Here's how to fix alkalinity levels in a hot tub:
- Turn off the jets to your hot tub.
- Take a water test strips.
- Add baking soda or another alkalinity increaser such as SpaBoss Alka Rise to RAISE alkalinity.
- Add a pH Decreaser (sodium bisulfate) such as SpaBoss pH Minus if alkalinity is HIGH in order to lower alkalinity.
- Retest water after 24 hours and re-adjust levels from there.
How do you raise the alkalinity in a hot tub?
You’ll do the following when you raise your alkalinity:
- Take a look at the manual that came with your hot tub to figure out exactly how many gallons of water it holds. ...
- Switch the jets off in your hot tub and use a test strip to see your current pH levels.
- Add the amount of baking soda you need and switch your jets back on. ...
How to lower the alkalinity levels in a hot tub?
With Muriatic Acid
- Turn off the hot tub pump. Muriatic acid works best in still water. ...
- Use a testing kit to get the total alkalinity level of your tub’s water.
- Follow the directions on the bottle to get the amount of muriatic acid you need to lower alkalinity in your hot tub.
- Get a large plastic bucket and fill it up with water. ...
- Add the solution to the hot tub carefully. ...
How to bring alkalinity down in a hot tub?
Part 2 Part 2 of 2: Lowering the pH Download Article
- Choose the right chemical. To lower both total alkalinity and pH, you will need to add an acid. ...
- Determine your initial measurements based on total alkalinity. The pH will drop faster than the alkalinity, so you need to fix the alkalinity first.
- Mix the chemical together with a small amount of water. ...
- Turn the hot tub on. ...
What causes high alkalinity in hot tub or spa?
- Water pH fluctuation
- Increase in acidity of hot tub’s water leading to skin irritation, skin dryness, itchy eyes, etc.
- Delamination of hot tub surfaces
- Ineffectiveness of hot tub sanitizers e.g., chlorine
- Corrosion of metallic parts of the hot tub e.g., pump seals, pipes, etc.
- Stain on hot tub surfaces
How do you balance alkalinity in a hot tub?
To lower high alkalinity, use pH Reducer. As a rule of thumb, one capful of pH Reducer will bring your Alkalinity level down about 1 square on your test strip. pH Reducer should be added gradually to ensure you do not add to much chemical and bring the levels down too low.
What should be adjusted first alkalinity or pH?
We always recommend adjusting alkalinity first as it's so important to the pH. Alkalinity is, after all, a measure of how much acid the water can neutralize. Properly balanced alkalinity leads to a properly balanced pool.
How do you balance alkalinity and pH in a hot tub?
0:573:23Hot Tub Tutorial - Balancing your Hot Tub Water PH & Alkalinity - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr lower will require 1.5 ounces per 100 gallons. Allow 20 minutes for it to circulate in the water.MoreOr lower will require 1.5 ounces per 100 gallons. Allow 20 minutes for it to circulate in the water. And re-test additional treatments may be required to reach the ideal. Range once it's in balance.
What happens if alkalinity is too low in hot tub?
Any part made out of metal that comes into contact with water that has low total alkalinity can corrode, putting your heating elements, pipes, and heaters at risk. Calcium scaling can also occur, making it more difficult to keep surfaces clean and plumbing free of scale buildup.
Does shock lower alkalinity?
While it's important to shock your pool on a regular basis, chlorine-based pool shocks are highly alkaline and will raise pH and therefore alkalinity.
What happens if alkalinity is too high in hot tub?
What Happens if Alkalinity is Too High in Hot Tub? The main thing that can happen is it renders your sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, etc.) useless. And that can cause your water to turn green and bacteria to grow making the hot tub unsafe to soak in.
What is more important pH or alkalinity?
Regardless of the starting pH, the higher the alkalinity of the water source, the more acid is required to reduce pH to 5.0....Water Alkalinity vs pH - What's the Difference?Starting Water pHWater Alkalinity (ppm CaCO3)Sulfuric Acid Required to Reduce Water pH to 5.0 (ml)9.3711.28.33106.0Nov 9, 2021
Does raising pH raise alkalinity?
