Description

pH Plus– Sodium Carbonate Pool pH Increaser

Product Data

Attribute	Verified Information
Product Name	pH Plus
Chemical Category	pH Increaser / pH Adjuster
Active Ingredient	Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃)
Chemical Formula	Na₂CO₃
Alternative Names	Soda Ash; Washing Soda; Sodium Carbonate Anhydrous; pH Increaser; pH Raiser; pH Up
Primary Purpose	Raises pool water pH from low (acidic) readings to the recommended range of 7.2–7.6.
Typical Usage	All pool types; spas; hot tubs; fountains

pH Plus – Sodium Carbonate Pool pH Increaser

Product Overview

pH Plus is a granular pH increaser containing Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃), commonly known as soda ash. It is used to raise low (acidic) pH readings in pool water to the recommended range of 7.2–7.6.

Sodium Carbonate is an alkaline salt that dissolves in water to produce carbonate (CO₃²⁻) and sodium (Na⁺) ions, raising solution pH. In pool water, it reacts with the existing carbonate-bicarbonate buffer system to increase both pH and, to a lesser extent, total alkalinity.

pH Plus is distinct from pH Plus Super (Sodium Bicarbonate), which primarily raises alkalinity with a secondary effect on pH. Sodium Carbonate has a stronger and more direct pH-raising effect than Sodium Bicarbonate, making it the preferred product for correcting low pH readings.

How It Works

pH Plus works through a straightforward acid-base reaction when added to pool water.

The pH increase process involves:

• Dissolution – Sodium Carbonate granules dissolve in water, releasing sodium (Na⁺) and carbonate (CO₃²⁻) ions
• Hydrolysis – Carbonate ions react with water to form hydroxide (OH⁻) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) ions
• pH increase – The hydroxide ions raise the pH of the pool water
• Buffer system – The carbonate-bicarbonate buffer system is reinforced, providing pH stability
• Alkalinity effect – pH Plus also raises total alkalinity, though to a lesser extent than pH Plus Super (Sodium Bicarbonate)

The granular form of pH Plus dissolves gradually, allowing for controlled pH adjustment without the risk of sudden pH spikes.

Why It Matters

• Swimmer comfort is directly affected by pH. When pH drops below 7.2, water becomes corrosive and acidic, causing eye and skin irritation. Swimmers often experience stinging eyes, dry skin, and discomfort in low-pH water.
• Equipment protection is essential for pool longevity. Low pH water is corrosive and can damage pool equipment including heaters, pumps, filters, and heat exchangers. Acidic water also etches pool surfaces and dissolves grout.
• Chlorine efficacy is optimised at pH 7.2–7.6. At low pH, chlorine becomes more aggressive and dissipates rapidly. At high pH, chlorine becomes less effective. pH Plus corrects low pH to ensure optimal chlorine performance.
• Surface protection prevents damage to pool liners, tiles, and plaster. Low pH water can etch plaster surfaces, fade liners, and dissolve grout between tiles.
• Regulatory compliance for commercial pools requires pH to be maintained within 7.2–7.6. Regular pH testing and adjustment is mandatory for health department inspections.

Key Benefits

1. Effective pH Correction
   pH Plus provides reliable and predictable pH increase, quickly bringing low pH readings back into the recommended range.
2. Granular Form Easy to Handle
   The granular form is safe and easy to handle compared to liquid caustic soda, reducing handling risks.
3. No Calcium Hardness Addition
   Unlike some pH adjusters, pH Plus does not add calcium to pool water, preventing calcium hardness accumulation.
4. Widely Available
   Sodium Carbonate is a common industrial chemical, making pH Plus readily available through pool chemical distributors.
5. Cost-Effective
   pH Plus offers an affordable and effective solution for pH correction in all pool types.
6. Safe to Handle
   Compared to liquid caustic soda, granular sodium carbonate is significantly safer to handle and transport.

Problem-Solution Table

Problem	Likely Cause	How pH Plus Helps	Expected Outcome
Low pH (below 7.2)	Acidic chlorine products, acid rain, or bather load	Raises pH to 7.2–7.6	Balanced water chemistry
Swimmer eye and skin irritation	Acidic water conditions	Corrects pH to comfortable range	Swimmer comfort restored
Equipment corrosion	Corrosive water from low pH	pH adjustment prevents corrosion	Extended equipment life
Chlorine instability	pH below 7.2 causes rapid chlorine loss	Optimal pH for chlorine efficacy	Effective sanitisation
Acidic water conditions	Use of acidic chlorine products	Neutralises acidity	Balanced water chemistry

Dosage & Application Guidance

Dosage requirements vary depending on manufacturer specifications, pool volume, contaminant load, water chemistry, bather load, environmental conditions, and treatment objectives. Always follow product label instructions and professional water test results.

