Puerto Verde natural alkalinity increaser for pools is a mineral product that gradually and controllably raises the total alkalinity (TA) of the water, without abruptly altering the pH. Maintaining alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm is the basis for pH to remain stable over time: without correct alkalinity, pH constantly fluctuates no matter how many times you adjust it. Puerto Verde's alkalinity increaser is formulated with food-grade minerals, leaving no toxic residues in the water.
What is total alkalinity and why is it so important?
Total alkalinity (TA) measures the water's capacity to resist abrupt pH changes: it acts as a chemical "buffer" or "cushion." It is measured in ppm (parts per million), and the optimal range for pools is 80 to 120 ppm. When alkalinity is too low, the pH becomes unstable and varies from day to day even if you adjust it correctly; when it's too high, the pH tends to rise on its own, and the water can become cloudy.
Therefore, in pool maintenance, the same order is always followed: first, total alkalinity is adjusted, and only then is the pH fine-tuned. Doing it the other way around is the most frequent cause of pools where "the pH never stabilizes."
Pool water total alkalinity (TA) range, from lowest (left) to highest (right)
When do you need to raise your pool's alkalinity?
- The alkalinity test shows less than 80 ppm with test strips or photometer
- The pH constantly fluctuates even if you correct it every few days
- Eye or skin irritation in swimmers despite the pH appearing to be within range
- Visible corrosion on ladders, screws, or metallic elements of the pool
- After heavy rain or refilling the pool with very soft tap water
- After using excessive pH reducer, which also lowers alkalinity
- If you have just filled the pool for the first time or after a complete draining
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Advantages of Puerto Verde's alkalinity increaser
Natural alkalinity increaser vs. conventional products
| Feature | Natural Alkalinity+ | Conventional synthetic products |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Natural mineral | Industrial synthetic |
| Effect on pH | ✓ Minimal, controlled | ✗ Can alter it excessively |
| Risk of overdosing | ✓ Low | ✗ High |
| Skin/eye irritant | ✓ No | ✗ Yes in concentration |
| Biodegradable | ✓ Yes | ✗ Not always |
| Salt / UV compatible | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Stabilizes pH long-term | ✓ Yes | ✗ Temporary effect |
| Safe household use | ✓ Yes | ✗ Requires caution |
How to apply the alkalinity increaser step by step
- Measure current alkalinity: Use test strips, a liquid test kit, or a digital photometer. Note down the value — you need to know how much to raise it to calculate the dosage.
- Calculate the dose: Use the pH and alkalinity calculator to get the exact grams according to your pool volume and the required TA increase.
- Dissolve the product: Add the calculated dose to a bucket with clean pool water. Stir until completely dissolved. Never add it directly as powder to the water.
- Pour with pump running: With the filtration system running, slowly distribute the solution around the perimeter of the pool, especially near the water returns.
- Wait 4–6 hours: Let the pump circulate the water so the product distributes evenly before re-measuring.
- Re-measure alkalinity: Check the value. If it is still below 80 ppm, repeat with a smaller additional dose. Never add large doses at once.
- Adjust pH afterwards: Once alkalinity is within range (80–120 ppm), measure and correct the pH with a pH increaser or reducer as appropriate.
Approximate dosage of alkalinity increaser according to volume and required increase
The indicated doses are approximate for raising total alkalinity by approximately 10 ppm. For larger increases, calculate by multiplying or use the calculator.
| Pool volume | 10 ppm increase | 20 ppm increase | 30 ppm increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 m³ | 300 g | 600 g | 900 g |
| 32 m³ | 480 g | 960 g | 1,440 g |
| 50 m³ | 750 g | 1,500 g | 2,250 g |
| 64 m³ | 960 g | 1,920 g | 2,880 g |
| 80 m³ | 1,200 g | 2,400 g | 3,600 g |
Actual values may vary depending on pH, temperature, and water hardness. Always use the pH and alkalinity calculator for greater accuracy.
The relationship between alkalinity and pH stability
Total alkalinity acts as the water's "buffer": the lower it is, the easier it is for the pH to spike up or down due to any external factor (bathers, rain, chlorine, temperature). With TA below 60 ppm, the pH can vary by more than 0.3 units in a single day. With TA in the optimal range of 80–120 ppm, the pH remains stable for several days even with intensive pool use.
| Total Alkalinity (TA) | pH Stability | Status |
|---|---|---|
| <60 ppm | Very unstable, changes daily | ✗ Too low |
| 60–80 ppm | Slightly unstable | ✗ Low |
| 80–100 ppm | Stable | ✓ Optimal |
| 100–120 ppm | Very stable | ✓ Optimal |
| 120–150 ppm | pH tends to rise on its own | ✗ High |
| +150 ppm | Cloudy water, scaling | ✗ Too high |
Frequently asked questions about natural alkalinity increaser
What is the difference between alkalinity and pH?
How long does it take for alkalinity to rise after applying the product?
Can I swim after raising alkalinity?
Why should I raise alkalinity before pH?
How often should alkalinity be checked?
Is the alkalinity increaser compatible with saltwater or UV pools?
Why does my pool's pH constantly drop or rise?
What happens if I overdo it and raise the alkalinity too much?
Can I use the alkalinity increaser in a natural pool or biopool?
How much product do I need for the whole season?
Where can I buy natural alkalinity increaser for pools online in Spain?
Don't know how much alkalinity you need to raise?
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