Raising PH Level PH Plus will increase your Alkalinity level slightly too so keep an eye on this as remember Total Alkalinity is the buffer to allow your PH to be set.
How do I lower the alkalinity in my hot tub without chemicals?
To lower the pH level of your hot tub water, you can take four cups of vinegar and pour it in the water. Remember to circulate the water in the tub before you pour in the vinegar. You can either use the vinegar you have at home or use apple cider vinegar. Turn off the jets and test the water after a few hours.
Will baking soda raise alkalinity in hot tub?
As many homeowners know, the ideal pH for a hot tub or pool should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If the water is too acidic, it's going to quickly to wear out the heater element. Baking soda can raise the alkalinity of the water and bring your pH back up to an appropriate level.
How do I raise alkalinity without raising pH?
The best and safest way to raise your pool alkalinity without raising the pH is by using sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. What is this? Products marketed for pools such as Alkalinity Up, pH Buffer, or Alkalinity Increaser are almost always 100% baking soda. Household baking soda can be used too.
Is alkalinity the same as pH?
In simple terms, pH is the concentration of acid protons [H+]. On the other hand, the alkalinity of a solution is its ability to neutralize acids. Alkalinity consists of ions that incorporate acid protons into their molecules so that they are not available as a free acid that can lower the pH.
How do you balance pH and alkalinity?
Requirements to Balance pH and TA Muriatic Acid: Muriatic or hydrochloric acid is used to decrease both pH and alkalinity when high. 2. Borax: 20 Mule Team Borax is the best option when you want to raise your pH level without increasing your TA levels.
What is more important pH or alkalinity?
Regardless of the starting pH, the higher the alkalinity of the water source, the more acid is required to reduce pH to 5.0....Water Alkalinity vs pH - What's the Difference?Starting Water pHWater Alkalinity (ppm CaCO3)Sulfuric Acid Required to Reduce Water pH to 5.0 (ml)9.3711.28.33106.0Nov 9, 2021
How do you balance the pH and alkalinity in a pool?
6:2310:39POOL CHEMISTRY 101: How to Keep Your Water Balanced - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIncrease or sodium bicarbonate. And then you want to fine tune the pH with a sodium borate or a pH.MoreIncrease or sodium bicarbonate. And then you want to fine tune the pH with a sodium borate or a pH. Increase or to get the alkalinity in the pH.
Does raising pH raise alkalinity?
Raising PH Level PH Plus will increase your Alkalinity level slightly too so keep an eye on this as remember Total Alkalinity is the buffer to allow your PH to be set.
How to lower alkalinity in hot tub?
If the alkalinity is not in the 80-120 ppm range: 1 Start up the hot tubs pumps 2 If you need to lower the alkalinity, add pH decreaser in the amounts shown on the back of the bottle. 3 If you need to increase the alkalinity, add total alkalinity increaser in the amount shown on the back of the bottle. 4 Let the water circulate with the pumps on for 5-10 minutes. 5 Turn off the pumps and let the water settle. 6 Re-check the water with a test strip. 7 Repeat as needed to get your water into the correct range (80-100 ppm the “ok range” shown on test strips).
How to increase alkalinity in water?
If you need to increase the alkalinity, add total alkalinity increaser in the amount shown on the back of the bottle. Let the water circulate with the pumps on for 5-10 minutes. Turn off the pumps and let the water settle. Re-check the water with a test strip.
How to use a pH test strip?
How to use a test strip. Turn on the pumps in your spa to start circulating the water. Measure out the amount of either pH increaser of pH decreaser recommended on the back of the bottle. Add it to the water and allow it to circulate for 5-10 minutes.
Why is sanitizer important in hot tubs?
Remember a sanitizer’s job is to keep you safe by disinfecting your spa water. Keeping your pH and sanitizer at the proper levels is really important. In summary you need your pH to be right to ensure your hot tub has a long issue free life and the water is safe for you to get in.
What is the job of sanitizer in spas?
Remember a sanitizer’s job is to keep you safe by disinfecting your spa water. Keeping your pH and sanitizer at the proper levels is really important.
What does it mean when your pH is not alkalinity?
