Maintaining balanced water chemistry in your hot tub is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable soaking experience. High alkalinity can lead to several issues, including cloudy water, scale buildup, and ineffective sanitiser performance. If you're dealing with elevated alkalinity levels in your hot tub, don’t worry—Elite Spas is here to guide you through the process of lowering it effectively.
Understanding Alkalinity
Total alkalinity measures the water’s ability to neutralise acids, acting as a buffer for pH levels. The ideal range for total alkalinity in a hot tub is between 80-120 parts per million (ppm). When alkalinity is too high, it can cause pH levels to fluctuate, making water balancing more difficult.
Steps to Reduce Alkalinity in Your Hot Tub
1. Test the Water
Begin by testing your hot tub water using a reliable test kit or test strips. This will give you an accurate reading of your current alkalinity levels. Knowing the exact level helps in determining how much adjustment is needed.
2. Use pH Decreaser
The most effective way to lower alkalinity is by using a pH decreaser. Here's how to use it:
- Calculate the Amount Needed: Refer to the product instructions to determine the appropriate amount of pH decreaser needed for your hot tub size and current alkalinity level.
- Turn Off the Jets: Ensure the hot tub jets are off to prevent the acid from dispersing too quickly.
- Add the pH Decreaser: Slowly sprinkle the calculated amount of pH decreaser into the deepest part of the hot tub. Avoid adding it directly to the filter compartment.
- Let it Dissolve: Allow the acid to dissolve naturally without turning on the jets for at least 30 minutes.
3. Retest and Adjust
After allowing the acid to dissolve and disperse, retest the alkalinity levels. If the levels are still too high, repeat the process with another dose of pH decreaser. Always wait and retest before adding more chemicals to avoid overshooting the desired range.
4. Aerate the Water
Once you’ve added the pH decreaser, turn on the hot tub jets and let the water circulate for a few hours. Aeration helps to stabilise the pH levels after adjusting the alkalinity.
5. Monitor pH Levels
Reducing alkalinity can cause a drop in pH levels. Monitor and adjust the pH as needed to keep it within the ideal range of 7.2-7.6. Use a pH increaser if the levels fall below the recommended range.
Preventing High Alkalinity
To maintain balanced water chemistry and prevent high alkalinity in the future, consider the following tips:
- Regular Testing: Test your hot tub water at least once a week to catch imbalances early.
- Proper Chemical Usage: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for chemical usage and avoid over-dosing.
- Water Source: Be aware of the alkalinity levels in your source water, as it can contribute to imbalances.
- Routine Maintenance: Keep your hot tub clean and maintain the filter to ensure proper water circulation and filtration.