How to Adjust the pH Level In Your Hot Tub
Keeping the water of your hot tub can be a difficult task for new and experienced hot tub owners, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the most important things we do to maintain the quality of our water is to ensure our pH levels are in the proper range
Join us as we break down the importance of pH, share tips on testing and adjusting pH levels, discuss factors that can throw pH off track, and even explore eco-friendly ways to maintain balance. Whether you're a seasoned hot tub aficionado or new to the world of hydrotherapy, this guide has got you covered.
Understanding Hot Tub pH
Maintaining the right pH level in your hot tub is more than just a number; it's the key to unlocking the full potential of your hydrotherapy haven. Keeping your pH level in range is the difference between clear water and cloudy colored water. Let's start by understanding what pH is and why it plays a crucial role in the overall maintenance of your hot tub.
What is pH?
pH stands for the potential of hydrogen. PH is a logarithmic scale used to measure the acidity or the basicity of a liquid. PH is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. Everything below 7 is acidic, everything above 7 is basic. Low pH examples are battery acid, stomach acid, and orange juice. High pH examples are sea water, soap, and laundry detergent. So why does pH matter for Hot Tubs?
The Ideal pH Range for Hot Tubs
The ideal pH Range for a hot tub is 7.2-7.8. There are a few reasons why this is the best range. If the hot tub is too acidic you will risk corroding the parts and components inside your hot tub. On the flip side, if your hot tub is too basic the it will damage the surface of your hot tub leading to staining and mineral scaling. This range prevents both of those events from accruing. Being out of range will lead to eye and skin irritation.
Possibly the most important reason to keep your pH level within the 7.2-7.8 range is because of your chlorine. According to the CDC, the effectivity of chlorine is effected when outside the ideal range. When the water becomes too basic, greater than the range, chlorine’s ability to kill germs goes down. The CDC does say that being below 7 the chlorine will work fine, however the acidic water risks damaging the hot tub, as we covered earlier.
Why Does The pH In My Hot Tub Change?
Every day the pH in your hot tub will change slightly. There are a variety of factors that can cause the pH of your water to increase or decrease. Let’s delve into what elements can disrupt the pH balance in your hot tub.
Human Contaminants
The introduction of contaminants from bathers, such as body oils, lotions, and sweat, poses a continuous challenge to pH stability. With each use, these substances accumulate in the water, contributing to pH fluctuations and potentially compromising water hygiene. Regular filtration and chemical treatment are necessary to mitigate the impact of bather-induced contaminants on pH levels.
Environmental Variables
Environmental conditions, particularly weather patterns, exert a significant influence on hot tub pH. For instance, exposure to prolonged sunlight can accelerate water evaporation, leading to increased mineral concentration and potential pH elevation. Conversely, heavy rainfall can dilute the water, resulting in a more acidic environment. Monitoring and adjusting pH levels in response to these fluctuations are essential for maintaining water quality.
Chemical Management
The use of sanitizers and pH-adjusting chemicals is integral to hot tub maintenance, but improper application can disrupt pH balance. Overdosing or underdosing of chemicals, including chlorine, bromine, pH increasers, and decreasers, can lead to pH deviations, necessitating corrective measures to restore equilibrium. Shocking your hot tub can help keep your pH in range. Adhering to recommended dosage guidelines and conducting regular water testing are essential practices to prevent chemical-related pH fluctuations.
Filtration Efficiency
A properly functioning filtration system is paramount for maintaining water clarity and pH stability in hot tubs. However, inadequate filtration due to factors such as clogged filters or insufficient circulation can impede pH regulation. Routine inspection and maintenance of filtration components are imperative to ensure optimal water quality and pH control.
Testing Your Hot Tub’s pH Level
Ensuring the optimal pH level of your hot tub water begins with accurate and regular testing. Proper testing ensures that your hot tub stays clean with clear water. Here's a comprehensive guide to effectively monitor and maintain pH balance:
Selecting a Testing Method
Various testing methods are available, including test strips and liquid test kits. Choose a method that suits your preference and proficiency level. Test strips offer convenience and simplicity, while liquid test kits provide precise measurements for meticulous monitoring. At Creative Hot Tubs we recommend using test strips because of the ease of use. If you’re unsure which to use consult with the store you purchased your hot tub from.
Conducting the Test
Follow the instructions provided with your chosen testing method carefully. Typically, this involves collecting a water sample from your hot tub and applying the test strip or liquid reagent as directed. Ensure the water sample is representative of the entire tub by taking it from the center and at elbow depth. Taking water from this area ensure the most accurate result for the test.
Interpreting the Results
After completing the test, observe the color change on the test strip or the reading displayed by the liquid test kit. Compare the results to the color chart or numerical scale provided with the testing kit to determine the pH level of your hot tub water. Ideally, the pH should fall within the recommended range of 7.2 to 7.8.
Balancing Hot Tub pH – Step by Step Guide
After testing the water you’ll find that your hot tub’s pH is within range or out. If it is within range, congratulations, your work is done. If not, you’ll need to adjust the pH up or down. Follow these steps to balance your hot tub’s pH.
Determine the Adjustments Need
Once you have completed your test compare the test results with the ideal pH range for hot tubs, typically between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH falls outside this range, you'll need to make adjustments accordingly. Determine whether the pH needs to be increased or decreased based on the test findings.
Adjust pH as Needed
To increase pH, add a pH increaser to your hot tub water following the manufacturer's dosage recommendations. Alternatively, if the pH is too high, use a pH decreaser to bring it down to the desired range. Recommendations will be on the bottle to help instruct how much to put in based on the size of your hot tub. Be sure to distribute the chemicals evenly across the water surface for uniform treatment.
Allow Chemicals to Circulate
After adding pH-adjusting chemicals to your hot tub, allow sufficient time for them to circulate and disperse throughout the water. Follow the recommended waiting period provided by the chemical manufacturer before retesting the pH levels.
Retest and Fine-Tune
Once the waiting period has elapsed (typically after circulation), retest the pH to verify that it has reached the desired range. If necessary, repeat the adjustment process until the pH level falls within the optimal range of 7.2 to 7.8. Remember to retest periodically to ensure consistent pH balance.
Be Sure to Maintain Your Hot Tub
Once you’ve successfully balanced the pH in your Hot Tub it is crucial to check the pH weekly. It is incredibly important for the longevity of your Hot Tub and the health of your water to test your water regularly. Not testing your water can lead to cloudy, colored, and smelly water. This not only limits the lifetime of your hot tub but can be a breeding ground for bacteria.