It means that if you get your pH right but not the alkalinity, you will constantly be adjusting the water’s pH. Alkalinity helps your water maintain it’s pH when other substances are added to it. Everything has some impact on your spa’s pH. The chlorine or bromine and even the oils on your skin have some impact on pH.
What happens when pH shifts in a spa?
Low pH: pH shifts in the acidic range can corrode metal parts. In a spa this translates to damage being caused to your heater and temperature sensors. Sanitizers like chlorine and bromine are sensitive to pH shifts.
Two ways to raise alkalinity in a hot tub
Before adjusting the total alkalinity (TA), make sure you know the capacity of your hot tub so you can calculate the required dosage.
Why is the alkalinity low in my hot tub?
If you do your best to keep on top of your spa’s water chemistry, you might be wondering why it’s suddenly become so low. Here are the reasons why you’re experiencing low alkalinity.
Why is low alkalinity in hot tubs bad?
None of us signed up for a chemistry degree when we purchased our hot tub, but that’s often how we’re left feeling. But understanding how low alkalinity negatively affects your hot tub is important for a number of reasons.
Did I cover everything?
I always try to provide the most relevant and up-to-date information I can in all of my articles. Saying that, feel free to shoot me an email using the contact form if you think this article is lacking in some way, or if you’ve been left with any doubts.
How to adjust alkalinity of tub?
The first step in adjusting the alkalinity of your tub is testing it with a testing kit or strips. These can be bought in many department stores as well as from spa stores and online.
How to lower alkalinity in hot tub?
The easiest way to lower alkalinity is to add sodium bisulfate to the water.
What about low alkalinity?
If high alkalinity is so bad, why not just try to keep it as low as possible? Well, unfortunately, that won’t work either since low alkalinity is also not desirable.
How long should sodium bicarbonate be left in a tub?
While the tub is circulating, add the sodium bicarbonate around the edges and leave for 20 minutes before turning the tub off. Leave it to sit for an hour and then test again. If the alkalinity still isn’t high enough, simply repeat the process.
How much sodium bisulfate to lower alkalinity?
You can work this out if you know that, to lower the alkalinity of 1,000 gallons of water by 10ppm, you need to add 3.5oz of sodium bisulfate. This would mean, for example, that to lower the alkalinity of 500 gallons of water by 10ppm, you need half that much – 1.75oz of sodium bisulfate. This is about the capacity of a large six-person hot tub.
How long does it take for sodium bisulfate to circulate in a tub?
Once you have measured out the correct amount, set your tub to circulate and pour in the sodium bisulfate. Leave it to circulate for a further 20 minutes and then shut it off. Once the water has stopped moving, leave the tub for an hour or so and then test the water again.
What does it mean when the pH of a hot tub is above 7?
If the water in your hot tub has a pH value above 7, we can say that the water is basic, but that is not the same as alkalinity. Instead, the alkalinity of the water refers specifically to how much acid it can neutralize.
Why is my hot tub alkaline?
Why Your Tub Has High Alkalinity. The level of total alkalinity in the water is tied directly to the water’s pH level. If the pH level rises over 7.6, it becomes alkaline or basic. This will gradually increase the TA of the hot tub water as well. Rising pH and alkalinity is due to a few factors, with the first being pollutants in the water.
How to make a hot tub with dry acid?
Method #1: Use Sodium Bisulfate. Sodium bisulfate is a dry acid that is safe to work with, and easy to add to your hot tub. With dry acid, you need to ensure that moisture doesn’t get inside its container, so storing it properly is a must.
How to test hot tub water?
Start by testing the hot tub water. You can use either test strips, a liquid kit, or a digital tester to get the total alkalinity level of the water. Consult the directions on the bottle to properly measure out how much sodium bisulfate you’ll need. In general, 3.5 ounces of acid will lower a 1,000 gallon tub by 10 ppm.
Why is my hot tub water cloudy?
Cloudy water happens. Another side effect of having too much calcium in the hot tub is the water turning cloudy. This is more cosmetic, but is a good indicator of high TA in the tub. Chlorine won’t work as well. As the TA increases, so does the pH, and this causes the chlorine to become less effective over time.
