Pool maintenance goes beyond scrubbing and cleaning the tiles. Pool water must be treated to keep it clean and safe. Failure to treat pool water will result in imbalances in its overall pH and alkalinity levels, posing many health issues.
Sodium bisulfate is one of several chemicals used to treat pool water. It is generally considered safe, but it should be used properly for the best results. Here is a comprehensive overview of how this chemical works and how you can use it to lower your pool water’s alkalinity and pH levels.
What Is Sodium Bisulfate Pool?
Sodium bisulfate, also known as sodium hydrogen sulfate, monosodium hydrogen sulfate, sodium hydrosulfite, acid sodium salt, or sodium acid sulfate, is a chemical with many everyday household applications including as a food preservative and cleaning and microbial agents. It goes by many other common names, including dry acid and acid salt.
Albeit sodium bisulfate is formed by combining sulfuric acid and a sodium base, like sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide. It still maintains a highly acidic pH rated at around one. Consequently, it is used as an acidity regulator to lower the pool water’s overall alkalinity and pH levels.
Sodium bisulfate appears as a white and grainy crystalline solid, which is stable and easily dissolves in water. However, it is worth noting that this substance is corrosive to flesh and metals (and should be used carefully, as directed later).
Why You Need Sodium Bisulfate in Your Pool
Everyone knows that you need chlorine in your pool water. Chlorine does an excellent job of keeping the water clean and clear. However, it has a limited life expectancy, and it cannot work properly if the pH or water alkalinity levels are not ideal.
Additionally, the resulting toxicity in the pool water makes it hazardous and poses risks such as skin irritation and other health risks. There are other acids in the pool business, such as cyanuric acid and citric acid, but they are not used for adjusting pH or alkalinity levels. Sodium bisulfate is used for this purpose.
Sodium bisulfate can be used in many ways, such as food additives, and it also functions as a pH reducer for pools, as explained. Consequently, it helps to support the role of chlorine, which prevents cloudy water, thus keeping it clean and safe for swimming. To maintain efficient sanitization, we should adjust pH and alkalinity to keep water in LSI balance and in non-stabilized pools without any cyanuric acid (CYA).
When Is It Appropriate to Use Sodium Bisulfate for Pools?
It is always advisable to use safe amounts of all pool chemicals, including chlorine and sodium bisulfate. So, how do you tell it is the right time to add this dry acid to your pool water? The trick is to look for signs that chlorine’s efficiency is wearing off.
Chlorine has a limited life expectancy, as explained. Some of the signs that chlorine is becoming ineffective include:
- The pool water appears cloudy.
- Algae and other microbes start growing, turning the water green.
- The pool equipment appears corroded.
It is advisable to add an appropriate amount of sodium bisulfate (as discussed below) to your pool water as soon as you observe these signs and changes. It is also important to ensure that the pool undergoes regular maintenance, including cleaning the pool’s surface, changing the pool water, and adding necessary chemicals such as chlorine.
However, it would be more prudent to add sodium bisulfate to your pool water before these signs appear. You can do this by testing the water regularly to determine its pH and alkalinity levels.
Make sure to pour the powder (or mixture) into your pool near the return jets and not near the intake/skimmer (for an inground pool) and around the walls of the pool (for an above-ground pool). Also, note that using it continuously over time can lead to sulfate deposits/scale in vinyl pools and can attack and permanently scale concrete and plaster surfaces.
Sodium Bisulfate Pool Calculator: How Much Sodium Bisulfate to Use
So, how much sodium bisulfate should you add to your pool. Too much of this chemical may be hazardous to you and the pool equipment (it is acidic, after all), while too little will be ineffective (which is also hazardous).
The appropriate amount of sodium bisulfate to add will depend on factors such as the water’s overall alkalinity and pH levels. Most sodium bisulfate packages include instructions on how much to add based on these and other factors. However, it is easier to use a SODIUM BISULFATE POOL CALCULATOR for a more accurate measurement.
How to Lower pH with Sodium Bisulfate
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reduce your pool water’s pH levels using sodium bisulfate:
Step 1: Test the Current pH Levels
Start by testing the pool water’s current pH levels using a test kit. Ideally, the pool’s pH should range between 7.2 and 7.6.
- Features a photometer which gives you a digital reading of test results.
- Water resistant housing and carrying case provided.
- Tests Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Bromine, PH, Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and Cyanuric Acid.
