Learning how to lower pH in the pool can be challenging but there are a few things that a homeowner who is looking to stabilize their pool or hot tub needs to know before they get started. For starters, muriatic acid is used in liquid form to lower pH in swimming pools. Meanwhile, sodium bisulfate is used in spas and hot tubs by those who prefer the dry form. Chlorine systems, on the other hand, rarely rely on chemicals to lower the pH level.
When it comes time to determine what chemicals and methods are needed to address the pH levels, the sanitizing agent for the water helps homeowners to make the right decision. With all that being said, what is the best method for lowering pH? Let’s take a closer look at the two most commonly used chemicals and how they can help.
Sodium Bisulfate vs Muriatic Acid
As mentioned above, the decision is typically based on the type of pool in question. Spas and hot tubs will rely on sodium bisulfate, in its dry form. Muriatic acid is relied upon by swimming pool owners, in its liquid form. Once this distinction has been made, it is time to take a closer look at the steps for each process.
Muriatic Acid
Be sure to have gloves and goggles on.
Measure accordingly and then choose from one of two methods. Some may decide to pour the acid over the return jets. Others could elect to turn the pump off, add the acid and then let the pump do the work.
Re-test the water in at least six hours (but no more than 24).
Sodium Bisulfate
Use the proper amount that is recommended by the manufacturer. Some will recommend using 75% of this amount, for easier correction.
Get the chemical down into the water by placing it in the water return jet site.
Within 10-15 minutes, the powder should be fully dissolved.
Re-test the water in at least six hours (but no more than 24).
Testing and Balancing pH Levels
Thanks to over-the-counter test strips, the process of testing the pH level have never been easier. The CDC recommends that homeowners utilize these at-home testing strips but it is important to make sure that the expiration date on the packaging has not arrived yet. Once the homeowner is ready to get started, they are going to need three containers, 13 cups of normal tap water and three drops of liquid chlorine bleach.
Let the tap run for roughly two minutes. The first container should be filled with one cup of water. The other two containers should be filled with six cups of water apiece. Container two will need one drop of chlorine bleach and container two requires two drops of liquid chlorine bleach. Now, it is time to grab the strips and the instructions from the manufacturer.
The containers of water are going to serve as the testing mechanism for the testing strips. Container one should contain 0 to <1 ppm, container two should be somewhere between 2-3 ppm and container three should end up at 4-5 ppm. If pH needs to be brought down, there are a number of common symptoms to address. Swimmers will usually complain about skin and eye irritation. The water becomes cloudy. The filters and pipes start to clog more easily.
Once the aforementioned chemical-based cleaning methods have taken place, there are some simple ways to keep the pH balance at a desirable level going forward. Be sure to test the pool twice a week for best results. The pool must also be kept clean, as even something as simple as dirty leaves can alter the pH balance. The pool should also be shocked on a regular basis and the filtration system must be checked frequently. These simple preventive measures will go a long way towards preventing an unwanted rise in pH levels.
Contact the Professionals
If there are any other questions or concerns, it is time to speak with the professionals. Be sure to contact Ajax Pool and Spa for maintenance services or chemicals and supplies for pool maintenance. They are also on hand to help homeowners who need to learn how to lower the pH in their pool. Pick up the phone and give Ajax Pool and Spa a call at 970-279-5253 as soon as possible.
The importance of maintaining a hot tub in the summer cannot be understated. Without proper maintenance, the system will not have the lifespan it deserves. The same goes for the system’s level of energy efficiency. Weekly, daily, and sporadic maintenance are required as well. While everyone enjoys the relaxation and comfort that a hot tub has to offer, this peace of mind is destroyed when the hot tub is not running in the manner that’s expected.
Fortunately, an owner can avoid these types of problems if they are willing to keep up with their maintenance on a regular basis. With the necessary care, the system will always run in the manner that it needs to. Aspen homeowners would do well to read on and learn more about the following tips and tricks on how to care for a hot tub in the summer as well:
Tennis, Anyone?
