How To Raise pH in a Hot Tub Without Chemicals

How to raise the pH in hot tub without chemicals is a question hot tub owners often ask. To raise pH in your hot tub without chemicals, you can explore natural methods. These tactics are gentle on the environment and safe for your skin. The pH level is important for comfortable and clean hot tub water.

Low pH levels cause the water to become acidic, irritating your skin and eyes and damaging the hot tub’s components.

Natural approaches to adjusting pH can ensure your hot tub stays in great condition without relying on synthetic hot tub chemicals. They can also maintain water clarity and prevent damage from acidity.

To raise pH in a hot tub without chemicals, use baking soda (if alkalinity is also low), borax (if alkalinity is balanced), or aeration (by running jets to release CO₂). These natural methods adjust pH safely without synthetic additives. Always test the water before adjusting pH.

pH Levels in Hot Tubs

Maintaining the right hot tub pH level is essential for both your comfort and the longevity of the tub. According to the PHTA, maintaining proper pH balance is essential to prevent hot tub scaling, corrosion, and bacterial growth.

But what exactly is pH? It measures how acidic or alkaline your hot tub water is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.

Here's a simple breakdown:

• Acidic: Below 7.0
• Neutral: Exactly 7.0
• Alkaline (Basic): Above 7.0

According to the CDC, maintaining a hot tub pH between 7.2 and 7.8 helps prevent bacterial growth and equipment damage. This means the water is slightly alkaline. You want to balance hot tub pH. When the pH is just right, it helps protect both your skin and the hot tub equipment.

If your pH dips below 7.2, the water becomes too acidic. It can irritate your skin and eyes and even damage the hot tub parts. On the flip side, it becomes too alkaline if the water climbs above 7.8. This can cause cloudy water and scale buildup.

pH Levels and Adjustments

To check the pH levels, you'll use test strips or a test kit. Just dip the strip into your hot tub water and compare the color change to the chart provided with the test. It's easy and takes only a minute.

Remember, when you adjust the pH, you might also affect the total alkalinity (TA). Aim to keep your TA levels between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). TA acts as a buffer; it helps keep the pH level stable.

Handle pH adjustments gently. Make small changes and test often. This avoids sudden swings in pH that could make your hot tub time less enjoyable.

Read more: Lower pH Without Lowering Alkalinity in Hot Tubs: Simple Balancing Tips

Natural Methods to Raise pH

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Your hot tub is a place for relaxation, and keeping its water in perfect balance is key. A proper pH level ensures your hot tub water is safe and pleasant. Here's how you can do this naturally:

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

You likely have baking soda in your kitchen. It's not just for baking; it's a natural way to add alkalinity to water, which in turn can help raise the pH. This method also helps to raise alkalinity, ensuring balanced water chemistry.

Dosing Guide for Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) - use when both pH and alkalinity are low (< 80 ppm).

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Using Baking Soda

• Test the Water: Use a test strip to check your hot tub’s current pH and alkalinity levels.
• Calculate the Amount Needed: Refer to the Baking Soda Dosage Guide above to determine how much to add.
• Dissolve First: Mix baking soda in a bucket of warm water before adding it to the tub. This helps prevent cloudiness and uneven distribution.
• Add Gradually: Slowly pour the solution into the hot tub while jets are running for even mixing.
• Wait 30-60 minutes, then re-test the pH and alkalinity. Add more if necessary, but avoid large jumps.

Borax

Borax also raises pH levels by increasing the water's alkalinity. Follow the same steps as with baking soda, and always test the pH level after each addition. These natural methods effectively raise pH levels without synthetic chemicals.

Dosing Guide for Borax (Sodium Tetraborate) - use when alkalinity is within the normal range (80–120 ppm), but pH is still low.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Using Borax

• Test the Water: Use a test strip to check your hot tub’s pH level. Ensure alkalinity is already balanced (80–120 ppm).
• Calculate the Amount Needed: Refer to the Borax Dosage Guide above.
• Dissolve First: Mix borax in a bucket of warm water before adding it to the hot tub.
• Add the Solution Slowly: Pour the dissolved borax into the hot tub while jets are running.
• Run the jets for at least 30 minutes, then re-test pH. If necessary, repeat the process in small amounts to reach the desired level.