- Uses liquid reagents for all test factors except Cyanuric Acid, which uses tablets.
Step 2: Measure the Appropriate Amount of Sodium Bisulfate
As explained earlier, it is essential to add the right amount of this pool pH reducer. Fortunately, using a sodium bisulfate pool calculator, you can easily determine the right amount depending on your pool’s size, pH levels, and other factors. Be sure to use proper protection when handling this pool pH decreaser!
Step 3: Dissolve & Add the Sodium Bisulfate
As explained, sodium bisulfate comes as a slid crystalline and dissolves easily in water. However, it is still advisable to dissolve to power in a small container before adding it to the pool water. Additionally, adding the chemical as a solution makes it easier to spread around the pool evenly, consequently making it more effective.
It is also advisable to add the dissolved sodium bisulfate to your pool water near the jets. By doing this, the chemicals will be dispersed evenly across the pool due to the force generated by the jets.
- Sodium Bisulfate, 50 lb; Pail, (Dry Powder) commonly known as pH Decreaser, is used to lower pH in commercial and residential swimming pools and spas
- DOSING CALCULATIONS: 10 lb; per 120,000 may lower pH level by 0;2
- Ships in a durable plastic pail with a resealable lid
Step 4: Wait & Retest
Albeit sodium bisulfate dissolves quickly in water, it still takes some time to bring the pool pH down. Additionally, the chemical can cause irritation and other health risks when exposed to the skin.
As such, it is advisable to wait for about six hours before resting the water and swimming in it – it may take a shorter period, but six hours is the recommended time. Then, finally, retest the pool water’s pH levels before taking a dip.
- BEWARE: We want you to receive quality, authentic product so please carefully note the seller you are buying from and the spelling of Amazon to avoid receiving a bad copy of this product
- For maintaining healthy water chemistry in swimming pool or spa; contains 50 strips in easy-to-store container
- Pool water tester analyzes four chemical factors; free chlorine, bromine, alkalinity and pH
How to Lower Your Alkalinity With Sodium Bisulfate
The process of lowering your pool water’s alkalinity levels using sodium bisulfate is mostly similar to the process described above: testing the water, adding the chemical, and then retesting the water after some time to ensure that everything is balanced.
In this case, you will be testing the water’s alkalinity levels, which should range between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). Additionally, the amount of sodium bisulfate to add will depend on factors such as the alkalinity and pH levels – it can be confusing. So it is advisable to use the pool calculator. Additionally, remember to dissolve the sodium bisulfate and add the solution close to the jets. It is also advisable to wait at least six hours before retesting or using the water.
Also, out-of-balance alkalinity and pH levels can cause corrosion or buildup on pool equipment, stained pool tile, cloudy pool water, irritation to the eyes and skin, and a faster breakdown of chlorine molecules.
Sodium Bisulfate Safety Considerations
Sodium bisulfate is generally considered safe. However, it is still important to handle it carefully, considering that it is acidic.
Consequently, it is advisable to wear protective clothing when handling concentrated amounts of the substance. Additionally, it is prudent to wait for at least six hours before using the pool after adding sodium bisulfate. Finally, using an appropriate amount of the chemical is advisable, as too much of it can be corrosive to you and the pool equipment.
Helpful Tips for Using Sodium Bisulfate
Here are some tips to help you make the most of sodium bisulfate for your pool:
- Use a calculator to measure the right amount of sodium bisulfate to add to your pool.
- Dissolve the sodium bisulfate in some water before adding it to the pool water.
- Add the sodium bisulfate to the pool water near the jets for a more even distribution.
- Wait for at least six hours before using the pool water after adding the sodium bisulfate.
- Wear protective clothing in case the solution of sodium bisulfate is corrosive.
Alternatives to Sodium Bisulfate
Sodium bisulfate acid is one of several pool chemicals used to stabilize alkalinity and pH levels. Other popular types of acids include:
Muriatic Acid
Muriatic acid is one of the main alternatives to sodium bisulfate, and it has the same effect: lowering alkalinity and pH levels. It is probably the most common and most used type of acid and is also called hydrochloric acid. Notably, it works faster than sodium bisulfate, thanks to its liquid state and high concentration – however, these are also potential health and safety setbacks, as discussed below.
