How Do I Raise the pH in My Hot Tub?

Use a pH increaser, which contains sodium carbonate. Follow the instructions on the product for proper dosage, based on the size of your hot tub.

What is pH in a Hot Tub?

pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH level below 7 is acidic, while a pH level above 7 is alkaline. The ideal pH level for hot tub water is between 7.2 and 7.8. When the pH is too low, the water becomes acidic, which can lead to corrosion of your hot tub’s components, such as the heater and pump, and can irritate your skin and eyes. Conversely, when the pH is too high, the water becomes too alkaline, which can lead to scaling and cloudy water.

Why Is pH Important in a Hot Tub?

Maintaining the right pH level in your hot tub is critical for several reasons:

• Skin and Eye Comfort: Low pH can cause skin irritation and eye redness. On the other hand, high pH can make the water feel slippery and cause irritation as well.

• Equipment Protection: Low pH can cause metal parts in your hot tub, such as the heater and pump, to corrode, shortening their lifespan. High pH can lead to scaling, which can clog the filters and damage the components.

• Water Clarity: Proper pH levels contribute to clear water. If the pH is off, the water can become cloudy or develop a strange odor.

• Chemical Effectiveness: The effectiveness of sanitizers like chlorine or bromine is also dependent on the pH level. If the pH is too low or too high, sanitizers may not work effectively, leading to bacteria and algae growth.

When Should You Check the pH in Your Hot Tub?

To keep your hot tub water in optimal condition, it’s important to check the pH regularly. Here are the best times to test the pH level:

• Before Each Use: Especially if you have a lot of people using the hot tub, it’s a good idea to check the pH before each session to ensure everything is in balance.

• After Adding Chemicals: Any time you add chemicals to your hot tub, it’s important to retest the pH to make sure the balance isn’t disrupted.

• Weekly or Bi-Weekly: As part of your regular hot tub maintenance routine, check the pH at least once a week, even if you haven’t added chemicals.

Who Needs to Raise the pH in Their Hot Tub?

Anyone who owns a hot tub may need to adjust the pH from time to time. However, it’s especially common for owners who use their hot tub frequently or have high-efficiency filtration systems, as these can sometimes lower the pH over time. If your hot tub water is consistently acidic, it’s important to raise the pH to protect your equipment and ensure the water is comfortable to use.

How to Raise the pH in Your Hot Tub?

Raising the pH in your hot tub is straightforward. There are several methods and products available to help you do this effectively. Here’s how you can raise the pH safely:

1. Test the pH Level First

Before adding any chemicals to your hot tub, test the water to determine the current pH level. You can use test strips or a liquid test kit. If the pH is below 7.2, you’ll need to raise it.

2. Use pH Increaser (Sodium Carbonate)

The most common and effective way to raise the pH in your hot tub is by using a pH increaser, which typically contains sodium carbonate (also known as soda ash). To use it:

• Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage based on the size of your hot tub.

• Dissolve the pH increaser in a bucket of water before adding it to your hot tub.

• Add the solution slowly to the hot tub, allowing the water to circulate for 30 minutes before retesting the pH.

3. Add Baking Soda

If you don’t have a pH increaser, you can use household baking soda to raise the pH. Baking soda is an alkaline substance, so it will help raise the pH without overcorrecting it. Add about 1 tablespoon of baking soda for every 100 gallons of water in the hot tub.

• Sprinkle the baking soda directly into the hot tub water.

• Allow the water to circulate for about 30 minutes and retest the pH.

4. Increase Water Circulation

Sometimes, the pH of your hot tub may be slightly low due to poor circulation. Make sure the jets and pumps are running to distribute the chemicals evenly throughout the water. Increasing circulation can help raise the pH naturally over time.

5. Check Other Water Parameters

While adjusting the pH, make sure the alkalinity is also within the proper range (80-120 ppm). Alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH, so if the alkalinity is too low, it can cause the pH to fluctuate frequently. If necessary, adjust the alkalinity before raising the pH.

Where Can You Buy pH Increaser Products?

pH increasers and other pool and spa chemicals are widely available at pool supply stores, home improvement centers, and online retailers. Be sure to choose a product that is specifically designed for hot tubs to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Why Do pH Levels Fluctuate in a Hot Tub?

Several factors can cause the pH levels in your hot tub to fluctuate:

• Use of Hot Tub: The more you use your hot tub, the more likely the pH will shift due to the introduction of sweat, oils, lotions, and other substances.

• Chemicals Added: The addition of sanitizers, shock treatments, or other chemicals can affect pH levels.

• Hard Water: Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium, can raise the pH and cause scaling if not balanced.

• Aeration: The action of aerating the water with jets can naturally raise the pH over time.

How Often Should You Raise the pH in Your Hot Tub?

You should raise the pH in your hot tub only as needed. If the pH falls below the optimal range (7.2-7.8), take action to raise it. Regular testing will help you monitor the pH and make adjustments before it gets out of hand. Overcorrecting the pH can also cause other problems, such as an excessively high pH level, which can lead to cloudy water and scaling.