Baking soda is similar to the chemical, which is used to raise the Alkalinity of the water, and will give you the same rise that alkalinity powder will. However, baking soda is a much larger granule, and will cloud up the water if used in great amounts. If you need to raise the alkalinity of your pool slightly, with one or two pounds of alkalinity powder, it is usually safe to use baking soda. However, if your water balance requires a significant increase, it is recommended that actual Alkalinity Increaser be used, as it is a finer granule and will rarely cloud the water, even if used in considerable amounts.