Based on the reference guide, typical guidance includes:

• General guidance: 150–200 g per 10,000 litres to raise pH by approximately 0.2 units
• Method: Pre-dissolve in a bucket of pool water before broadcasting
• Target pH: 7.2–7.6
• Retest: After 4 hours

Important: Always test and adjust incrementally. Exact dosage depends on current pH, alkalinity, and pool volume. Do not confuse with pH Plus Super (Sodium Bicarbonate), which primarily raises alkalinity.

Water Balance Reference Table

The values below represent general swimming pool industry guidance and are not specifications of the product described on this page. Actual operating targets may vary depending on local regulations, pool type, water source, equipment design, and operating objectives.

Parameter	Recommended Range	Notes
pH	7.2–7.6	Correct low pH with pH Plus
Total Alkalinity	80–120 mg/L	pH Plus also raises alkalinity slightly
Free Chlorine	1.0–3.0 mg/L	Chlorine is most effective at pH 7.2–7.6
Calcium Hardness	200–400 mg/L	pH Plus does not add calcium

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Before Treatment:

1. Test pool water for pH and total alkalinity
2. Confirm pH is below 7.2 before adding pH Plus
3. Calculate required dosage based on pool volume and current pH
4. Test total alkalinity – low alkalinity should be corrected first
5. Gather required PPE: gloves, safety goggles, dust mask

During Treatment:

1. Fill a clean plastic bucket with pool water (not fresh water)
2. Add the measured pH Plus granules to the bucket water
3. Stir gently until the granules are fully dissolved
4. With the pool pump running, broadcast the solution evenly around the pool perimeter
5. Allow the pump to run for at least 4 hours for proper circulation

After Treatment:

1. Retest pH after 4 hours
2. If pH is still below 7.2, repeat the dosing process
3. If pH exceeds 7.6, use pH Minus to lower pH
4. Retest total alkalinity – if still low, use pH Plus Super

Troubleshooting:

• pH not increasing sufficiently: Check alkalinity – low alkalinity reduces pH buffering; correct alkalinity first
• pH overshot target: Use pH Minus to lower pH back into range
• Cloudy water after dosing: Normal initially; should clear with filtration

Usage Guide for Kenya & East Africa Region

• High Bather Loads
  Hotels and resorts in Kenya experience high bather loads, which can lower pH due to sweat, urine, and other organic contaminants. Regular pH testing and adjustment with pH Plus is essential.
• Rainy Seasons
  Acid rain during Kenya’s rainy seasons can lower pool pH. Increased monitoring and more frequent pH Plus dosing may be required during rainy periods.
• Use of Acidic Chlorine Products
  Chlorine 90% (TCCA) is acidic and will lower pH over time. Pools using TCCA tablets require regular pH monitoring and pH Plus to maintain balance.
• Coastal Pools
  Coastal areas experience salt spray and high humidity, which can affect water chemistry. Regular pH testing and adjustment is recommended.
• Hotel and Lodge Pools
  Commercial facilities must maintain pH within 7.2–7.6 for regulatory compliance. pH Plus is an essential chemical for these operations.

Commercial Applications

• Hotels, Resorts & Safari Lodges
  Commercial pools require regular pH adjustment due to high bather loads and use of acidic chlorine products. pH Plus is an essential maintenance chemical.
• Schools & Universities
  Educational facilities must maintain water balance for health and safety compliance. pH Plus corrects low pH issues promptly.
• Competition Pools & Public Pools
  Municipal pools operate under strict regulatory oversight. pH must be maintained within 7.2–7.6 at all times.
• Waterparks
  Large water volumes and high bather loads create significant pH challenges. pH Plus provides reliable pH correction.

Residential Applications

• Private Pools
  Homeowners can use pH Plus to correct low pH issues easily. The granular form is safe and straightforward to handle.
• Holiday Homes
  Properties with intermittent occupancy may experience pH shifts due to lack of circulation. pH Plus corrects these issues quickly.
• Apartment Complex Pools
  Multi-unit residential complexes benefit from the cost-effectiveness and ease of use of pH Plus.

Safety & Handling

Storage Conditions

• Store in a dry, cool location in a sealed container
• pH Plus is hygroscopic – absorbs moisture from air; keep sealed
• Shelf life: Indefinite when stored dry and sealed
• No flammability risk

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Gloves
• Safety goggles
• Dust mask when handling dry product

Mixing Precautions

• DO NOT mix directly with concentrated acid solutions – neutralisation reaction produces CO₂ bubbles
• Do not combine with other chemicals in the same container

Spill Response

• Sweep up dry product
• Rinse spill area with water
• Avoid creating dust

First Aid

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air
• Skin contact: Wash with soap and water
• Eye contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes
• Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical attention if large quantity ingested

Important Safety Disclaimer

The safety information contained here is provided for general reference purposes only. Always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) provided by the product manufacturer before handling any chemical. Local health, safety, and environmental regulations must be observed at all times. The dosage guidance provided is indicative only — always test pool water and adjust dosages based on actual test results.

