Owning a hot tub is a fantastic way to relax and unwind, but maintaining the water quality is crucial for both your health and the longevity of your hot tub. One of the most important factors to consider when caring for your hot tub is the pH level of the water. While it might sound like a complex scientific term, pH plays a simple but vital role in ensuring that your hot tub remains clean, safe, and comfortable to use. In this post, we’ll dive into what it is, why it’s important in hot tubs, and how to properly maintain it.
What is pH?
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. The pH of your hot tub water directly affects how the chemicals in the water behave, how effective the sanitizer is, and how comfortable the water feels for users.
- Acidic Water (below 7): This means the water is more acidic, which can cause corrosion of metal parts and damage to your hot tub’s equipment. It can also lead to skin irritation.
- Alkaline Water (above 7): Water that is too alkaline can cause scaling, cloudiness, and reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers like chlorine or bromine.
- Ideal pH for Hot Tubs: The optimal level for hot tub water is between 7.4 and 7.6. This range is slightly alkaline and helps to ensure that the water is comfortable, safe, and the chemicals in the water work efficiently.
Why Is It Important in Hot Tubs?
Maintaining the proper pH in your hot tub is essential for several reasons:
1. Effective Sanitization
Sanitizers such as chlorine or bromine are responsible for killing harmful bacteria and germs in the water. However, their effectiveness is heavily influenced by the pH level of the water. If it is too low (acidic), the sanitizer can become too strong, potentially causing skin irritation. If it is too high (alkaline), the sanitizer becomes less effective, which means bacteria and other contaminants may not be properly eliminated.
2. Preventing Damage to Equipment
Hot tubs have various sensitive components, such as heaters, pumps, and jets, which can be easily damaged by improper pH levels. If the water is too acidic, it can corrode metal parts, and if it’s too alkaline, it can lead to scaling. Both of these issues can result in costly repairs and shorten the lifespan of your hot tub.
3. Comfortable Water
The pH level directly impacts the comfort of the water for bathers. Water that is too acidic can cause skin and eye irritation, while water that is too alkaline can feel slimy or cause scaling on your skin. Keeping it within the ideal range ensures that the water is comfortable to soak in and safe for your skin.
4. Clear, Clean Water
Maintaining a balanced pH helps prevent cloudy water. If it is too high or too low, particles and minerals can become suspended in the water, leading to murkiness. Keeping levels in the ideal range helps keep the water clear and clean.
How to Adjust pH in Hot Tubs
Once you’ve tested the pH level and determined if it’s too high or too low, you can adjust it using the appropriate chemicals.
1. To Lower pH (Acidic)
If your pH level is above 7.6 (alkaline), you’ll need to lower it using a decreaser. This product typically contains sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid, which helps bring the levels back to the ideal range.
- Add the recommended amount of decreaser to the hot tub water (follow the product instructions carefully).
- Wait for the water to circulate for at least 24 hours before retesting.
2. To Raise pH (Alkaline)
If your pH level is below 7.4 (acidic), you’ll need to raise it using an increaser, commonly made of sodium carbonate or soda ash.
- Add the recommended amount of increaser to the water (again, follow the product instructions).
- Allow the water to circulate for 24 hours before retesting.
How Often Should You Test and Adjust pH?
The pH should be tested at least once a week, but if your hot tub is used frequently, or if you notice that the water is cloudy or smells odd, you may need to test it more often. In general, here are some guidelines:
- After heavy use: Test and adjust the pH.
- Every week: Even if the hot tub is not used often, check the pH level to ensure it remains balanced.
- After adding chemicals: Whenever you add any other chemicals (like sanitizer or algaecides), retest the pH to ensure it is still in the ideal range.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the correct pH level in your hot tub is one of the most important aspects of hot tub care. It ensures effective sanitization, protects your equipment, keeps the water comfortable, and helps maintain clear, clean water. By regularly testing and adjusting the pH, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe and enjoyable soaking experience. So, make it a habit to check your hot tub’s levels and keep them within the ideal range for the best results. Your hot tub, and your skin, will thank you!
Have questions about your hot tubs water balance? Our team are more than happy to help!