Expect to lower pH more than raise it.

Salt chlorine generators push pH up over time, so you’ll mostly be adding acid.

The reason: the electrolysis process creates hydrogen gas, which off-gasses and leaves hydroxide ions behind — that’s a pH spike. Meanwhile, the chlorine itself is less aggressive at that higher pH, so you end up fighting a cycle if you don’t stay on top of it.

To lower pH: Use muriatic acid (or sodium bisulfate if you prefer dry). Add it slowly near a return jet with the pump running. Don’t pour it all in one spot — you can damage the liner or the salt cell if you splash it directly.

To raise pH: Aeration is your friend. Run a fountain, waterfall, or just point a return jet upward. That naturally drives CO₂ out of the water and raises pH without adding chemicals. If you need to raise it fast, use soda ash (sodium carbonate) — but that also raises total alkalinity, so go easy.

Test your water at least twice a week for the first month until you learn your pool’s rhythm. Keep pH between 7.4 and 7.6 — that’s the sweet spot for your salt cell’s efficiency and swimmer comfort.

Your salt cell will thank you, and so will your eyes.