Construction & Contractors Blog
Modern hot tubs don't require much tinkering to keep them running smoothly, but there's one thing you must keep track of: your hot tub's pH levels. If the water in your hot tub has an imbalanced pH level, it can hurt you and the hot tub alike. Thankfully, it isn't extremely difficult to monitor and maintain the pH level, and this guide will show you how.
What A Low Or High pH Does
When your hot tub's pH level is imbalanced, it can cause a variety of problems from malfunctions to physical discomfort. The Centers For Disease Control suggest keeping your hot tub's pH level between 7.2 and 7.8.
If your tub's pH level is below 7.2, you may experience these problems:
On the other hand, if your pH level is above 7.8, you may be seeing these signs:
How To Monitor It
It's a quick and easy process to monitor your pool's pH levels. Hot tub maintenance companies and supply shops carry test strips and kits for testing the pH level.
Test strips are dipped into a water sample taken from your hot tub and change colors depending on their pH level. The strips should come with instructions that explain whether the color indicates high, low, or normal.
More advanced test kits with digital readouts can be used to test the water more precisely, and will display the exact pH level on the screen.
How To Equalize pH Levels
If the tests reveal that your hot tub's pH level is wrong, you can start the process of fixing it.
If you need to lower the pH level, ask them to show you a pH-decreasing liquid formula. Follow the product's instructions to determine how much of it you need to add to the water to equalize the pH level. When you're ready, turn the hot tub on and add the required amount of the formula to the water in the center of the hot tub. Give it some time to circulate through the tub, then test the water again. If it's still not quite right, adjust accordingly until the level is between 7.2 and 7.8.
If you need to raise your pH level, you can accomplish this with something you probably already have in your kitchen: baking soda. Just 1 tablespoon of baking soda for every 100 gallons your hot tub holds will boost the water's pH level.
With a little practice, monitoring and changing your hot tub's pH level will become an easy task. Following these steps will protect your skin and eyes and extend the life of your hot tub and its filters.
For more information, or if you would like professional assistance, contact Kaupas Water or a similar company.
Share23 January 2015
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
