{"id":1454,"date":"2021-12-29T19:59:46","date_gmt":"2021-12-29T19:59:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hottubzone.com\/?p=1454"},"modified":"2023-02-06T18:50:21","modified_gmt":"2023-02-06T18:50:21","slug":"how-to-lower-ph-hot-tub","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hottubzone.com\/how-to-lower-ph-hot-tub\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Ways to Lower pH Level in a Hot Tub (Chemical & Natural)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Over the years, I’ve used several different methods for lowering the pH in my hot tub. I’m going to share with you the most effective ways and how to lower the pH step by step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to lower the pH of hot tub water, you’ll need to add acid. The most popular choices are sodium bisulfate (dry acid) and muriatic acid (liquid acid), which are more commonly referred to as pH decreaser. Alternatively, white vinegar may also be used to lower the pH naturally without using chemicals.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, you’ll learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should always adjust the alkalinity first before making adjustments to the pH. A proper alkalinity level between 80-100 ppm buffers pH, preventing fluctuations in the pH. If the total alkalinity is too low, you won’t be able to keep the pH levels between the ideal range of 7.4-7.6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most common ways homeowners lower the pH in their hot tub is by using pH decreaser, also known as pH reducer or pH minus. The product contains sodium bisulfate, which is a dry acid available in granular form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When sodium bisulfate is added to water, it increases the hydrogen concentration, which lowers the pH and total alkalinity. Although care needs to be taken when using any type of acid, sodium bisulfate in granular form is user-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s less caustic than liquid acid products, meaning that it will not damage surfaces as easily if it’s accidentally spilled. It’s also more practical as it can be stored in a wider range of conditions. Remember, dry acid is a lot safer than liquid acid, but you still need to exercise caution when handling it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Liquid muriatic acid (or Hydrochloric acid) is cheaper and more effective than dry acid products, which is why it’s the most popular way of lowering pH levels in commercial settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many risks involved when using muriatic acid. You should only handle muriatic acid if you feel completely comfortable in your ability to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a pH level of 1.0, muriatic acid is a million times more acidic than water. It’s highly corrosive, which is why it’s necessary to dilute it before adding it to your spa water. This powerful acid can easily burn through flesh, metal, and concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A safer alternative is to use a muriatic acid replacement product called Acid Magic. It has the pH reduction properties of muriatic acid but is less caustic and gives off 90 percent fewer fumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The manufacturer states that it will not cause burns to the skin, but it’s still advisable to wear full protective gear when handling Acid Magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to reduce the number of chemicals you use in your spa, then using vinegar is a safe and natural way to reduce the pH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it’s perfectly possible to reduce the pH using vinegar, it isn’t a very practical method for a number of reasons. Firstly, vinegar adds acetates to the water, which creates a secondary buffer system that isn\u2019t desirable. Secondly, vinegar is a relatively weak acid, meaning that you have large quantities that can result in a foul-smelling odor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See my article for more information on the practicalities of using vinegar to reduce pH<\/a>. Vinegar will only save you a few dollars over the course of a year, and sodium bisulfate is far more effective and less hard work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very high total alkalinity is the primary reason for high pH levels. The minerals in hard water act as a buffer that reduces the amount of acid, resulting in a high pH. Another cause is the combination of bubbles and high water temperatures in hot tubs that create carbon dioxide gas, which raises the pH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you live in an area with hard water or you use a well, it’s likely to have a higher-than-normal pH level. Adding shock to the water can also cause a temporary spike in the pH as it breaks up the chloramines in the water. It may also be that you accidentally added too much pH increaser to the water when making your weekly adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The fact that hot tubs naturally produce carbon dioxide, which raises pH, is why you need to be proactive when it comes to maintaining the water chemistry, even if the hot tub isn’t being used. You must act quickly to balance the water as high pH can cause cloudy water<\/a>, calcium and scale build-up, and damage to the filter and plumbing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Never use your hot tub if the pH is high<\/a> as you may experience itchy skin and burning eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should never have to chase the pH levels around in your spa. If you’ve found yourself doing so, then it’s best to drain all of the water and start afresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before draining your hot tub water, use this Ahh-Some line flush<\/a><\/strong> to get rid of any harmful biofilm hiding in the plumbing. If you’ve never used line flush, check out this guide to removing biofilm<\/a> and the importance of doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
How to lower the pH in your hot tub<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sodium bisulfate (dry acid)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you’ll need:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
How to lower pH using sodium bisulfate:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Muriatic acid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you’ll need:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
How to lower pH using muriatic acid:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Vinegar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What you’ll need:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
How to lower pH using vinegar:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Why is the pH high?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to prevent high pH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Remove biofilm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n