What is TA in hot tub?
Total alkalinity (TA) keeps the pH level in your hot tub stable by neutralizing acids in the water. It’s basically a pH buffer.
What to do when alkalinity is too high?
When some chemical levels get too high, there is no fix for them. This is not so for alkalinity, and you can use acid to bring it down to an ideal level.
What does high alkalinity mean?
The pH level rises. High alkalinity means high pH. Not only will you have to lower the TA level, but also the pH. This can be a time consuming process if you have to do multiple rounds of water testing to get the proper balance of levels in the water.
What is total alkalinity in hot tub?
As it pertains to your hot tub's water, total alkalinity will typically signify the concentration of hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonates, and other alkaloids within your sample . Total alkalinity is measured differently than pH ranges; total alkalinity is measured in parts per million (ppm), unlike the relative pH ratings.
What are the alkaloids in hot tub water?
The most common types of alkaloids in hot tub water are carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and other minor alkaloids. These alkaline substances buffer pH in the water by neutralizing acids. In other words, total alkalinity is a measurement of the water’s ability to resist change in pH.
How is total alkalinity measured?
Total alkalinity is measured differently than pH ranges; total alkalinity is measured in parts per million (ppm), unlike the relative pH ratings. Now, when you have a higher concentration of alkaloids your hot tub's pH becomes more stable since it would require more of a given substance to change its concentration of alkaloids.
What is the difference between pH and total alkalinity?
But, to put it simply, pH is a relative measure of a solution's alkalinity as it relates to water , while total alkalinity (TA) measures the total number of alkaloids within a solution's sampled volume.
Is low alkalinity bad for hot tubs?
While most of the issues we've discussed up to this point have been focused on users, low total alkalinity is also bad for your hot tub's various components. The surface of the shell can become etched, pitted, and even the protecting layer of the shell can delaminate. Any part made out of metal that comes into contact with water that has low total alkalinity can corrode, putting your heating elements, pipes, and heaters at risk. Calcium scaling can also occur, making it more difficult to keep surfaces clean and plumbing free of scale buildup.
Is pH the same as alkalinity?
But, to put it simply, pH is a relative measure of a solution's alkalinity as it relates to water, while total alkalinity (TA) measures the total number of alkaloids within a solution's sampled volume.
Is it safe to use alkalinity increaser in hot tub?
A well-balanced alkalinity in your hot tub is an essential part of creating a safe, healthy hot tub environment. It's nearly impossible to enjoy a hot tub that is cloudy, irritating to the skin, eyes, or throat. If your tests indicate that an alkalinity increaser should be used, this is definitely a step you do not want to skip.
How to lower alkalinity in hot tub?
If your hot tub water has high alkalinity, then you need to lower the level by using chemicals such as liquid muriatic acid (which is hydrochloric acid diluted) or sodium bisulfate. Make sure to read proper proportions before adding it to the water.
How to test hot tub water alkalinity?
The first step is to test the hot tub water’s alkalinity with a test strip. You have to place the piece in the water and compare the color on it regarding the colors showed on the kit. It will tell you to either raise or lower the TA in your spa.
Why does proper alkalinity level matter?
The same way, high alkalinity or too low alkalinity is not only bad for your spa but also harmful for your skin. An unbalanced alkaline level diminishes your hot tub’s appearance, making it dull-looking and giving the water a greenish hue.
What happens if the alkalinity level is high?
High alkalinity also causes green water, as it reduces the effects of sanitizers like chlorine and bromine, which prevents the build-up of algae.
How to lower pH levels without chemicals?
To lower the pH level of your hot tub water, you can take four cups of vinegar and pour it in the water. Remember to circulate the water in the tub before you pour in the vinegar. You can either use the vinegar you have at home or use apple cider vinegar. Turn off the jets and test the water after a few hours. Till you get an appropriate level, repeat the process.
What pH level should a hot tub be?
Balanced TA levels help in a balanced pH level of water. The usual range of pH level of the water in the hot tub should be within the scope of 7.2 to 7.8, ideal being 7.4 to 7.6. Total alkalinity should be at 80-120ppm.
