If your hot tub water feels harsh on the skin or your sanitizer isn’t working as well as it should, your pH is probably too low. Low pH makes water acidic, which can corrode equipment and irritate eyes and skin. Fortunately, raising it is straightforward once you know the steps.
Test Your Water First
Begin by testing your water with a reliable test strip or digital meter. Your goal is a pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Anything below 7.2 indicates it’s time to raise the pH.
Use a pH Increaser
The most common way to increase pH is with a pH increaser, usually sodium carbonate. Follow these steps:
Add small amounts at a time according to the label instructions
Run the jets for 15–20 minutes to circulate the chemical evenly
Wait a few hours and retest the water
It’s better to adjust gradually than to overshoot and create high pH.
Monitor Total Alkalinity
Low alkalinity can cause your pH to swing, making it harder to maintain stable water. If necessary, adjust total alkalinity as well so your pH stays in range.
Keep It Consistent
Balancing pH regularly helps:
Prevent corrosion of your hot tub equipment
Reduce irritation to skin and eyes
Improve sanitizer effectiveness
Small, consistent adjustments are much easier than fixing large swings later.
