Too much administration of chemical solutions into your hot tub can sometimes make you feel like you’re absorbing too many unnatural things when you soak. This eventually leaves you wondering if there are any other alternatives to follow towards solving your hot tub problems. Well, the answer is yes, you can actually lower the alkalinity level in your hot tub through natural means.
However, unlike the pH level, which you can easily reduce by adding vinegar, the only natural means you can use to lower the alkalinity level of your hot tub is by partially draining the spa and refilling it to counterbalance the alkalinity level. This method rarely ever gives you a good result, and it’s very stressful and time-consuming.
To lower your hot tub’s pH level, you only need to add about four cups of vinegar to your hot tub water. Take note: make sure you circulate the water in the tub before you pour in the vinegar. You can either use any available vinegar at home or use apple cider vinegar.
After administrating, turn on the jets and test the water after a few hours. Do this till you get to the desired level.
Vinegar and baking soda have been proven to be effective natural solutions for alkalinity and pH level problems. Hence, it is very much recommended that you try them, just in case you want to go natural. But you can only use baking soda to increase alkalinity, while vinegar only increases pH.
What causes high alkalinity in a hot tub?
In hot tub water maintenance, water balance is very important. The key to safe and hygienic soaking all boils down to how balanced the water is. As a hot tub owner, being familiar with water treatment and balance will save you a lot of money, as you won’t need to hire an expert to take care of your hot tub water for you. In this blog, you will be exposed to the causes of alkalinity in your hot tub.
Maintaining a good alkalinity level is closely related to pH. A good alkalinity level is a big factor towards maintaining your pH level and the general safety of your hot tub water. It is recommended that you first balance your total alkalinity level as it acts as a buffer and renders any chemical administered into the water useless.
Some of the reasons for too much alkalinity in water are: bacteria, bodily fluids and oils such as sweat and lotion can alter the way balance and increase alkalinity drastically.
To check or test your hot tub water’s alkalinity, you can use test strips or liquid test for your total alkalinity levels.
It is recommended that you test your hot tub water at least once a week, depending on how frequently you use your spa.
What happens if alkalinity levels are too high in a hot tub?
Hot tubs are known for their cozy and warm feeling. Coming home after a hard day’s work is the perfect icing on the cake for tub owners. Unfortunately, this feeling can soon be accompanied by a high level of discomfort due to poor water hygiene. A poor chemical and water balance can all spell bad news for your hot tub water.
A high alkalinity level in your water simply means that your hot tub is susceptible to bacteria, algae, and other contaminants, as any chemical you administer into your tub will be rendered useless because of the high level of alkalinity.
Also, a high alkalinity level can cause scaling on your hot tub surface.
Ensuring that your water levels are balanced is the sure way to go when it comes to hot tub water maintenance and safety. A poor alkalinity level also affects the pH level, which leaves the water too acidic.
Testing your hot tub often is also needed to always keep your water levels in check to avoid surprises.
Does baking soda lower the alkalinity level in a spa?
No, baking soda actually does the opposite; it increases the alkalinity levels of your hot tub rather than reduces them. Use an alkalinity remover to help you reduce alkalinity.
Also take note that a high alkalinity level also affects the pH level of your hot tub water.
How do you bring down the high alkalinity in a hot tub?
Having your own hot tub is great. Cooling off in the warm bubble water after the day’s duties is an ideal life for so many, but then, all that leisure comes with a lot of treatment and maintenance. You’ll be provided with steps towards reducing the alkalinity level in your hot tub.
To lower the alkalinity in your water, follow these steps:
- Test your hot tub water: Do not conclude your hot tub water’s alkalinity level is high just because you think so. Get a test strip or liquid test to confirm it.
- Add a pH decreaser: It might seem confusing that instead of adding an alkaline decreaser you’re adding pH, but even though the two elements might be different, a pH decreaser actually works to decrease alkalinity too. If your hot tub has about 1,000 gallons of water, use up to 3 ounces of pH decreaser to lower the alkalinity by 10 ppm.
- Allow the water to sit for about six to seven hours: Make sure your pump is running and that it is circulating.
- Retest the water: After the hours needed to wait have elapsed, test the water again to make sure the process was a success. If it wasn’t, undergo the procedure again.
How do I lower the alkalinity levels in my hot tub with dry acid?
Consistent use of chemicals in lowering almost every problem in your hot tub can soon leave you feeling like you’re absorbing too much chemical, so searching for a natural alternative would be the next resort. Unfortunately, the only way is by draining and refilling the spa. This process is very tedious and not advisable.
If you don’t want to use muriatic acid, the closest you can get to reducing the alkalinity level in your hot tub is by administering dry acid.
Follow these steps to administer dry acid in your tub and reduce the alkalinity level.
Dry acid, also known as sodium bisulfate, is safe to work with and easy to add to your hot tub.
Step 1. Start by testing the water in your hot tub. There are different options to use in testing your water, like test strips, liquid kits, or a digital tester. Testing is needed to confirm the alkalinity level of your water.
Step 2. Read the instructions on the bottle to measure out the needed bisulfate to be used. 3.5 ounces, which generally reduces a 1,000 gallon tub by 10 ppm. Factors like the size of your hot tub or water level may decide if you’ll need more or less.
Step 3. Using a five-liter plastic bucket, fetch water from the tub and ensure the bucket is three-quarters full.
Step 4. Go ahead and add the needed amount of sodium bisulfate into the water.
Step 5. Use a wooden stick to stir and mix up the solution of acid and water until all the sodium bisulfate granules are dissolved. Take note: undiluted granules may damage your hot tub shell.
Step 6. After dissolving, pour the solution into your hot tub.
Step 7. Allow the water for at least six to seven hours for the water to circulate properly.
Step 8. Test the water for total alkalinity after everything, and adjust if needed.
Does vinegar lower alkalinity in hot tubs?
Vinegar is a popular word in homes and in hot tub water maintenance, but it does not lower alkalinity levels at all. What vinegar does is that it helps lower the pH level, not the alkalinity level.
The alternative to reducing hot tub water is soda ash, also known as soda bisulfate, just as stated earlier.
Will pH decrease alkalinity?
A high alkalinity level can cause very big problems for your hot tub and take away all the fun that you once enjoyed. It can cause scaling on the surface of your hot tub and pose a risk of bacteria, algae, and other contaminant problems, leaving your hot water unsafe to use.
Yes, the pH decreaser will help in lowering your alkalinity level. Adding a pH decreaser, also known as sodium bisulfate, is one of the easiest ways to lower your alkalinity level.
Common steps on how you can lower your hot tub levels are as follows;
- Test the hot tub’s water first.
- Add a pH decreaser to your hot tub water. If the capacity of your hot tub is 1,000 gallons of water, use about 3 ounces of soda ash to lower the alkalinity by 10 ppm.
- Test the water again after 24 hours for success after the process.
Will alkalinity decrease on its own?
Yes, high alkalinity levels will generally reduce overtime on their own. Although high total alkalinity can cause some serious damage while it’s still high before it eventually goes down on its own, it is advisable that you administer soda ash to reduce it and not wait for it to go down by itself.
A high alkalinity level can cause scaling to build up and reduce the pH level of your water, which will allow algae and bacteria growth.
