g 1$ a pop
a big bag would have been cheaper!
Ph and Alkalinity are usually high, especially after rain. Baking Soda raises ph. Most of the time, mine needs to be lowered. Another thing, if you don't use stabilizer, the sun will drain your chlorine. Right?