Are you having problems with your hot tub’s alkalinity? If so, you are not alone. Alkalinity is one of the most common issues people have with their hot tubs.

This blog post will provide tips on troubleshooting and fixing alkalinity problems. We will also discuss the importance of alkalinity and why it is crucial to maintain a proper level. So if you are struggling with alkalinity, read on for help!

Alkalinity Level

The hot tub alkalinity level should be kept at 80-120 ppm. It helps prevent cloudy water and keeps the water from being too acidic or alkaline. It also helps protect your skin from irritation. If the alkalinity level is too high, it can cause the water to be cloudy.

It can also lead to skin irritation. If the alkalinity level is too low, it can cause the water to become acidic. It can lead to problems with the hot tub’s plumbing and equipment. It is essential to test the hot tub water regularly and adjust the alkalinity levels as needed. Doing so will ensure your hot tub is always ready for a relaxing soak.

Low Alkalinity In Hot Tub

Low total alkalinity in hot tubs can cause damage to hot tub equipment and surfaces, drive the pH level in the hot tub down, turn the hot tub water more acidic, and result in itchy, dry skin and irritated eyes.

Additional problems associated with a low total alkalinity level in hot tubs include: pitting, etching, cracking and delaminating of hot tub walls and surfaces; corrosion of metal surfaces in or around your hot tub (i.e. heating elements, pump seals, internal parts on gas fire heaters, pipes, etc.), which can also result in stained hot tub walls; hot tub sanitisers (i.e. chlorine mainly) are less effective, so to achieve the same sanitising effect you will need to add more.

Causes of Low Alkalinity

There are a few reasons why you might have low alkalinity in your hot tub. One of the most common reasons is because of humans. Our bodies release sweat and oil into the water, throwing off the pH and alkalinity balance.

Rainwater can also cause problems, as it is naturally acidic. Chlorine tablets can also lower the alkalinity of your hot tub water. It is because they have a low pH level. If you do not use a hot tub cover, you may find your alkalinity levels dropping after a rainstorm. The rainwater is acidic and can throw off your desirable tub water balance.

How To Lower Alkalinity In Hot Tub

If the hot tub’s alkalinity level is too high, you can lower it by using chemicals such as liquid muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid diluted) or sodium bisulfate. Add the chemical to the hot tub according to the instructions on the container. Circulate the hot tub and pour the sodium bisulfate into the hot tub. Leave it for 20 minutes.

When combined with water, the acid decreases total alkalinity and maintains pH. Once the water stops moving, leave the hot tub open for an hour for the hot tub water to breathe appropriately. Test the water again. If the alkalinity is not lowered, repeat the process. If you achieved the desired alkalinity, test the water again after 24 hours. After this, check the pH levels with pH test strips and see if it needs to be balanced.

High Alkalinity In Hot Tub

High alkalinity in hot tub water can cause scale build-up, cloudy or murky water, and higher water pressure. It can also reduce water circulation and make the hot tub less sanitary.

To decrease high alkalinity in hot tub water, use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate (dry acid). You can also use a hot tub alkalinity decrease product. Check the pH level in the hot tub after adding these chemicals, as the pH level may have also dropped.

Causes of High Alkalinity In Hot Tub

There are a few leading causes of high alkalinity in hot tubs: 

Too Many Chemicals: You could be adding too many chemicals to your hot tub, which can increase your Total Dissolved Solids or TDS. Drain and clean your hot tub every 3-4 months to avoid this issue.

Sweat, Lotions, and Other Gross Body Stuff: You or your family and friends could be raising the pH with all your body lotions, sunblocks, perfumes, hair gel, etc. Shower before you soak!

Your Water Source: You may live in an area where your local water supplier has a high alkalinity reading. Ask your township, county, or local water district for a water reading. Most places will provide one.

Human Error: You could have accidentally had a heavy hand in adding alkalinity increaser or baking soda.

How To Increase Alkalinity In Hot Tub

If your hot tub’s alkalinity is too low, it can result in many problems. The water can become acidic, which can irritate your skin and eyes. It can also corrode your hot tub’s components, causing them to break down prematurely. There are a few ways to increase your hot tub’s alkalinity. You can use a chemical additive, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). You can also add fresh water to the hot tub, which will dilute the existing water and raise the alkalinity levels.

If you are uncomfortable using chemicals, there are a few natural ways to raise the alkalinity in your hot tub. You can add crushed eggshells to the water, gradually releasing calcium carbonate and increasing the alkalinity levels. You can also regularly add baking soda to the hot tub, which will help keep the alkalinity levels high. Whatever method you choose, it is essential to test the alkalinity levels regularly and make adjustments as needed. By keeping the alkalinity levels in check, you can ensure that your hot tub is safe and comfortable for you to use.

Fixing High Alkalinity

If you notice that your hot tub alkalinity is high, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue. The hot tub should be drained and cleaned every 3-4 months. It is important to shower before you soak in the hot tub to avoid any skin issues. You should also check the chemical levels and ensure you are not adding too much of any chemical.

The ideal range for hot tub alkalinity is 80-120 ppm. If the alkalinity is too high, you can add muriatic acid to lower the levels. If the alkalinity is too low, you can add sodium bicarbonate to raise the levels. You should regularly check your hot tub water alkalinity levels and adjust as needed.

Relation Between Alkalinity & pH

PH and alkalinity are related in that they both measure different properties of hot tub water. PH measures how acidic or alkaline the water is, while alkalinity specifically relates to how much acid the hot tub water can neutralise.

When hot tub water has a pH value above 7, it is considered essential, but this does not mean it has high alkalinity. Instead, having high alkalinity implies that the hot tub water can resist changes in pH levels and the effects of acidic water. For these reasons, it is vital to ensure that hot tub water has the correct level of alkalinity to maintain a balanced pH level.

Testing Alkalinity & pH in Hot Tub

The hot tub alkalinity can be tested with a pH test strip, which will give you readings for both the pH and total alkalinity levels. The hot tub pH level can also be tested with a pH test strip. The ideal range for hot tub pH is 7.4 to 7.6, and the alkalinity should be between 80-120 ppm. If the hot tub water is too acidic, it can cause skin problems. If the hot tub water is too alkaline, it can cause cloudy water. You should test the hot tub water levels and make adjustments as needed.

FAQs

Is it safe to swim if alkalinity is high?

No, swimming is unsafe if the alkalinity level is too high. High alkalinity levels can cause skin irritation and make the water cloudy. It is vital to test hot tub water regularly and adjust the alkalinity level as needed. A range of 80-120 ppm is ideal for hot tub water.

What Should Be Adjusted First Alkalinity or pH?

If the alkalinity level is good, but the pH level is low, add a pH increaser or soda ash (sodium carbonate) to the hot tub. If both readings are low, start by increasing the alkalinity level first. Test the hot tub water again after making the adjustments. It is essential to test the hot tub water before making any adjustments. This way, you can determine each chemical’s level and make the necessary changes.

Are pH and alkalinity the same thing?

No, pH and alkalinity are not the same things. Alkalinity is a measure of the ability of water to resist changes in pH, while pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of water. Hot tubs typically have higher alkalinity levels than swimming pools since hot tubs are often used for more extended periods and need to resist changes in pH more effectively.

Will alkalinity lower on its own?

No, the alkalinity will not lower on its own. It can only be reduced if rainwater is allowed to enter your hot tub.

Want to know how to clean and maintain your hot tub with ease? Read our complete guide to hot tubs on the Celtic Spas blog.