How much lye needed for a 22 ft pool

How Much Lye Is Needed for a 22-Foot Pool?

If your pool’s water chemistry is out of balance, adding lye (sodium hydroxide) can help raise its pH levels. Maintaining proper pH ensures the water is safe and comfortable for swimming, while also protecting pool equipment from corrosion or scaling. But how do you calculate the right amount of lye for a 22-foot pool? Let’s break it down!

Understanding Lye and Pool Chemistry

Lye is an alkaline substance that increases the pH of pool water. If the pH drops below 7.2, you’ll need to raise it to the ideal range of 7.2 – 7.6 for safe swimming. Use a pool test kit to check the current pH and total alkalinity (TA) before deciding how much lye is required.

Determining the Pool’s Water Volume

The amount of lye needed depends on your pool’s volume. Let’s assume you have a 22-foot round pool, which is common for above-ground pools.

Formula for a Round Pool’s Volume:

Volume (in gallons)=π×(radius)2×depth×7.48Volume\ (in\ gallons) = \pi \times (radius)^2 \times depth \times 7.48Volume (in gallons)=π×(radius)2×depth×7.48

• Diameter = 22 ft → Radius = 11 ft
• Average depth = 4 ft (standard above-ground pool depth)

Volume=3.14×112×4×7.48=11,377 gallonsVolume = 3.14 \times 11^2 \times 4 \times 7.48 = 11,377\ gallonsVolume=3.14×112×4×7.48=11,377 gallons

Your 22-foot pool holds approximately 11,377 gallons of water.

How Much Lye to Use?

To safely raise the pH, it’s recommended to add lye incrementally. Adding too much at once can result in overly alkaline water, leading to skin irritation and scaling issues.

• General Rule:
  • 0.1 oz (2.8 grams) of lye raises the pH of 1,000 gallons by 0.1 units.

Calculation for 11,377 Gallons:

To raise the pH by 0.2 units, you would need:

$$0.1oz\times 11.377\times 2=2.28oz(64.5grams)$$

So, 2.3 oz of lye will increase the pH of your pool by approximately 0.2 units.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Lye

1. Test the pH: Use a pool test strip or kit to measure the current pH level.
2. Wear Safety Gear: Put on gloves and goggles, as lye is caustic and can cause burns.
3. Pre-Dissolve Lye: Mix the lye in a bucket of water to prevent it from clumping and ensure even distribution.
4. Add to Pool Gradually: Slowly pour the dissolved lye around the edges of the pool while the filter is running.
5. Re-test After 4-6 Hours: Check the pH again and add more lye if necessary.

Tips for Maintaining Balanced pH

• Monitor Regularly: Check the pH 2-3 times a week during swimming season.
• Adjust in Small Increments: Adding chemicals gradually avoids overcorrection.
• Balance Total Alkalinity: Ensure TA is between 80-120 ppm to prevent frequent pH fluctuations.

Potential Risks of Overusing Lye

• High pH (above 7.8): Can cause cloudy water and calcium scaling on pool surfaces.
• Skin and Eye Irritation: Water with a high pH can be uncomfortable for swimmers.

If you accidentally add too much lye, reduce the pH with muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.

Conclusion

For a 22-foot round pool holding about 11,377 gallons, 2.3 oz of lye will raise the pH by approximately 0.2 units. Always make adjustments gradually and re-test the water after each dose to ensure it remains within the ideal range. Maintaining proper water chemistry helps keep your pool clean, safe, and enjoyable all season long.