A viral article with a TikTok video that accompanied it shared a “hack” for pool maintenance. This caught the attention pool owners around the world. This hack claimed that adding a cup baking soda every other day to the pool was the key to keeping the water perfectly balanced. Is this method really effective or could it harm your pool if you try it? We spoke to Rudy Stankowitz, a pool care expert and CPO instructor.
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How real is this pool hack?
Rudy Stankowitz describes the viral video on pool maintenance as “a fantastic clickbait.” Like most clickbait there is a small amount of truth, but it comes with significant risks. Stankowitz explains, “There were some truths in it, but there were also a number of things that weren’t true, and that could put a home owner in a bad situation if they followed the advice given by this woman.”
Proper pool care is important
It’s important to know the basics of pool maintenance before diving into the “hack” of baking soda. Stankowitz stresses that adding chemicals to your swimming pool shouldn’t be done haphazardly. He says that adding chemicals to your pool should never be done without testing the water first and determining if it’s necessary. This rule is fundamental to pool care. Adding chemicals at random can cause imbalances, problems and damage to your swimming pool.
Pool pH and its role in pool maintenance
The pH level is a crucial factor for pool maintenance. It measures the acidity and base of the water. Rudy Stankowitz explains the importance of pH. “It is the measurement of acidity and base.” The measurement of hydrogen ion activities is what pH is.
- Pool Protect: The pH of the water plays an important role in protecting pool structures and preventing damage.
- Chlorine effectiveness: The effectiveness and efficiency of chlorine is dependent on the pH level in water. Lower pH levels lead to a more effective chlorine action.
- Algae prevention : The type algae that we see in pools prefers a pH >7.6
Stankowitz suggests maintaining a pH between 7.2 and 7.4 to ensure bather safety and proper water quality. A pH level that is controlled properly will ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.
Baking soda in pool maintenance
The pool owner in the viral video claimed that he used a cup baking soda every two days as a pH balancer. Stankowitz warns that while baking soda does raise the total alkalinity of water, adding it blindly without testing can cause problems. Stankowitz warned that “she’ll reach a point when her total alkalinity will be too high” in an attempt to maintain pH. The constant addition of baking soda can lead to an excessive total alkalinity. This will require the addition acid to lower the level, which would then drop the pH. The result is a yoyo-effect and a series of problems.
The Problem With pH Bounce
Stankowitz brings up the issue of PH bounce, or pH lock. This is a term that describes drastic pH fluctuations. Addition of chemicals can have unpredictable effects on pH. The pH of baking soda is 8.4, which means that it’s not a good choice to raise pH. Soda ash is a better option, as it is both cost-effective and more effective at raising pH.
Copper Ionization hack: Fact or fiction?
In the viral video, a pool owner created a copper ionization device by using a copper pipe drilled into a plastic bottle. Stankowitz admits that copper has bactericidal qualities and is used to control algae in swimming pools. The effectiveness of this DIY technique is however questionable. Copper’s contact-kill effect is dependent on certain conditions. Enclosing copper pipes in plastic bottles reduces contact time more than flow rate. It is important to note that this ensures the contact will only occur when the pump has been turned off, and maybe for the 2 or 3 gallons in the skimmer. The lack of control and testing over copper levels can lead to stains and other problems in your pool.
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Importance of Testing
Stankowitz stresses the importance of water testing for pool maintenance. He says that if she used the entire test kit, had basic chemistry skills and always used sodium bicarbonate to increase total alkalinity when she needed it, he would consider that a great thing. Instead of relying on untested hacks, pool owners should use accurate testing methods.
Managing External factors
Rudy Stankowitz recommends that pool owners who are dealing with external factors, such as storms or other weather conditions, maintain the ideal total acidity. This serves as a buffer against pH fluctuations. It is important to understand how cyanuric acids affect total alkalinity. Pool owners can get a better measure of alkalinity by adjusting the amount of cyanuric acids in their water. This helps to maintain a pH that is stable and prevents the water from becoming too corrosive.
Shortcuts and DIY hacks in the world of pool maintenance can do more harm than benefit. Rudy Stankowitz reveals the importance of understanding pool water chemistry and using the right testing methods. Although there is some truth in the viral “hack” of using baking soda, it’s important to realize that pool maintenance requires a precise science and that knowledge and attention are required to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Listen to the entire interview with Rudy Stankowitz in the Pool Magazine Podcast.
The post Baking soda pool hack – Is it real or is it clickbait? first appeared on PoolMagazine.com.