How much sodium bisulfate to lower pH?
To lower the alkalinity by 10ppm, you may need 1.6 lbs so dium bisulfate or 1.23 liters of muriatic acid for every 10,000 gallons of water.
How to raise alkalinity in hot tub?
There are two ways to increase your hot tub’s alkalinity level: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or any type of alkalinity increaser product. If you choose to purchase an alkalinity increaser product be sure the product is made from sodium bicarbonate, which is the main substance used to raise pH. As always, after adding the alkalinity increaser or baking soda, let the hot tub sit for at least 6 hours before retesting.
What happens if you have a low alkalinity level in a hot tub?
While a low alkalinity level may not immediately be noticeable on hot tub equipment and surfaces, a low alkalinity level will often drive the pH level in the hot tub down, turning the hot tub water more acidic, resulting in itchy dry skin and irritated eyes. Additional problems associated with a low total alkalinity level in hot tubs include:
What causes a hot tub to have a low alkalinity?
Additional problems associated with a low total alkalinity level in hot tubs include: Pitting, etching, cracking and delaminating of hot tub walls and surfaces. Corrosion of metal surfaces in or around your hot tub (i.e. heating elements, pump seals, internal parts on gas fire heaters, pipes, etc.), which can also result in stained hot tub walls.
Why is my hot tub water cloudy?
The most common problem hot tub owners experience with high alkalinity levels is cloudy/ murky water, as hot tub water with high alkalinity allows for particles to more easily come out of solution (i.e. substances float freely in the water).
Why is my hot tub water less circulated?
Reduced water circulation due to clogged pipes and filters as particles come out of solution, floating freely in the water and are deposited on things the hot tub water comes in contact with (i.e. scaling)
What causes a hot tub to be stained?
Corrosion of metal surfaces in or around your hot tub (i.e. heating elements, pump seals, internal parts on gas fire heaters, pipes, etc.), which can also result in stained hot tub walls
Is high alkalinity bad for a hot tub?
High Total Alkalinity. While high alkalinity levels are not as damaging to your hot tub as low alkalinity levels, it’s still important to keep the Total Alkalinity balanced to prevent against unplanned maintenance costs and prolong the life of your hot tub filter, pipes and other equipment.
How to test alkalinity in hot tub?
How to test alkalinity in a hot tub. To test your hot tub’s alkalinity, dip test strips in the water. Test strips will provide a quick and accurate reading of the pH level, total alkalinity and sanitiser levels in the water, allowing you to make the appropriate chemical adjustments if required. It is important to test the hot tub water on ...
How to raise pH in hot tub?
To increase the pH levels in your hot tub, add a pH increaser to bring the levels back to normal. It’s important to monitor the total alkalinity levels as the pH increaser will raise the TA level. Keep retesting the water to ensure the water is balanced. Increasing low Total Alkalinity levels.
Why is my hot tub alkaline?
High alkalinity in your hot tub can be caused by adding too many chemicals, the presence of bacteria, or the addition of body oils in your tub, such as sweat or lotion . The hardness of your water supply can also cause an increase. To test your hot tub’s alkalinity, dip test strips in the water.
What does 7.2 mean in a hot tub?
A reading of 7.2 or below indicates that your hot tub water is too acidic, and your sanitiser will be less effective. It can cause issues for bathers, such as eye irritation. A high acidity level can cause damage to hot tub parts, which could mean an expensive repair bill if not corrected. How to balance hot tub water.
Why is alkalinity important in hot tubs?
Getting the alkalinity right in a hot tub is important as it acts as a barrier for the pH, providing better control of the pH levels.
What is the pH level of a hot tub?
The recommended level for your hot tub water is a pH of 7 however levels of between 7.2 and 7.8 can still be considered safe. There are several reasons your water could have an imbalance and adjusting one may affect the other. Reducing high pH or Total Alkalinity levels.
Why is it important to test hot tub water?
It is important to test the hot tub water on a regular basis to ensure it is clean, safe and healthy for bathers. When using the test strips, make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle carefully to ensure you get the most accurate reading. Understanding hot tub pH levels.