Your hot tub water might look clean, but is it really? And how can you be certain? Instead of relying on guesswork, why not check out our article on the importance of testing the pH levels of your hot tub?
With regular testing and balancing hot tub water, you can rest assured your hot tub is as clean and healthy as the day you first bought it. Read on for more!
What Is pH?
A pH (potential of Hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a scale of 0 to 14. The perfect hot tub pH level sits between 7.2 and 7.6. Any solution with a pH level below seven is considered acidic, while higher readings indicate alkaline or base solutions.
Here are a few examples to help you get a better idea:
- Baking soda has a pH level of 8.3
- Seawater has a pH level of 8
- Wine and beer have a pH level of 4.0
- Vinegar has a pH level of 2.2
- Battery acid has a pH level of 1.0
The only chemical with a neutral pH is pure water, which is 7.
Why Is Balancing Hot Tub Water Important?
Testing the pH level of your hot tub water is crucial to ensure a neutral balance. Imbalanced hot tub water can be corrosive to your spa parts, especially if the water is too acidic. This can lead to expensive repairs down the road.
Conversely, if the water is too basic or alkaline, it can lead to mineral scaling or even stain your hot tub. Skin and eye irritation is also a sign that the alkalinity of the water is too high.
That’s why balancing hot tub water is key to maintaining a healthy and clean spa. Not to mention, it makes for a more enjoyable hot tubing experience!
What Alters The Hot Tub Water Balance?
Do you live in an area with hard water (higher calcium) or soft water (mineral-free)? It’s a good idea to know beforehand the type of water that’s coming out of your garden hose, as this can alter your water’s pH levels. You can find this out by checking with your local water supplier or having your water tested.
If you live in an area with hard water, it’s likely that your hot tub will need more frequent pH adjustments than someone who lives with soft water. The reason is that hard water already has a high pH level, and adding chemicals to the water can quickly make it too alkaline.
There are also many sanitizers with different pH ranges, such as calcium hypochlorite, which has a higher pH level, and bromine, which has a much lower pH level. You must be careful about adding these sanitizers to your water, as they could negatively impact the balance of your hot tub water.
How Do I Test The pH Levels In My Hot Tub?
The best way to check the balance of your hot tub or spa water is to use the pH test kit that comes with your hot tub.
This will help you determine the steps you need to take, and how frequently you need to check your spa’s water levels. It’s a simple process that requires taking a small sample of circulated spa water and dipping a test strip into it.
Then, shake the strip, hold it horizontally for 15 seconds, and then compare it to the color chart.
Hot Tubs For Sale In Maryland And Pennsylvania
Do you want to get on track with your testing and balancing hot tub water? Why not bring a sample of your water to one of our Van Dorn Pools and Spas showrooms for a complete water testing solution, as well as testing for contaminants?
We have three locations in Kingsville, Reisterstown, and Shrewsbury to serve you better. Our friendly and efficient experts will be here to help you test and treat your spa water.