Anyone who has ever seen tennis balls in and around a hot tub has probably wondered why they are there. As it turns out, they can play a key role in the long and short-term maintenance of the hot tub. Place some in the skimmer or the water itself for best results. The tennis balls soak up the lotions and oils that have made their way to the water’s surface. Even if the hot tub is getting heavier usage, the water will still remain fresh. Tennis balls should be a part of any regular maintenance routine.
Drain The Water Regularly
As a rule of thumb, the water in the hot tub needs to be drained on a consistent basis. The experts will recommend doing so every couple of months. At a bare minimum, the tub should be drained every four months. Once the water has been drained, it is time for the homeowner to thoroughly inspect their hot tub and clean it. In these instances, an all-purpose cleaner works best.
Maintaining The Chemical Balance
Once the cleaning and inspection have been taken care of, it is time to check the chemical balance. Test strips can be used to check the water’s level. In a best-case scenario, the alkaline and acid levels should be even. If they are not? This means that it is time to fix it. Add the necessary chemicals on a regular basis, so that these types of issues do not have the chance to fester. The level of frequency will depend on the frequency at which the hot tub is being used.
Quality Water Circulation
In some instances, the Aspen homeowner may own a model that circulates the water for them. If not, this is a task that will need to take place on a consistent basis. If the water does not get a chance to pass through the hot tub’s cartridge filters, this can spell problems down the road. A model that does not automatically circulate the water will need to be turned on for about 15 to 20 minutes per day to ensure that the water is given the chance to pass through the filters. Some hot tub owners may even decide that the process needs to take place twice a day.
Proactive Inspections
When it comes time to inspect a hot tub, no sane homeowner should be waiting until a problem has a chance to take place. It is always better to be proactive instead of reactive in these instances. When cracks, leaks, and various damages occur, it can be hard to spot them before it is too late. By catching these problems early, they can be addressed and fixed in a timely manner.
The filters in the hot tub also need to be examined consistently. When the filters are allowed to get dirty, the hot tub is never going to function as efficiently as it should. Any hot tub owner that sits back and waits for problems to pop up is going to spend far more to fix them on the back end.
When maintenance services are required, it is time to contact the professionals. Ajax Pool and Spa is here to help all of our clients with their hot tub-related needs, including access to the necessary chemicals and supplies. That’s why any Aspen homeowner who is looking to address these types of potential problems is urged to contact Ajax Pool and Spa as soon as possible.
Knowing how to drain a hot tub fast is not nearly as important as knowing how to drain a hot tub properly. While draining the water is important for keeping the water clean, it is also crucial when it comes to preventing damages. By taking the time to drain the water and change it, an Aspen homeowner can avoid a number of long-term issues.
Corrosion is common when hot tubs are not drained on a consistent basis. The balance will be lost and no one wants to soak in dirty water that has not been taken care of properly. To learn about how to drain a hot tub, be sure to check out the following tips and pointers:
When To Drain Your Hot Tub
A hot tub has amazing self-cleaning properties but that does not mean that the owner will not need to change the water from time to time. The frequency at which the tub should be drained depends on the type of system that is being used. Traditional systems that rely on bromine or chlorine will need to have their water changed every three to four months.
Meanwhile, those who have a saltwater system can get away with less frequent hot tub draining. These systems can be drained on a yearly basis. To remain free of contamination, the Aspen homeowner must remain cognizant of the requirements for their specific system.
Draining Your Hot Tub
The process is simple, especially for those who have thought to place their hot tub adjacent to the drain where it was installed. Once the homeowner has decided to get started, there are a few steps that need to be taken, as it is time to gather the necessary equipment. A submersible pump is the best bet for any tub owner that does not want to go through the hassle of finding a garden hose long enough to reach the hot tub from the drain.
A spa shell cleaner and some clean rags are also required. It will take roughly an hour to drain the hot tub if the owner is using a drainage spigot. Those who want to drain a hot tub fast will want to obtain a submersible pump, which allows the tub to drain within ten minutes.
Does The Water Absolutely Have To Be Drained?
In a word, yes. Summer maintenance is absolutely essential to the long-term sustainability of the tub. Experts will recommend that the spa water be changed every three to four months. As chemicals are added to the water, they are going to start to dissolve more and more slowly. When this happens, the water becomes overly saturated, and the hot tub is not nearly as clean as it once was.
