Soda ash is used in swimming pool water to?

Soda ash, chemically known as sodium carbonate, is commonly used in swimming pool maintenance to raise the pH of the water. The ideal pH range for swimming pool water is typically between 7.2 and 7.8. When the pH falls below this range, water can become acidic, leading to potential issues such as corrosion of metal components, irritation of the skin and eyes for swimmers, and ineffective chlorine disinfection.

By adding soda ash to pool water, you increase the pH level, helping to restore it to a more balanced and safe range for swimming. This adjustment not only ensures a comfortable experience for swimmers but also enhances the effectiveness of the chlorine used for sanitation, as chlorine operates more efficiently at a higher pH.

Other methods of adjusting water chemistry typically include the use of different substances for lowering pH or stabilizing chlorine, but soda ash specifically serves to elevate the pH, making it the correct choice for this context.