If you’ve been experiencing problems with your hot tub, such as cloudy water or scaling, then it’s possible that the alkalinity levels are too high. This can be a serious issue, as it can cause damage to your equipment and make the water difficult to enjoy. Today we will discuss what alkalinity is and how to lower the alkalinity levels in your hot tub.
What is Alkalinity?
Alkalinity is a measure of the water’s ability to neutralize acids. The higher the alkalinity, the more resistant the water is to changes in pH. This is why high alkalinity levels can cause problems in hot tubs – because it makes it difficult to adjust the pH levels.
What Causes High Alkalinity in a Hot Tub?
There are a few different things that can cause high alkalinity in a hot tub. One of the most common causes is using too much alkaline cleaner. This can happen if you’re using a cleaner that’s not meant for hot tubs, or if you’re using too much of the cleaner. Another common cause is if the hot tub is filled with hard water. Hard water has a high alkalinity level, which can be difficult to adjust. Too much body lotion or sunblocks can also contribute to high alkalinity levels.
What Happens if Alkalinity is Too High?
If the alkalinity levels in your hot tub are too high, it can cause a number of problems.
- One of the most common problems is cloudy water. This is because the high alkalinity makes it difficult for the water to maintain a consistent pH level. As a result, the water can become cloudy and difficult to see through.
- Another common problem is scaling. This happens when the high alkalinity causes the water to evaporate more quickly. This can leave behind a chalky residue on the surfaces of the hot tub.
- High alkalinity levels can also cause damage to the equipment. This is because the high alkalinity makes it difficult to adjust the pH levels, which can lead to corrosion of the metal components.
How to Lower Alkalinity in a Hot Tub
There are a few different ways that you can lower the alkalinity in your hot tub.
- One way is to use an acidic cleaner. This can be used on its own or in conjunction with an alkaline cleaner.
- Another way is to use a water softener. This will help to remove the hard water from your hot tub and lower the alkalinity levels.
- You can also add a pH adjuster to your hot tub, which helps to lower the alkalinity levels and makes it easier to adjust the pH levels.
- Add an acid, such as muriatic acid or white vinegar. Or use a commercial hot tub alkalinity reducer. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, as adding excessive acid can cause problems of its own.
- You can use a reverse osmosis system. This will remove the hard water from your hot tub and lower the alkalinity levels.
By following these steps, you can lower the alkalinity levels in your hot tub and enjoy a relaxing soak.
If you’re still having trouble getting the alkalinity levels under control, then you may need to contact a professional hot tub service. They will be able to help you adjust the pH and alkalinity levels so that your hot tub is safe and enjoyable again. Get in touch with the experts at Town & Country Pools by calling one of our locations.