The chemistry of the water becomes imbalanced, and the hot tub can even begin to develop a scent. Since the hot tub is smaller than a pool, the more deodorant, lotion, sweat, and oil that gets left behind. None of this is going to be diluted very well, which causes the water to become cloudy and foamy. Added solids are also left behind as the water continues to evaporate, causing more long-term issues.
If the water is not drained during the summer months on a regular basis, the hot tub is not going to be clean or safe. Aspen homeowners must take the time to remove old and dirty water before it has the chance to start corroding the tub itself.
When Is It Time For a Change?
The water needs to be tested on a regular basis so that the proper balance can be maintained. Once the water has become consistently gritty or funky, this is a sure sign that it is time for a change. The frequency at which the spa is used also plays a key role. Divide the total number of gallons in the tub by three. From there, divide this number by the number of daily users. The answer to this formula tells homeowners how often to change the water, taking all of the guesswork out of the equation.
Aspen homeowners who have any further questions about the cleanliness of their hot tub and how regular draining can enhance their enjoyment are more than welcome to contact the good folks at Ajax Pool and Spa. These trained professionals are always on hand, ready to answer any questions or address any concerns that a tub owner may have!
It’s important to know how to balance the water in your hot tub. Learning how to lower alkalinity in a hot tub is easier than you might think. Once you learn how to achieve the desired level, it’s also easier to maintain it.
Alkalinity is the measurement of the water in your hot tub to determine how it is able to neutralize acids. A proper pH balance is critical so that you have the comfortable soaking environment that you have come to expect.
The alkalinity is sometimes referred to as the “buffer.” The reason for this is to ensure that your water is capable of resisting drastic changes in pH levels.
Test strips can be used to tell you what the alkalinity of the water is. Your goal should be to maintain it between 80-120 ppm.
Why is Lower Alkalinity Important?
If you have high alkalinity, you’ll notice problems with the cleanliness of your tub and the water itself. You might see scale forming along the sides, calcium buildup around the jets, and even cloudiness within the water.
In some instances, there may be so much calcium that you see yellowish flakes swimming around in the hot tub water.
A deep cleanse can help you to reverse any damage. However, if you’re not careful about pH levels, you can create a significant amount of damage that will affect overall functionality.
It’s important to note that you don’t want to lower your alkalinity too much, either. If it’s too low, the sanitizing solution you add to the water won’t be effective. The water may look a little green and it can even result in mold or mildew growth.
What Causes High Alkalinity?
Now that you know why high alkalinity is bad, you need to know what causes the PPM to go higher than desired.
Lotion, sweat, and other products you put on your body get dissolved into the water
Your water source may have a high alkaline rating
If you find that your alkalinity is constantly running on the higher side, it may also be a good idea to have a technician come out. We can run some diagnostic tests and help you with your weekly alkaline testing.
Tips on How to Lower Alkalinity in a Hot Tub
There are plenty of ways to test the alkalinity so that you know if it has to be lowered.
First, plan on testing the water in your hot tub when the water is hot. Test it one to two times a week based on usage. It doesn’t take long for the alkalinity of the water to change.
If you’re above 120 ppm, you’ll want to work on getting the alkalinity lowered. Otherwise, your pH levels could quickly become unstable.
Here are a few things that you can do to lower alkalinity:
Add sodium bisulfate to the water
Add muriatic acid to the water
Schedule a service appointment
The trick is to test, test, test. Additionally, you’ll want to know the basic details of your hot tub (total gallons, etc.) so that you can make the necessary calculations. You cannot simply drop in a pinch of sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid and hope that you’ve lowered the alkalinity sufficiently. Careful measurement will make all the difference – and deliver the best possible results.
Get Help with pH Levels and More
When you are struggling to maintain the desired pH levels or feel overwhelmed by the various chemicals that can go into your hot tub, call us. At Ajax Pool & Spa, we have technicians who can provide maintenance and offer guidance. Once we get your alkalinity lowered, you can enjoy your hot tub more.
There’s no reason to fight with your hot tub. We’ll set you up on a schedule so that we can come out to work with you on not only chemical levels but also overall hot tub maintenance.
