When it comes to maintaining a clean and safe hot tub, one of the most important factors to monitor how acidic your water is. pH levels affect the comfort of bathers, the effectiveness of sanitizers, and the longevity of your hot tub equipment. In this post, we’ll explore what pH is, why it matters in hot tub water, how to test it, and how to maintain the proper pH balance.

What Is pH, and Why Does It Matter in Hot Tub Water?

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is, on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline. In the case of hot tub water, the pH level is critical because it impacts the effectiveness of your water treatments, the health of bathers, and the overall condition of your hot tub components.

• Low pH (Acidic Water): If the pH level of your hot tub water is too low (below 7), the water becomes acidic. Acidic water can lead to corrosion of metal parts, damage to the hot tub shell, and irritation to your skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Additionally, acidic water can cause sanitizers like chlorine or bromine to be less effective, which can result in an unhealthy environment in your hot tub.
• High pH (Alkaline Water): On the other hand, if the pH is too high (above 7.8), the water becomes too alkaline. High pH levels can lead to scaling, where mineral deposits build up on the hot tub surfaces and equipment. Alkaline water can also make sanitizers less effective, which may result in water quality problems, such as cloudy water or an increase in bacteria growth.

To keep your hot tub in top shape and ensure a safe, comfortable soaking experience, it’s essential to maintain the pH level between 7.2 and 7.8, with 7.4-7.6 being the optimal range.

How to Determine if Your Water is Acidic or Alkaline

Testing the pH of your hot tub water is a simple and quick process. Here are some common ways to test pH levels:

1. pH Test Strips:
   • pH test strips are an easy and affordable way to test the pH level of your hot tub water. Simply dip the strip into the water, and then compare the color on the strip to the chart provided with the test kit.
   • Test strips give you a general idea of the pH range, but they may not be as precise as liquid test kits.
2. Liquid Test Kits:
   • Liquid test kits are slightly more accurate than test strips. You’ll fill a small vial with water from your hot tub, add a few drops of the testing solution, and then compare the color of the water to the included chart.
   • Liquid test kits provide a more detailed reading and can be useful for checking both pH and other important water chemistry levels, like alkalinity and chlorine/bromine.
3. Digital pH Meters:
   • If you want a highly precise reading, a digital pH meter can be a great tool. These meters use electrodes to measure the pH level electronically. While they are more expensive, they can provide highly accurate results and are commonly used by hot tub professionals.

It’s a good idea to test your hot tub water at least once a week, or more frequently if the tub is used often, to ensure the pH stays within the ideal range.

How to Adjust pH Levels

Once you’ve tested your hot tub water, you may need to adjust the pH to keep it within the desired range. Here’s how to adjust both low and high pH:

Lowering pH (Balancing Acidic Water)

If your pH level is too high (above 7.8), you can lower it by using a pH decreaser (also called pH reducer or pH minus). This product usually contains sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid and is designed to bring the pH level back to a safe range.

• How to Use pH Decreaser:
  • First, calculate how much pH decreaser you’ll need based on the size of your hot tub. The packaging will typically offer guidelines for different water volumes.
  • Add the required amount of pH decreaser to the water while the pump is running, allowing the chemical to circulate throughout the tub.
  • Wait for a few hours, then retest the water. You may need to repeat the process if the pH is still too high.

Raising pH (Balancing Alkaline Water)

If your pH level is too low (below 7.2), you can raise it by using a pH increaser (also known as pH plus or pH up). This product typically contains sodium carbonate (also known as soda ash), which helps to increase the pH level.

• How to Use pH Increaser:
  • Calculate the correct amount of pH increaser based on the volume of your hot tub and follow the instructions on the product packaging.
  • Add the required amount to your hot tub while the pump is running to allow for even distribution.
  • After several hours, retest the water. If the pH is still too low, repeat the process until the correct level is achieved.

Why Regular pH Maintenance is Essential

Regular pH maintenance is crucial for several reasons:

1. Preventing Equipment Damage: If the pH is too low or too high, it can cause damage to your hot tub equipment. Low pH can corrode metal parts, while high pH can lead to scaling and mineral buildup, affecting your jets, heater, and other components.
2. Effective Sanitization: The pH level directly affects the effectiveness of your sanitizer, whether you’re using chlorine or bromine. If the pH is out of balance, sanitizers will be less effective, which can lead to water quality problems, like cloudy or smelly water, or even an increase in harmful bacteria.
3. Comfort for Bathers: The proper pH ensures that your hot tub water is comfortable for bathers. Incorrect pH levels can cause skin irritation, eye discomfort, and an unpleasant experience. Keeping the pH balanced will help everyone enjoy the hot tub without these issues.
4. Clear, Clean Water: Balanced pH contributes to clear, clean water. When the pH is in the optimal range, the water will remain clearer, and you’ll be less likely to deal with algae growth or cloudy water.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining the proper pH balance in your hot tub is essential for the health of the water, your equipment, and your bathers. By regularly testing the pH, adjusting it when necessary, and keeping it within the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.8, you’ll ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable hot tub experience.

Remember, a little bit of pH maintenance goes a long way in prolonging the life of your hot tub and keeping the water clean and inviting. So, take the time to test and adjust your water chemistry regularly, and your hot tub will reward you with many years of relaxing soaks!

Have more questions about how to keep your pH in balance? Visit us in-store for more information!