O-Care, a Natural Hot Tub Solution

When you want to maintain your hot tub's pH without harsh chemicals, O-Care is a product to consider. O-Care uses natural minerals to help balance the water, making it softer and more pleasant for your skin.

Here's how it works:

1. Natural Minerals: O-Care contains a blend of minerals that naturally stabilize the water and work to keep the pH levels in check.
2. Reduced Chemical Use: By harnessing these minerals, you can lower the amount of chlorine or bromine needed. This makes your hot tub experience more natural.
3. Ease of Use: You simply add O-Care according to the instructions, usually once a week. It's a simple step for clearer, cleaner water.

Benefits:

• Skin Care: Minerals in O-Care are known for their skin-soothing properties.
• Water Clarity: The product helps maintain clear water.
• Enhanced Bather Comfort: With fewer chemicals, the water feels better on your skin.
• Easy Hot Tub Maintenance: Keeps pH levels steady with less effort.

"We got a Hot-Tub just over a year ago, which I initially loved, but due to having very sensitive skin, I was using it less and less as using chlorine was causing me to have itchy skin, so I basically used it less and less and then not at all. My wife continues to use it almost everyday without a problem so it was definitely my issue. Someone told me about O'Care and I started to use it approx 2 months ago and what a difference. No Itchiness to the skin, no chlorine smell and coming out with a silky skin that feels moisturized." - Colin Torley on Trustpilot

Remember, always test your hot tub's water before and after adding any product. This way, you ensure that the pH level is just right for a safe and enjoyable soak.

Find the nearest O-Care retailer with our easy-to-use store locator and experience a hot tub solution that softens water, protects your spa, and reduces chemical use—all while being eco-friendly.

Read more: Natural Hot Tub Chemicals Solutions: Alternatives to Harsh Chemicals

Routine Maintenance for pH Stability

To keep the pH level of your hot tub stable, it's crucial to follow a regular maintenance routine. Here's what you can do:

• Test the Water: Check your hot tub's pH twice a week using pH test strips or a digital hot tub water tester.
• Use Baking Soda: If you find the pH is low, add baking soda. Baking soda naturally raises the pH and alkalinity of your water.
• Stay Consistent: Consistently add the same amount of baking soda to avoid major pH swings.
• Circulate the Water: After adding baking soda, run your hot tub's circulation system to help spread it evenly.

Here's a simple guide on how much baking soda you might need:

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Remember, this table offers a starting point. Adjust as necessary based on test results.

• Clean Filters: Clean your filters regularly to prevent pH levels from fluctuating due to contaminants.
• Monitor After Changes: Each time you add water or users heavily use the hot tub, test your pH. Adjustments may be needed.

Following these steps will help maintain a comfortable and non-irritating environment in your hot tub. Healthy water ensures a better soaking experience and prolongs the life of your hot tub's components.

Remember, little adjustments are often better than big changes—ease into your perfect pH level.

Raising Hot Tub Water pH vs. Regular Maintenance

Baking Soda Dosage Guide:

‍Practical Example

Assume your hot tub's pH is currently at 6.8, and you want to raise it to within the ideal range of 7.2 - 7.8:

1. Small Adjustment:
   
   • Scenario: The current pH is 7.0, and you want to raise it to 7.2.
   • Action: Add 1 - 2 tablespoons of baking soda for a 500-gallon hot tub.
   • Expected Outcome: The pH should increase by about 0.1 to 0.2 units.
2. Large Adjustment:
   
   • Scenario: The current pH is 6.8, and you want to raise it to 7.4.
   • Action: Add 16 tablespoons (1/2 pound) of baking soda for a 500-gallon hot tub.
   • Expected Outcome: The pH should increase by about 0.5 to 1.0 units.

Factors That Influence Hot Tub pH (And How to Control Them)

Hot tub pH levels fluctuate constantly due to both internal and external factors. If left unmanaged, low pH can cause water to become corrosive, while high pH can lead to cloudy water and reduced sanitizer effectiveness.

Understanding what affects pH will help you stabilize it naturally and reduce the need for chemical adjustments.

1. Bather Load & Organic Contaminants

Every time someone enters the hot tub, they introduce contaminants that alter pH levels:

• Sweat, body oils, and dead skin cells – break down and lower pH.
• Lotions, sunscreen, and cosmetics – introduce acidic compounds.
• Saliva, urine, and hair products – lead to sanitizer depletion, indirectly affecting pH.

