Soda ash at pool stores

[Doug864]

Does anyone use soda ash from the pool stores for alk in dosing 2part? The pool store couldn't tell me what grade it was. Can't be that bad if we swim in it can it?
Thanks,
Doug

 

[jdhuyvetter]

I use it. No problems. I buy it from Pinch a Penny. I use whatever the store brand is. A couple years ago, the guy at the store told me that their store brand is made by Arm & Hammer.

 

[Doug864]

Pinch a Penny was the store I stopped at. Does it mix up clear or leave a residue at the bottom?
Thanks,
Doug

 

[jdhuyvetter]

It mixes clear. But, you need to bake it at 300 for an hour.

I also use their Ca as well. But, it mixes with a residue.

 

[Doug864]

Bake it at 300 for an hour? Is that for lower or higher ph? Like using baking soda?
Regards,
Doug

 

[HighlandReefer]

If it is sodium carbonate (soda ash) you do not need to bake it.

If it is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) then you will need to bake it. That might explain why it is made by Arm and Hammer.

Without knowing the purity of these pool store materials you really can't say how safe they are for reef aquarium. For example safe copper levels are much higher for human consumption than for coral.