Alkalinity Increaser Sodium Bicarbonate 1kg | Pool & Spa | Perfect Pools NZ
pH swings making your pool or spa impossible to balance? Alkalinity Increaser (Sodium Bicarbonate) is the essential buffer that keeps your water stable - stopping pH from bouncing up and down every time you add chemicals, it rains, or bather load changes.
The 1kg pail is the perfect size for spa owners, small pools, or anyone who wants a top-up supply on hand. Without adequate Total Alkalinity, pH becomes impossible to control - chlorine loses effectiveness, water turns corrosive, and your equipment pays the price.
Why Total Alkalinity Matters
- Ideal Total Alkalinity range: 80-120 ppm for pools | 80-150 ppm for spas
- Low Total Alkalinity - pH swings wildly, water becomes corrosive to surfaces and fittings
- High Total Alkalinity - pH locks high, chlorine loses effectiveness, water turns cloudy
- Correct Total Alkalinity = stable pH, effective chlorine, and comfortable swimming
Product Features
- Active Ingredient: Sodium Bicarbonate - the gold standard for raising Total Alkalinity
- pH-Neutral Formula - raises Total Alkalinity without significantly affecting pH levels
- Fast-Dissolving - disperses quickly for even distribution throughout the water
- Dual-Purpose - suitable for swimming pools and spa pools
- Protects Equipment - prevents corrosion of pumps, heaters, and fittings caused by low Total Alkalinity
- 1kg Resealable Pail - ideal size for spas or top-up dosing
Dosing Guide
Spa Pools:
- Add 30g per 1,000L to raise Total Alkalinity by approximately 10 ppm
- Run jets while adding for even distribution
- Retest after 30 minutes before re-dosing
Swimming Pools:
- Add 1.5kg per 50,000L to raise Total Alkalinity by approximately 10 ppm
- Pre-dissolve in a bucket of water before adding to pool
- Add near a return jet with pump running
- Allow 6 hours of circulation, then retest before adding more
Tip: Always adjust Total Alkalinity before adjusting pH. Getting Total Alkalinity right first makes pH much easier to control. Test with strips before and after every dose.
Available Sizes
- 1kg Pail (this product) - ideal for spas or small top-up doses
- 4kg Pail - most popular for regular pool maintenance
- 10kg Pail - best value for large pools or frequent use
Use Alongside These Products
Alkalinity Increaser is step one of balanced water chemistry. Pair it with:
- pH Increaser (Soda Ash) 1kg - once Total Alkalinity is correct, use to fine-tune pH up to 7.2-7.6
- Crystalline Chlorine 4kg - sanitize at the correct Total Alkalinity and pH for maximum effectiveness
- 5-in-1 Test Strips - test Total Alkalinity, pH, chlorine, and hardness before and after every dose
- Spa Pool Starter Kit - includes Alkalinity Increaser plus everything needed for a fresh fill
Safety & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from children and pets
- Do not mix with other pool chemicals
- Avoid inhaling dust - use in a well-ventilated area
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Pickup & Delivery
π Perfect Pools Service Warehouse - 15C Douglas Alexander Parade, Albany
π
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm | Sat 10am-2pm
π Auckland delivery available - mobile services by appointment
π© Questions? Email perfectpoolsnz@gmail.com or call 022 286 2881
β Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between alkalinity and pH?
A: Total Alkalinity is the buffer that keeps pH stable. Think of Total Alkalinity as the anchor - without it, pH drifts constantly. Always correct Total Alkalinity first, then adjust pH.
Q: How quickly does Alkalinity Increaser work?
A: It begins working within minutes of application. Allow 6 hours of full circulation before retesting and re-dosing if needed.
Q: Can I add Alkalinity Increaser and chlorine at the same time?
A: No - adjust alkalinity first, wait 6 hours, then add chlorine. Adding both together reduces effectiveness of both chemicals.
Q: What if my Total Alkalinity is too high?
A: High Total Alkalinity (above 150 ppm) is corrected by adding a pH Decreaser (Sodium Bisulphate) and aerating the water. Test regularly to avoid overcorrecting.
Q: How long will a 1kg pail last?
A: For a 1,000L spa needing a 30 ppm raise in Total Alkalinity, you need approximately 90g. A 1kg pail provides roughly 11 full treatments, or many more for small top-up doses.
Q: Is this safe for all pool and spa types?
A: Yes - safe for concrete, fibreglass, vinyl liner, and tiled pools, and all spa pool types.
π― You Might Also Need
- 5-in-1 Pool & Spa Test Strips - always test Total Alkalinity and pH before dosing
- pH Increaser (Soda Ash) 1kg - adjust pH after getting Total Alkalinity right
- Crystalline Chlorine 4kg - sanitize at the right chemistry for best results
- Spa Pool Starter Kit - complete water care bundle for new spa owners