Doheny's Alkalinity Up Pool Increaser - Stabilize pH and Protect

Our review of Doheny's Alkalinity Up finds it is a straightforward, no-nonsense pool chemical for anyone who needs to raise and stabilize total alkalinity. It is aimed at pool owners and service pros who understand that maintaining alkalinity between 80-120 ppm is essential to keeping pH stable and protecting pool surfaces and equipment. The product delivers the expected effect because it contains sodium bicarbonate, and customers consistently report good quality and value for money, making it a reliable choice for routine alkalinity adjustments.

Key Features

• Active ingredient: Uses sodium bicarbonate, a proven alkalinity increaser that gently raises total alkalinity without large pH swings.
• Alkalinity target: Formulated to help achieve balanced alkalinity levels of 80-120 ppm so you can better control pH and reduce corrosion risk.
• Skin and eye comfort: Properly adjusted alkalinity helps reduce skin dryness and eye irritation for swimmers when used as directed.
• Surface protection: Increasing alkalinity reduces surface etching on pool finishes and helps protect equipment over time.
• Multiple package sizes: Available in smaller ready-to-use pouches or larger 25 lb buckets to suit occasional topping up or regular maintenance needs.

Who It's For

Doheny's Alkalinity Up is best for residential pool owners, seasonal maintainers, and pool service technicians who want a dependable sodium bicarbonate product to set and maintain total alkalinity before making pH adjustments. It is particularly useful for pools that trend toward low alkalinity, or where frequent pH swings signal unstable buffering.

This is less suitable for someone who needs a combined pH and alkalinity treatment in one step or who prefers granular compounds with additional additives; it is a single-ingredient alkalinity increaser intended to be used as part of a broader chemical program.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective at raising total alkalinity using a simple sodium bicarbonate formula.
• Helps stabilize pH so other adjustments are easier to control.
• Available in multiple pack sizes for occasional or frequent maintenance, offering good value for money.

Cons

• Single-ingredient product, so users must test and adjust pH separately rather than relying on an all-in-one treatment.

Specifications

Product type	Pool alkalinity increaser
Active ingredient	Sodium bicarbonate
Recommended alkalinity range	80-120 ppm
Primary benefit	Stabilize pH and reduce surface etching, eye irritation, and skin dryness
Packaging options	5- or 10-lb pouches or 25-lb bucket available
Category	Pools, Hot Tubs & Supplies - Pool Balancers

Our Verdict

Doheny's Alkalinity Up is a sensible, cost-effective choice for anyone who needs to bring total alkalinity into the recommended 80-120 ppm range. It works as expected, is easy to use in regular maintenance, and is good value for money for seasonal and year-round pool care when paired with routine testing and separate pH adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this product affect pH?
It raises total alkalinity first, which helps stabilize pH; users should test pH after alkalinity adjustments and correct pH separately if needed.

What ingredient is used to raise alkalinity?
The formula contains sodium bicarbonate, commonly used as a safe and effective alkalinity increaser.

What package sizes are available?
It comes in 5- or 10-lb ready-to-use pouches and a 25-lb bucket to suit different maintenance needs.