A hot tub is a great way to unwind and relax after a long day. But if you want to keep it that way, then you’ll need to perform regular maintenance. For example, one aspect of hot tub maintenance that is often overlooked is managing the alkalinity level. See, the appropriate alkalinity level is around 80-120 PPM, but if yours is hovering about that 120 mark, it’s likely affecting your hot tub experience. So, if you’ve been wondering how to lower alkalinity in a hot tub, you’ve come to the right place!

In this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s important to lower your hot tub’s alkalinity levels and show you some easy steps to get the job done.

Why It’s Important to Lower the Alkalinity in a Hot Tub

When your hot tub’s alkalinity levels exceed 120 PPM, there’s a good chance you’ll start to notice some of these effects:

• Cloudiness: When there is too much alkalinity, it can cause the water to become cloudy and murky, which can make it look less appealing.
• Scaling: High alkalinity can cause scaling on the walls of your hot tub, which leads to a buildup of minerals. Not only does this make the surface feel rough and uninviting, but it can also cause damage to the equipment.
• Skin Irritation: Excess alkalinity in water can give harsh effects on the skin such as itching and irritation to people with sensitive skin.
• Chlorine Inefficacy: Above all, too much alkalinity can interfere or reduce the effectiveness of chemical sanitizers like chlorine.

As you can see, maintaining the right level of alkalinity is crucial for the optimal hot tub experience.

How to Lower Alkalinity in a Hot Tub

Ready to get those alkalinity levels back into that 80-120 PPM range? Simply follow the steps below.

Step 1: Test the Water

Use a test strip or electronic meter to measure the alkalinity level. If it is more than 120 PPM, then proceed to the next step to lower it.

Step 2: Add a pH Decreaser

A pH decreaser like sodium bisulfate is key to lowering your hot tub’s alkalinity. Since there are various brands out there, follow the instructions on the label for best results.

Step 3: Re-Test and Adjust pH

After 24 hours, retest the alkalinity level to make sure it’s within the range of 80-120 PPM. If it remains above or below this range, repeat the process until you reach the desired level.

Once your alkalinity is within range, then you should turn your attention to the pH. Since you did add pH decreaser, the levels may have lowered during the process. Fortunately, it’s a simple fix: use a pH increaser until the levels are within the normal range (about 7.2-7.8).

The Bottom Line

Owning a hot tub and ensuring it’s maintained at the correct alkalinity levels is essential to enjoying a clean and healthy hot tub experience. So, if you already know that your hot tub has high alkalinity levels, simply follow the steps above to get it within the proper range. 

Remember to always test, and maintain your hot tub water levels weekly, to ensure your hot tub always stays in top-notch condition. Happy soaking!

Need professional hot tub services? If so, we’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Clark Pools and Spas, and inquire about our services today.