ALKA+ Total Alkalinity Increaser Powder – 5 kg
ALKA+ is a 5 kg powdered total alkalinity increaser designed to raise the alkalinity of swimming pool water when the level is too low. Based on sodium bicarbonate, it improves the water's buffering capacity and helps keep the pH more stable.
The 5 kg pack provides a larger supply for alkalinity adjustments based on your pool's measured water balance.
What is ALKA+ used for?
Total alkalinity (TA), also referred to as TAC, describes the ability of pool water to resist changes in pH.
When total alkalinity is too low, pH can fluctuate more easily in response to chemical treatments and environmental conditions.
ALKA+ raises the total alkalinity of the water, helping it resist sudden pH changes and making pool water balance easier to manage.
Total alkalinity should not be confused with calcium hardness or pH. These are separate water parameters that require different types of adjustment.
Find out more in our guide to pool water alkalinity and hardness.
When should you use ALKA+?
Use ALKA+ when a water test shows that total alkalinity is too low and an adjustment is required.
Measure both TA and pH before adding the product. Routine addition at the beginning of every swimming season is unnecessary if the water parameters are already balanced.
The manufacturer's label identifies an ideal TA range of 10 to 15 French degrees (°f), equivalent to 100–150 mg/L expressed as CaCO₃.
How much ALKA+ should you add?
What is the recommended dosage for raising total alkalinity?
According to the manufacturer's label, 170 g of ALKA+ increases total alkalinity by 1 French degree (10 mg/L) in 10 m³ of pool water.
The amount required depends on the pool volume and the desired adjustment.
| Parameter | Manufacturer's instructions |
|---|---|
| Reference dosage | 170 g per 10 m³ |
| Corresponding TA increase | 1 °f (10 mg/L) |
| Maximum dilution concentration | 70 g per litre of water |
The 70 g/L limit applies to dilution in a bucket, not to the pool's total treatment dosage.
Always follow the product label and the treatment recommendations appropriate for your water.
How to use ALKA+
-
Test the pool's total alkalinity and pH before treatment.
-
If the pH is below 6.6, first raise it to between 6.8 and 7.0 using a pH increaser, as specified on the manufacturer's label.
-
Determine the required amount of ALKA+ from the water volume and the intended TA adjustment.
-
Switch on the filtration system and make sure there are no swimmers in the pool.
-
Dilute the product in a bucket of water, using no more than 70 g of product per litre of water.
-
Distribute the prepared solution throughout the pool while filtration is running.
-
Once the water has mixed, check TA and pH again before deciding whether further adjustment is necessary.
Why choose the 5 kg pack?
The 5 kg format is a practical choice when you want a larger supply of alkalinity increaser available for future water balance adjustments.
Actual product consumption depends on your pool volume and measured alkalinity requirements.
If you prefer a smaller pack, see ALKA+ powder – 1 kg.
Product specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product name | ALKA+ / TAC PLUS |
| Product type | Total alkalinity increaser |
| Form | Powder |
| Pack size | 5 kg |
| Identified substance | Sodium bicarbonate |
| CAS number | 144-55-8 |
| EC number | 205-633-8 |
| Main function | Raises total alkalinity in pool water |
| UFI | 4W73-18TP-DW1N-F0T9 |
Safety precautions
-
Read and follow all instructions on the product label before use.
-
Keep out of reach of children.
-
Do not breathe dust. Use only in well-ventilated areas.
-
Apply the treatment while filtration is running and no swimmers are present.
-
Keep the product in its original packaging and do not reuse empty containers.
-
If medical advice is needed, have the container or label available.
A safety data sheet is available on request. Always consult the original packaging for complete safety and handling instructions.
Measure and monitor alkalinity with iopool
Use iopool 6-in-1 test strips to check total alkalinity manually.
The iopool app can use manually entered water test results to support personalised water treatment recommendations.
EcO Start automatically measures pH, ORP and water temperature, but does not directly measure total alkalinity.
Frequently asked questions
Does ALKA+ increase pH?
ALKA+ is designed primarily to raise total alkalinity. It may also affect pH, depending on the initial water balance.
What is the difference between ALKA+ and pH+?
ALKA+ raises total alkalinity to improve pH buffering. A pH increaser is used to raise the pH level itself.
Should I add ALKA+ every week?
No fixed weekly schedule is stated on the label. Only use the product when water testing indicates that an alkalinity adjustment is needed.
Can I pour ALKA+ powder directly into my pool?
No. The manufacturer's instructions require the product to be diluted in a bucket of water before the solution is dispersed with filtration running.
What if the pool's pH is below 6.6?
Follow the label's instruction to increase pH to between 6.8 and 7.0 before correcting total alkalinity.