Sodium Bicarbonate
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Sodium bicarbonate has many uses, including balancing pool alkalinity, cleaning surfaces, deodorizing spaces, and whitening teeth. It’s a leavening agent in baking, a natural fungicide for plants, and a mild fire suppressant. It also soothes skin, neutralizes odors, softens water, and helps remove pesticides from produce. Be sure to chose the right grade for your use case. Feed and Food Grade are especially popular.
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) for Pools & Other Uses.
Sodium Bicarbonate for Pools
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is widely used in swimming pools to regulate pH and alkalinity levels. In Australia, it is a common and cost-effective alternative to commercial pool alkalinity increasers.
Benefits of Sodium Bicarbonate in Pools:
- Raises Total Alkalinity – Helps stabilise pH levels and prevents sudden fluctuations.
- Prevents Corrosion – Protects pool equipment and surfaces from acidic water.
- Improves Water Clarity – Helps maintain balanced water chemistry.
- Gentler on Swimmers – Reduces skin and eye irritation from overly acidic water.
How to Use It in Pools:
- To Increase Alkalinity: Add 1.5 kg per 50,000 litres of water to raise total alkalinity by about 10 ppm (parts per million).
- To Raise pH: It has a mild effect on pH but can help if levels are low.
- Application:
⚠ Tip: If pH is too low, you may need soda ash (sodium carbonate) instead, as baking soda mainly affects alkalinity.
Other Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is a versatile household and industrial product with many applications beyond pools.
1. Cleaning & Deodorising
- Household Cleaner: Mix with water to scrub surfaces, tiles, and stainless steel.
- Odour Neutraliser: Place in fridges, bins, or shoes to absorb smells.
- Carpet & Upholstery Freshener: Sprinkle and vacuum after 15 minutes.
2. Personal Care
- Toothpaste Alternative: Mild abrasive for whitening teeth.
- Deodorant: Neutralises body odour when applied as a dry powder.
- Bath Soak: Softens water and soothes skin irritations.
3. Cooking & Food Uses
- Leavening Agent: Essential for baking.
- Meat Tenderiser: Breaks down proteins for softer meat.
- Veggie Wash: Removes pesticides and dirt from produce.
4. Gardening & Agriculture
- Fungal Control: Used as a natural fungicide for plants.
- Soil pH Adjuster: Can help neutralise acidic soil.
- Pest Deterrent: Deters ants and some insects.
5. Fire Extinguishing
- Sodium bicarbonate is used in some fire extinguishers and can put out small grease or electrical fires at home.
Disclaimer: Please seek expert advise before using sodium bicarbonate and dont depend on information on this page that may have errors or not be suited to your exact use case.