How to Control It:

1. Encourage bathers to shower before using the hot tub to minimize contaminants.
2. Use enzymes to break down organic matter before it affects pH stability.
3. Regularly shock the hot tub to remove excess organic waste.

2. Water Source & Initial pH Levels

The type of water used to fill your hot tub impacts its natural pH balance:

• City Water: Typically treated and close to neutral pH (7.0–7.5), but may contain added chemicals like chlorine that affect alkalinity and pH over time.
• Well Water: Often more acidic (<7.0) or alkaline (>8.0) depending on the mineral content.
• Hard Water: Contains high calcium levels, making pH harder to stabilize.

How to Control It:

1. Test your water source before filling the tub – knowing its pH helps with proper pre-treatment.
2. Use a pre-filter on your hose to reduce minerals and impurities before water enters the tub.
3. If water is highly acidic, increase alkalinity first to stabilize pH before making adjustments.

3. Aeration & Water Movement

Aeration releases dissolved carbon dioxide (CO₂), which naturally increases pH.

• Running jets, waterfalls, and blowers speeds up CO₂ loss, causing pH to rise.
• Conversely, low aeration means CO₂ stays in the water longer, keeping pH lower.

How to Control It:

1. If pH is low, run the jets for 30–60 minutes before adding a pH increase.
2. If pH is too high, reduce aeration and use a pH decreaser to balance the water.

4. Environmental Factors (Rain, Debris, and Sun Exposure)

External elements can change the hot tub's pH, especially if the tub is uncovered.

How to Control It:

1. Cover your hot tub when not in use to prevent rain and debris from altering pH.
2. Check pH levels after heavy rainstorms and adjust if necessary.

Regularly clean filters to remove debris that could introduce acidic compounds.

Assessing pH Levels Regularly

To maintain a healthy hot tub, check your pH levels often. You should do this at least twice a week. Testing kits for hot tubs are available at spa and pool supply stores, as well as online. You’ll find strips or liquid kits for testing.

pH Test Strips

Let's explain how to use pH test strips:

1. Dip a strip into your hot tub water.
2. Pull it out and wait for the color to change.
3. Match this color to the chart with your test strips.

Liquid Test Kits

For liquid test kits, the steps are similar:

1. Fill a test tube with hot tub water.
2. Add the testing solution.
3. Shake gently and check the color change against the provided guide.

Remember to rinse and dry your hands after each test. Keep records of your pH levels. This helps you spot any trends or sudden changes. You can enjoy a clean and pleasant hot tub experience with regular checks.

Troubleshooting Common pH Issues

Final Thoughts

Maintaining the correct pH in a hot tub is crucial for a safe and enjoyable soaking experience. By using natural methods like baking soda or borax, hot tub owners can effectively raise pH levels without relying on hot tub chemicals.

Regular maintenance, testing, and understanding the influence of environmental factors will ensure your hot tub water remains balanced and pleasant.

For further assistance and expert advice, download the O-Care app, chat with our O-Care water virtual assistant, or visit our store locator to find a dealer near you.

If you're interested in collaborations, visit our "Become a Dealer" section. Enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained hot tub with O-Care's natural, eco-friendly solutions.

Regular maintenance, testing, and understanding the influence of environmental factors will ensure your hot tub water remains balanced and pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I correct low pH in my spa without raising alkalinity?

To raise pH without affecting alkalinity, you can aerate your water. Aeration involves increasing the water's exposure to air, which can be done by turning on jets or water features. This process does not add chemicals to the water but can help increase pH levels.

What should I do if I notice skin irritation after using my hot tub with low pH?

If your skin feels irritated after using the hot tub, test the water's pH first. A low pH can cause discomfort. To raise the pH, you can add a natural pH increaser like baking soda. Add about one tablespoon for every 100 gallons of water and retest the water after a few hours.

Is it possible to use household items like vinegar to modify the pH in my spa?

While vinegar can lower pH, it's not recommended for increasing pH levels. Vinegar is acidic and would further decrease the pH. Instead, you should use baking soda or aeration techniques to raise the pH naturally without harsh chemicals.