Product Comparison

Feature	pH Plus (Sodium Carbonate)	pH Plus Super (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Chemical Name	Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃)	Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)
Primary Purpose	Raises pH	Raises total alkalinity
Secondary Effect	Moderate alkalinity increase	Mild pH increase
Strength of pH Effect	Strong	Mild
Best Application	Low pH correction	Low alkalinity correction

Cross-Selling Recommendations

• pH Minus (Sodium Bisulphate)
  For when pH is too high, pH Minus brings it back into range. Essential complement to pH Plus.
• pH Plus Super (Sodium Bicarbonate)
  Correct alkalinity before adjusting pH. Low alkalinity prevents effective pH adjustment.
• Chlorine Test Kit
  Comprehensive water testing is essential. A reliable test kit measures pH, free chlorine, and total alkalinity.
• Algaecide
  Balanced pH supports chlorine efficacy, which helps prevent algae. Algaecide provides additional protection.
• Stabiliser
  For outdoor pools, cyanuric acid protects chlorine from UV degradation, reducing pH fluctuations.

FAQs- pH Plus

1. What is pH Plus used for in swimming pools?
   pH Plus (Sodium Carbonate) is used to raise low pH readings in pool water to the recommended range of 7.2–7.6.
2. How much pH Plus should I add to my pool?
   Typically 150–200 g per 10,000 litres to raise pH by approximately 0.2 units. Always test water and follow label instructions.
3. What is the difference between pH Plus and pH Plus Super?
   pH Plus (Sodium Carbonate) primarily raises pH. pH Plus Super (Sodium Bicarbonate) primarily raises total alkalinity with a mild pH effect.
4. Can pH Plus damage pool equipment?
   When used correctly at recommended dosages, pH Plus safely corrects pH without damaging equipment.
5. Why should I correct alkalinity before pH?
   Low alkalinity reduces pH buffering, making pH difficult to stabilise. Correct alkalinity first for effective pH adjustment.
6. How long does pH Plus take to work?
   pH Plus dissolves gradually. Retest pH after 4 hours for an accurate reading.
7. Is pH Plus safe to handle?
   Yes, but wear gloves, goggles, and a dust mask when handling dry product. pH Plus is a mild irritant.

Summary / Conclusion

pH Plus is a granular pH increaser containing Sodium Carbonate (soda ash) that raises low pH readings in pool water to the recommended range of 7.2–7.6. It is essential for swimmer comfort, equipment protection, and chlorine efficacy. Distinct from pH Plus Super (Sodium Bicarbonate), which primarily raises alkalinity, pH Plus has a stronger and more direct pH-raising effect. Pre-dissolve before adding, test pH after 4 hours, and always correct total alkalinity before pH adjustment. Suitable for all pool types.

Need pH Plus for your pool or facility?

Vinsol Kenya is your trusted supplier of swimming pool chemicals and water treatment solutions across Kenya and East Africa. Whether you manage a hotel pool, school facility, waterpark, or residential pool, we have the products and technical expertise to keep your water crystal clear and safe.

Contact us today for bulk orders, commercial supply contracts, or expert technical advice.

• 📞 Call/WhatsApp: +254 715 01 45 10
• 📧 Email: inquiries@vinsol.co.ke | info@vinsol.co.ke
• 📍 Ruiru Branch: Next to Total Petrol Station – Kihunguro, Ruiru
• 📍 Eldoret Branch: Rehema Complex, opposite Japara Ltd., along Oloo Street, Eldoret
• 🕐 Working Hours: Mon – Sat 8:30AM – 5PM

References:

1. Publisher Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
   Article Title: Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments, Vol. 2: Swimming Pools and Similar Environments
   URL: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241546808
   Access Date: August 4, 2026
2. Publisher Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
   Article Title: Healthy Swimming: Pool Chemical Safety
   URL: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/
   Access Date: August 4, 2026
3. Publisher Source: NSF International
   Article Title: NSF/ANSI Standard 50: Equipment for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Other Recreational Water Facilities
   URL: https://blog.ansi.org/ansi/nsf-ansi-50-2025-equipment-swimming-pools/
   Access Date: August 4, 2026
4. Publisher Source: Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG)
   Article Title: Swimming Pool Water: Treatment and Quality Standards for Pools and Spas
   URL: https://www.pwtag.org/standards/
   Access Date: August 4, 2026
5. Publisher Source: American Chemical Society (ACS)
   Article Title: The Chemistry of Swimming Pool Maintenance
   URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ed084p1124
   Access Date: August 4, 2026
6. Publisher Source: PubChem (National Library of Medicine)
   Article Title: Sodium Carbonate – Compound Summary
   URL: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-carbonate
   Access Date: August 4, 2026
7. Publisher Source: International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
   Article Title: ISO 15714: Method of Evaluating the UV Dose to Airborne Microorganisms
   URL: https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:15714:ed-1:v1:en:fig:1
   Access Date: August 4, 2026