How To Keep Your Hot Tub pH Levels Balanced

Hot tubs are a fantastic way to relax after a long day of work. They also provide a source of entertainment for friends and family, although there is a level of maintenance that is required to maintain the hot tub water. If the hot tub is not properly maintained you are shortening the lifespan of the hot tub as well as creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and algae. Additionally, it is essential that you keep your hot tub water clean for your health and the health of your guests.

A very common mistake on the part of an average hot tub owner is the failure to maintain proper water pH levels. There is a very easy method to test the levels of pH in your hot tub: pH test strips. They can be purchased in bulk and are relatively inexpensive. They can be found at any pool maintenance and supply shop. Hot tub water should be tested at least every two days but if the hot tub is not heavily used and the hot tub is not located in an area with adverse weather conditions then checking the pH balance once a week will suffice.

If water is too acidic, measuring at a pH level of 7.0 or lower, the acidic water will cause unneeded destruction to the mechanical equipment of your hot tub. When water is too alkaline, measuring at a pH level of 7.8 or higher, this speeds up lime and scale buildup. It is ideal to have the pH levels in the range of 7.2 to 7.6. If the pH levels are not properly monitored there are several problems that could occur such as skin irritation to your guests, cloudy and foul smelling water, mineral buildup and corrosion of the hot tub’s mechanical parts.

When pH levels are imbalanced you will need to add either sodium bicarbonate or sodium bisulphate. Sodium bicarbonate will increase the pH levels in your hot tub. Sodium bisulphate will lower the pH levels in your hot tub. Also if you purchase strips that are specifically designed for spa and pools, they will also measure the sanitizer levels in your hot tub.

There are three kinds of sanitizer that can be used for the treatment of pools and hot tubs. The three being Chlorine, Bromine and Biguanide - these are the three most common sanitizers.  Chlorine, one of the most well-known sanitizers, is available in liquid, tablet, and granule form. One major drawback associated with the use of Chlorine is that it produces a strong odor that can smell like that of a cleaning business. Bromine is a sanitizer that is available in tablet, nugget, and granule form. Bromine is preferred over Chlorine because Bromine does not produce such a strong odor as Chlorine does and does not dissipate at temperatures above 98 degrees. Biguanide is a sanitizer that producers ever fewer odors than Chlorine and Bromine and works in a different manner than Chlorine or Bromine.

Hot water is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and germs. There is only one way to ensure that bacteria and germs don’t infest the hot tub and that is by testing the hot tubs pH balance constantly. It's also recommended that you empty your water every 90 days. By performing your weekly hot tub maintenance, you are eliminating the chance for bacteria to breed and you are also lowering the potential health risk to anyone using your hot tub.