To determine how much lye needed for a 22 ft pool, it’s best to test first your pool’s current pH level.
If I’m being honest, all the chemistry goes right over my head! But I know keeping it in the “sweet spot” is important.
What even is pH anyway? As far as I can tell, it’s like the acid-base measurement. Needs to land between 7.2-7.8 apparently.
Now let’s figure out how much lye needed for a 22 ft pool to add to bump up the pH in my 22-footer.
What is Lye
I had no clue what lye even was until I started maintaining my swimming pool this summer. After research it turns out an important chemical I need to have on hand.
Lye is Strong alkali that come in a pellet or powdered form. Most common types are sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. I know, scary names right?
But lye has some useful properties. It really amps up the pH level in water, making it more basic. My pool guy says that’s perfect for balancing out an acidic pH. All it takes is a tiny sprinkle diluted in water.
Of course, you gotta be super careful handling the stuff. No getting it on your skin or in your eyes – it can definitely burn. Wear gloves, goggle and work in a well-ventilated area.
A long time ago people actually used lye to make soap. Can you believe that? Now it has all sorts of industrial uses too, like drain cleaners. Some pretzel recipes even call for a lye water bath to get that signature crunch.
Anyway, with summer in full swing, I’m glad to have lye on hand to tweak my pool pH as needed. Just takes a little know how and caution, but it sure keeps those chemicals in check!
Calculating How much lye needed for a 22 ft pool
For a standard 22-foot rectangular pool holding around 20,000 gallons, 1-2 pounds of lye is typically needed to adjust the pH within the ideal range.
Adjusting the pH in my 22-Foot Inground Pool
- Test the current pH level. Use a reliable test kit and follow instructions carefully. Liquid tests tend to be most accurate.
- Note the size of your pool. I have a standard 22-foot rectangle pool holding about 20,000 gallons of water. Pool shapes and gallon capacities can vary.
- Check the ideal pH range, which is typically 7.2-7.8 for most pools. This helps create safe, comfortable swimming conditions.
- Calculate how much you need to adjust the pH up or down. For my pool, each 0.1 change requires about 1-2 lbs of lye.
- Select the right lye product – I use soda ash (sodium carbonate) which is a popular pH raising option.
- Gradually add lye to the pool water while the filter runs for at least 24 hours. This ensures even distribution.
- Recheck pH daily and add small amounts of lye as needed until the ideal range is achieved.
- Maintain proper pH by testing 1-2 times per week and adding lye as a tune-up when adjustments are minor.
Estimating Lye Amounts for Different Pool sizes
It is important to always test the actual pH of your individual pool before making any additions. Factors like water hardness, ongoing chemical readings, and pool construction can impact exact needs.
Gradual application while the filter runs is also recommended to allow full dispersion. Recheck pH daily and make minor adjustments as needed until the ideal range is achieved. Proper testing and pH maintenance will keep swimmers healthy and equipment protected all season long.
| Pool Size (feet) | Gallons | Target pH Range | Lbs of Lye Needed per 0.1 pH Change |
| 10×20 | 10,000 | 7.2-7.8 | 1-2 lbs |
| 15×30 | 15,000 | 7.2-7.8 | 1-3 lbs |
| 18×36 | 18,000 | 7.2-7.8 | 2-4 lbs |
| 22×44 | 22,000 | 7.2-7.8 | 2-5 lbs |
| 24×40 | 24,000 | 7.2-7.8 | 3-6 lbs |
| 30×60 | 30,000 | 7.2-7.8 | 4-8 lbs |
Notes:
- Amounts are estimated per 0.1 change and may vary depending on specific pool characteristics.
- Standard inground pool range 10,000 to 30,000 gallons.
- Above ground pools range 5,000 to 15,000 gallons.
- Test pool water pH regularly, at least weekly during peak use.
- Add lye gradually to distribute fully, and then retest pH daily until balanced.
- Maintain proper pH to keep water safe and equipment in good condition for swimming.
How to Add Lye to Your Pool
Follow these detailed steps to safely add lye and balance the pH
Gathering Supplies
To safely add lye, I need my plastic bucket, plastic scoop, thick gloves, goggles and a jug of soda ash lye. I’ll also grab my pH test kit to monitor progress.
Testing the Current pH
I do an initial test and record the pH and temperature in my pool log. This will tell me how far off from 7.2-7.8 range I am to calculate lye needs.
Calculating Lye Amount
Based on my 20,000 gallon pool size, each 0.1 change requires about 2 lbs of lye. I figure out how much lye is needed to reach my target pH.
Preparing the Lye Solution
Wearing gloves and goggles, I slowly add the measured lye to a small amount of pool water in my bucket, stirring constantly until fully dissolved.
Dispersing Evenly
With the filter running, I slowly pour the diluted lye around the pool perimeter and brush it into corners with a pool pole. This ensures even distribution.
Allowing Time for Dispersion
Now I wait 24 hours before retesting to give the lye time to fully disperse throughout the water before determining if any adjustments are needed.
Follow Up Testing
I test the pH daily and note it in my log until the ideal range is reached. Weekly monitoring maintains proper balance.
Safety precautions when handling lye
While swimming is super fun, it’s critical not to overlook safety when caring for your pool’s chemical balance.
Prepping the Work Area
First things first, I want my work space to be as safe as possible. I’ll spread out a tarp near the pool equipment to contain any spills. Opening both the tool shed and garage doors gives air flow too. My thick gardening gloves, goggles and boots go on before touching a thing.
Gathering Supplies Safely
I take inventory of what’s needed – lye, a plastic bucket, scoop, pH test kit. Always keeping lye bottles sealed when not in use prevents accidental exposure. Cleaning up spills immediately after also limits risk. Transporting materials secures containers shut tightly.
Proper Mixing Technique
The pool pros insisted dissolving lye in water gradually is best. So I add only a little at a time, stirring continuously until fully mixed before adding more. Going slow ensures a controlled reaction without hot spots or splashes. Plastic is also safer than metal containers during dissolution.
Careful Dispersion
With the filter running to circulate, I pour small amounts of diluted lye around the perimeter first. A telescoping brush helps disperse into cracks and crevices for even distribution throughout the pool. Going section by section prevents large concentrations in one area.
Post-Application Process
Waiting 24 hours after each application allows full dispersion before retesting pH. Continued monitoring 1-2 times weekly then maintains balance long term. I make notes in my logbook of all additions and measurements over time for reference.
Safety for All Users
Young kids and pets are kept away during active lye use to eliminate distractions. Pool access remains covered when not supervised too. With diligent safety habits, the whole family can enjoy clean swimming stress-free!
Emergency Preparedness
No safety plan is complete without supplies for unexpected situations. Onsite first aid equipment includes eye wash, gloves, bandages and my phone in a waterproof case to immediately call 911 if needed. It pays to be over-prepared when preventable risks are involved.
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