Baking soda can be very useful for hot tub owners, as it can help keep the pH levels of the water steady. The ideal pH value for a hot tub or pool should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If the water is too acidic, the heating element will wear out quickly. Baking soda can increase the alkalinity of the water and bring back the pH to an appropriate level.
Here is what you should do
Refer to the hot tub manual to determine the water treatment capacity.
Turn off the spa jets. Determine the pH of the water with a water test strip.
Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda per 100 liters of water to the hot tub. For example, put 4 tablespoons of baking soda in a hot tub with 400 liters of water.
Turn on the jets and let the water flow through the soda for two to four hours. Check the pH value of the water. Turn off the jets and add extra baking soda to the water if the pH is still below an acceptable level.
Switch between circulation and adding baking soda to the water until the pH is within the acceptable range of 7.2 to 7.8.
Any Product Recommendations?
For raising pH, one can use Arm & Hammer Washing Soda as this is just sodium carbonate. This will raise the pH and also raise the total alkalinity levels. Another alternative for raising the pH is 20 Mule Team Borax. Borax adds borates to the water and is sometimes used in mineral waters.
Other ways to increase alkalinity?
Generally, two chemicals are used to increase the pH of hot tubs, spas and pools. The sodium carbonate powder is stronger, will raise the pH more per pound. Therefore, one must be careful when treating it as it has a pH above 10 by itself.
Sodium bicarbonate powder (such as Arm & Hammer baking powder) will raise the pH to a level that is low or close to the correct value.
The labels on the containers must indicate exactly which chemical is involved.
Concluding words
Do not forget to always check your pH value, which should be between 7.2 and 7.8.
Both high and low pH levels can cause problems and damage, both to your equipment and to yourself. Itchy eyes and skin, cloudy water and scalding are just some of the possibilities.