The maintenance of a hot tub requires regular checking to ensure that the alkalinity levels are adequately managed. It is important to keep the hot tub water balanced, as hight alkalinity can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as affect the performance of chlorine and bromine sanitation chemicals. In this article, we will discuss how to lower alkalinity in a hot tub.
Maintenance Tips to Lower Alkalinity in Hot Tubs
1. Check the Alkalinity Level
It is important to know the exact level before you start making adjustments. The ideal alkalinity level should be between 80 and 120 ppm, depending on the type of sanitizer used. To ensure the right alkalinity level, use a test strip or a digital water tester.
2. Lower the Hot Tub Alkalinity with Acids
The most common way to lower alkalinity in a hot tub is to add acid or Sodium Bisulfate to the water. This acid is known to reduce the bicarbonate level of the water. You can reduce the levels by using about 2-4 lbs of acid for each 10,000 gallons of water. Add the acid directly to the hot tub and swish it around to spread it properly.
3. Use Carbon Shake-Out Technique
This technique requires you to use a carbon filter to remove a significant amount of bicarbonates from the hot tub water. Filter out the water and re-circulate it back in the hot tub. Continue to filter the water out until the desired alkalinity level is achieved.
4. Diluting the Water with Fresh Water
If the alkalinity level is extremely high, you may have to think of replacing some of the water in the hot tub with fresh water to dilute the level. You may have to start by completely draining the hot tub and filling it back up with fresh water.
5. Lower the Alkalinity Manually
If you cannot use acids or a carbon filter, you can still reduce the alkalinity levels manually. Start by setting the sanitizer levels to 25-50 ppm. Then, you can use a test strip until you achieve the desired alkalinity level.
6. Shock the Water Frequently
To reduce the alkalinity level, shock the water with chlorine or another sanitizer. When you shock the water, the alkalinity level will be naturally reduced.
7. Offset the Alkalinity with Muriatic Acid
Muriatic acid is a popular method to reduce the alkalinity levels. It is easy to use – all you need to do is to add a few drops of the acid to the hot tub water. This will help reduce the bicarbonate levels in the water and bring the alkalinity to the desired level.
8. Use Ski Balance Alkalinity Reducer
This is a chemical that is used as a cleaning agent and is also used to reduce alkalinity in hot tubs. You can also use other cleaning agents like sodium bicarbonate or baking soda.
9. Change the Hot Tub Filter
The hot tub filter may accumulate a lot of alkaline material over time, hence it is important to clean and replace your hot tub filter regularly to ensure that the alkalinity levels remain balanced.
10. Test the Water Level Regularly
Once you have done all the necessary maintenance tasks, it is important to regularly test the hot tub water alkalinity levels to make sure it doesn’t get too high.
People Also Ask
Q: How do I know if the alkalinity in my hot tub is too high?
A: The ideal alkalinity level in a hot tub should be between 80 and 120 ppm, depending on the type of sanitizer used. If the alkalinity level is above this, it is likely too high.
Q: How much muriatic acid should I add to my hot tub?
A: Muriatic acid is a popular method to reduce the alkalinity levels. To use it, add only a few drops of the acid to the hot tub water. This will help reduce the bicarbonate levels in the water and bring the alkalinity to the desired level.
Q: How often should I change the hot tub filter?
A: In order to keep the alkalinity levels balanced, it is important to clean and replace your hot tub filter regularly. If a filter is too dirty, then it can cause the water to become unbalanced and the alkalinity levels may be too high.
Q: How do I shock my hot tub for alkalinity?
A: Shocking the water with chlorine or another sanitizer is a great way to reduce the alkalinity level. When you shock the water, the alkalinity level will be naturally reduced.
Q: Does baking soda lower alkalinity in a hot tub?
A: Yes, baking soda can be used to lower alkalinity in a hot tub. It can be used as a cleaning agent, along with other chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate, in order to reduce the alkalinity level.
Final Words
Keeping the alkalinity levels in a hot tub balanced is important as it can help to avoid potential skin irritations, eye discomfort, and improper chlorine reaction. The maintenance tips listed in this article will help you to reduce and keep your hot tub alkalinity levels balanced. It is important to regularly test the hot tub water, and make any necessary adjustments to maintain a balanced alkalinity level.