A plug-and-play hot tub, also known as an inflatable hot tub or portable spa, offers relaxation in your backyard without major installation.
However, keeping the water chemistry balanced is essential for comfort and safety. An out-of-range pH level can cause skin and eye irritation, corrosion damage, cloudy water, and ineffective sanitizers.
Thankfully, adjusting the pH is straightforward with the right supplies and a bit of careful monitoring. Testing pH every week helps maintain safe water chemistry.
What is the Recommended pH Range?
Hot tub manufacturers and industry associations recommend keeping pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Below 7.2, the acidic water damages equipment like jets and pumps and irritates skin and eyes, leading to discomfort.
Above 7.8, sanitizers lose effectiveness in killing bacteria and other contaminants, water films develop on surfaces, and scaling can occur which clogs plumbing.
Testing pH weekly with test strips or a digital meter ensures you catch fluctuations before the water moves too far outside the safe zone for too long.
What Causes High pH in Portable Spas?
High pH occurs when substances like calcium, minerals from water sources, metal corrosion particulates, soap residue from bathers, and oil accumulate in the water over time.
The pump and filter which continuously circulate water help remove some of these contaminants, but adding fresh water or topping off for evaporation also raises pH. Human body oils and chemicals like chlorine in shocking treatments contribute over time too.
How Do I Test and Adjust Spa Water pH?
Testing and adjusting pH are simple processes with the right supplies:
Supplies Needed
- pH test strips or digital tester
- pH increaser or decreaser chemicals
Steps to Test and Adjust pH: pH Value Lower or Not?
- Gather a water sample from 4-5 inches below the surface where chemistry may differ from other levels.
- Dip the pH test strip and compare it to the color scale for approximation, or insert probe if using a digital meter for precise reading.
- If pH is above 7.8, use a decreaser chemical according to the label to lower it. If below 7.2, use increaser to raise it. Consult product labels for amounts based on total water gallons.
- Retest pH after 30 minutes once chemicals have circulated. Repeat adjustment if still outside the range.
What Products Should I Use to Adjust pH?
Only use spa-approved pH adjusters formulated for hot tubs and spas. Common options include:
- Sodium Bisulfate (pH decrease) which lowers pH levels.
- Sodium Bicarbonate (pH increaser) which raises pH levels.
Follow label directions carefully, as too strong a dose can overshoot the mark. Go slowly and retest after each use, starting with small amounts.
Can I Use Household Products to Adjust pH?
No. Avoid vinegar, baking soda, citric acid, laundry detergent, and other household products in your hot tub. Only use spa-approved chemicals to prevent damage to equipment, bather discomfort, and unsafe water. The specialized formulas are concentrated to treat large volumes of water.
How Often Should I Test and Adjust pH?
Experts recommend testing pH weekly, along with your sanitizer level. More frequent testing such as twice per week gives you a head start on noticing fluctuations before they move too far out of range. Record your results each time to spot patterns and help choose adjustment amounts.
How Does pH Affect Other Hot Tub Chemicals?
Balanced pH allows sanitizers like chlorine and bromine to work most effectively. Low pH diminishes their ability to kill bacteria and other contaminants. At the same time, an unbalanced pH leads to less stable sanitizer levels which then fluctuate. When the chemicals work together within the ideal ranges, your water stays crystal clear and healthy for users.
What Other Water Care Steps Are Important?
In addition to pH, monitor and manage these other water chemistry areas for clean, safe water:
- Sanitizer Levels: Maintain ideal levels of chlorine or bromine to prevent bacteria growth.
- Total Alkalinity: This stabilizes pH and should be between 80-150 ppm.
- Calcium Hardness: Ideal between 150-250 ppm to manage water balance and prevent corrosion.
- Shocking: Periodically shock to oxidize contaminants with potassium peroxymonosulfate.
- Filter Cleaning: Rinse filters weekly per manufacturer instructions to remove debris.
Balancing all these elements prevents issues and maximizes the lifespan of your hot tub.
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.2-7.8 |
| Free Chlorine | 3-5 ppm |
| Total Alkalinity | 80-150 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 150-250 ppm |
When Should I Drain and Refill the Tub?
Draining and refilling your portable hot tub every 3-4 months clears away buildups of oils, chemicals, and debris while restoring water freshness. More frequent use may necessitate more frequent partial or complete water changes.
Signs it’s time for a change include cloudiness that won’t clear with shocking, bothersome odors, debris accumulation, or if pH and other chemistry stay out of range between adjustments.
Read More About Draining Plug-N-Play Hot Tubs
Summary
Achieving an ideal pH balance within the recommended range is essential for comfort, proper sanitization, and equipment protection in your plug and play hot tub.
Test pH weekly and use approved adjusters to maintain levels between 7.2 and 7.8. Shock periodically with potassium peroxymonosulfate, clean filters weekly, monitor other chemicals like chlorine and change the water every few months for clean, soothing soaks year-round. Consistent water care maximizes safety and enjoyment for you and other bathers.
