We have been arguing between staff on whether sodium bicarbonate raises chlorine levels in a pool. I know it stabilizes the pH and prevents a pH bounce and the total alkalinity is raised to corrected levels but does adding it into a pool cause the chlorine levels to also raise?
Ask the Pool Guy Changed status to publish May 19, 2022
It should not raise the chlorine level. High levels of sodium bicarbonate can impact chlorine readings however, as is often referred to as “masking” the level if it’s too high you won’t get an accurate reading. Algae also is inhibited at more acidic pH levels, so a higher pH will make chlorine less effective as well.
Ask the Pool Guy Changed status to publish May 19, 2022