Cyanuric Acid
Cyanuric acid is an essential chemical often used to stabilize chlorine, thereby increasing its life expectancy. Research shows that almost 50% of chlorine is burnt out by UV sun rays barely 20 minutes after adding it to pool water. It is worth noting that cyanuric acid also comes as crystals and should be dissolved before adding to the pool. However, this chemical doesn’t affect alkalinity and pH levels.
- Cyanuric acid for pools
- Helps reduce chlorine loss
- Recommended cyanuric acid level is 40-100 ppm
- 6 ounces raises cyanuric acid level 10 ppm per 5,000 gallons of water
- Increases cyanuric acid level
Sodium Bisulfate vs. Muriatic Acid: Why Choose Sodium Bisulfate Instead of Muriatic Acid?
As mentioned, muriatic acid works slightly faster than sodium bisulfate and does just as good a job as the latter. So, which is better?
Experts always recommend sodium bisulfate because it is safer than muriatic acid. Muriatic acid is highly concentrated and can easily burn through the skin or choke your sensitive breathing organs. Additionally, it comes in liquid form, which is more difficult to handle than solid sodium bisulfate. Consequently, it is always advisable to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, masks, and boots to handle muriatic acid.
Besides, sodium bisulfate works just as fast when dissolved, as explained. It is also generally easier and safer to use.
Sodium Bisulfate Pool FAQs
Is Sodium Bisulfate the Same as Muriatic Acid?
No, sodium bisulfate is not similar to muriatic acid. Both chemicals are acids used to lower pool water’s alkalinity and pH levels. However, they exhibit several distinct differences. For example, muriatic acid is liquid while sodium bisulfate is solid. It is also worth noting that muriatic acid is more hazardous than the latter and should be handled carefully.
How Much Sodium Bisulfate Do I Put In My Pool?
The amount of sodium bisulfate to put in your pool will depend on factors such as the volume of water and its overall alkalinity and pH levels. It is important to add the right amount as too much can be hazardous. You will find instructions on the sodium bisulfate’s packaging. Alternatively, you can use a sodium bisulfate pool calculator to measure more accurately.
Is Sodium Bisulfate Hazardous?
Sodium bisulfate is generally safe to use and handle and is even approved by the CDC. However, it may be hazardous in highly concentrated levels, especially when dissolved in water. Additionally, it can blow into the eyes and on open skin in windy weather, causing irritation and other problems. It is advised to handle sodium bisulfate carefully and wait at least six hours to swim after adding it to pool water.
Why Does It Matter if My Pool’s PH Is Too High?
A high level of pH in your pool water is a cause for concern because it is hazardous. It supports the growth of fungi and other harmful microbes in the water, making it turn cloudy or green. Consequently, the water becomes hazardous, making it irritating to the skin and causing diseases. To balance and lower the pH levels of the water, sodium bisulfate should be used.
Does Sodium Bisulfate Lower Chlorine Levels?
No, sodium bisulfate doesn’t lower chlorine levels. Instead, it helps increase chlorine’s overall efficiency and life expectancy by stabilizing alkalinity and pH levels. However, it is worth noting that sodium thiosulfate can lower chlorine levels.
Is Sodium Bisulfate the Same as Soda Ash?
No, sodium bisulfate is not the same as soda ash. However, it is often referred to as bisulfate of soda, hence the confusion.
Is Sodium Bisulfate the Same as Baking Soda?
No, sodium bisulfate is not the same as baking soda. It may be confused as such because it is referred to as bisulfate of soda and is a common household item.
Where to Buy Sodium Bisulfate?
Sodium bisulfate is considered safe and approved by the CDC. Consequently, it is sold freely in the market as an uncontrolled substance, including on e-commerce sites such as Amazon. However, it is important to ensure that you buy this chemical only from a credible merchant for safety purposes.
The Bottom Line
As explained in this comprehensive guide, sodium bisulfate is essential to keeping your pool clean and safe for swimming. It helps to lower the water’s alkalinity and pH levels, thus enabling the chlorine to keep the water sparkling for longer. It is generally safe to use, but remember to use the appropriate amount and handle it with care.
For over 15 years, Sean Moore has been sharing his love and enthusiasm for swimming pools and hot tubs with everyone he knows. His goal is to help everyday people DIY their maintenance to save money by teaching how to properly take care of your equipment, safely and correctly balance chemicals, and extend the life of your water oasis.
Pricing on this page was last updated on 2024-04-29