How do I raise the alkalinity in my pool?

Add baking soda, one or two cups at a time, until it's where it should be. Check PH between applications though because the baking soda can lower the PH. It could also be that you're not shocking your pool enough.

You want to run your pool water alkalinity level between 80-100ppm, not up to 150 as some may suggest. Most pools guys get their info. on how to balance pools from your local water company. Yes, this is correct. It's called the Langelier Index, which was originally designed for public water systems. This index was never intended for pools.

In the 1950's, when pools started to come into the mainstream, this was the only index available, so it was used to balance pools and hot tubs.

The Hamilton Index, which I use, is much more pool-friendly and is specifically designed for pools. It takes into consideration acid rain, drag-off, heat, the sun, organic and inorganic matter in the pool, etc...

While I don't completely agree with the Hamilton Index, it is much closer to how a pool should be balanced and will save you much time and money in the long run.

To raise the alkalinity in Swimming Pools, the most common and the safest chemical is Sodium Bicarbonate. You know, good ole' fashion

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda.

Try to not add more than 2lbs. of Sodium Bicarbonate, or another kind of alkalinity increaser, for every 10,000 gallons of water in a single application.

While your filtration system is off and the water is motionless, stand in the deep end of the pool and sprinkle (don't dump the product or go too fast), the Sodium Bicarbonate

or alkalinity up.

Allow the water to sit for 2-3 hours, then turn the pump back on and allow the pool to fully circulate, usually 4-6 hours, then re-test your pool's alkalinity balance. Doing this technique will increase your alkalinity without much happening to the pH level.