Ice bath pH and alkalinity, made simple
Targets, amounts and the one rule that saves you chemicals: alkalinity before pH.
Updated 27 October 2026. Based on the Clear As Ice General Maintenance & Step by Step Guide.
The targets
pH 7.2 to 7.6. The Clear As Ice care guide gives total alkalinity as 80 to 120 ppm.
Alkalinity first, always
Alkalinity holds pH steady. Alkalinity Increaser raises both, so get alkalinity right and pH often follows.
Amounts per 1000 L
Raise TA 10 ppm: 18 g Alkalinity Increaser (40 g maximum per addition). Lower pH 1 unit: 43 g pH Reducer. Raise pH 1 unit: 18 g Alkalinity Increaser.
Handle pH Reducer with care
Its safety data sheet carries the signal word Danger: it causes serious eye damage. Its SDS says to wear protective gloves and eye or face protection.