Changing the pH level of your hot tub is an important maintenance task. Keeping the pH levels of your hot tub at the correct level is essential for your health, as well as the longevity of the hot tub. Improperly maintained pH levels can lead to a number of issues such as bacteria growth, cloudy water, and corrosion. In this article, you’ll learn how to evaluate and fix low pH in your hot tub.
How to Evaluate the pH Level in Your Hot Tub
The first step is to evaluate the pH level in your hot tub to find out if it is actually low. The ideal pH level for hot tubs fluctuates between 7.2-7.8. pH test strips are an easy and affordable way to check the current pH level in your hot tub. To use the test strip, simply dip it in your hot tub, compare the color of the strip to the colored chart located on the side of the bottle, and adjust accordingly.
Adjusting pH Level
If you find that the pH level of your hot tub is too low, then the next step is to adjust the level. Adjusting the pH level of your hot tub is a basic task that is easy to do. You can buy pH adjusting chemicals from a pool or hot tub store. The chemicals you’ll need depend on the current pH level of the hot tub, but usually consist of alkaline (pH Up) and acid (pH Down) solutions.
Treating the Hot Tub
Once you’ve adjusted the pH level, it’s important to treat the hot tub to ensure that the chemicals are properly circulated and dispersed. Treating can be done either through a hot tub filter or shock treatment. Filter treatment will filter the water on a continual basis while shock treatment will help disinfect and eliminate any unwanted sediment in the hot tub.
Balancing Total Alkalinity
After both adjusting the pH level and treating the hot tub, the next step is to balance the total alkalinity (TA). Alkalinity is what helps balance the pH level of your hot tub, as well as helps keep it steady over time. The ideal TA level is 80-120 ppm, with 80 ppm being the ideal level. Alkalinity adjusting chemicals containing sodium bicarbonate should be used to bring the TA to the ideal level. Using these chemicals correctly will help maintain the pH level of your hot tub.
Cleaning the Filter
Once a month, it’s important to clean the filter in your hot tub. This will help keep the filter in top condition, as well as reduce the amount of chemicals needed to adjust and maintain the pH level. Cleaning the filter should be done with a detergent specifically designed for hot tub filters.
Testing the pH Level & Adjusting Chemicals
After completing all the previous steps, it’s important to test the pH level to make sure it is where it needs to be. After testing, adjusting the chemicals may be necessary if the pH level is not in the optimal range (7.2-7.8).
People Also Ask
How often should I check the pH levels in my hot tub?
It is recommended to check the pH levels of your hot tub once per week, or at least once every two weeks.
What happens if the pH levels are too low?
If the pH level of your hot tub is too low, it can cause bacteria growth, cloudy water and potentially corrosion of the tub’s internals.
Can I adjust the pH level of my hot tub with bleach?
No, bleach should not be used to adjust the pH level of your hot tub. Special pool or hot tub chemicals should be used.
Can I increase the pH level with baking soda?
Yes, baking soda can be used to increase the pH level in your hot tub, however it should only be used when all other methods fail as it can create additional issues in the water.
What should the total alkalinity be in my hot tub?
The ideal total alkalinity in your hot tub should be between 80-120 ppm, with 80 ppm being the optimal level.
Final Words
Being able to adjust the pH level in your hot tub is an essential part of hot tub maintenance. With the above steps, you can easily and safely adjust the pH level of your hot tub, keeping it at the optimal level and maximizing its longevity.