HOT TUB pH & ALKALINITY

In our experience, the hardest chemical readings for hot tub users to keep in range are pH and Alkalinity.  Read on to learn more about why we care about the pH and Alkalinity in a hot tub, and what to do to manage these.

RANGES & RISKS:

The ideal range for pH is 7.2 – 7.8 ppm.  When your water has a high pH, this can cause scale to develop on your pumps and heater.  When you pH is too low, this may cause eroding of your plumbing and damage to pump seals and heaters.  Also, when the pH is “in range”, your sanitizer will work much more effectively.

The ideal range for Total Alkalinity is 80-120 ppm. Alkalinity is basically a buffer to your pH level; it allows you to adjust your pH up or down.  As a result, pH and Alkalinity tend to move in tandem.  If you find that both our out of range, adjust Alkalinity first, then adjust  your pH.  Often when you bring the Alkalinity in range the pH will come into range as well.

TESTING FOR PH & ALKALINITY:

Testing for pH and Alkalinity is very easy.  Pick up a set of Leisure Time test strips (either Chlorine or Bromine), dip a strip into the water for 2-3 seconds, then compare to the color chart on the side of the bottle.  If your first reading is not clear, or you want to double check, run the test again.

ADJUSTING PH & ALKALINITY:

We recommend using the Leisure Time products such as “Spa Up” (raises pH), “Spa Down” (lowers pH), or “Alkalinity Increaser” (raises Alk.).  Follow instructions on the bottle.  Start in small doses and adjust slowly so you don’t swing from one extreme to the other.  Also, it sometimes helps to dissolve the chemical in a jar of cup of your spa water before dumping in.