5 Things to Know About Using Sodium Bisulfate for Pool pH

Sodium bisulfate is the standard, safer alternative to muriatic acid for lowering pool pH. You can buy it as a granular powder at any pool store.

Follow the dosage on the bag—start with about 1 pound per 10,000 gallons to lower pH by 0.1–0.2, then retest. It is less aggressive than muriatic acid, so you are less likely to overshoot or burn yourself.

Sodium bisulfate adds sulfates to the water, but that is rarely an issue unless you are on a strict mineral-balance regimen.

Do not use vinegar or lemon juice. You would need gallons, and the organic matter will feed algae. Stick to pool-grade chemicals.

Aim for a pH of 7.4–7.6 and test weekly.