How To Measure Your Pool And Hot Tub pH Levels
Hot tubs are a great way to relax and a good way to entertain your friends and family. What many people don’t know though when purchasing a hot tub is the level of weekly maintenance that must be invested into the hot tub. If a hot tub owner is not diligent with the required maintenance routine, it will result in a shortened lifespan of the hot tub. Additionally, by not properly taking care of your hot tub, you are creating a breeding environment for bacteria and germs. Clearly if the hot tub is not taken care of properly it will cause a health problem for not only you but your guests as well.
A common mistake that hot tub owners tend to perform is failure to maintain the proper pH levels. There is a very cheap and affordable way to test the pH levels in your hot tub: purchase pH test strips and use them once per week. The test strips are inexpensive and can be purchased in bulk from internet pool and supply websites. It would be ideal to test the pH levels every two days although testing the pH levels about every week will suffice (unless the hot tub is heavily used or is exposed to adverse weather conditions).
Water is too acidic when it measures at a pH level of 7.0 or lower. Acidic water can cause accelerated corrosion to a hot tub’s mechanical equipment. When the water’s pH is too alkaline, measuring at a pH level of 7.8 or higher, it speed up lime and scale build up. The ideal range for your hot tub’s pH level is between 7.2 to 7.6. If the pH levels are not properly monitored this could cause problems to both your guests and your pool equipment.
There are three kinds of sanitizers, Chlorine, Bromine, and Biguanide. Chlorine is the most well-known and popular among the sanitizers. Chlorine is available in liquid form, tablet, and special granule form. Chlorine has one major drawback and that is the odor it produces – some people are extremely sensitive to its odor. Bromine is another popular sanitizer that is available in three forms: tablet, nugget, and granules. Bromine is primarily favored over Chlorine because it produces fewer odors when used and does not dissipate at water temperatures above 98 degrees. Biguanide is yet another sanitizer that is used in both hot tubs and pool water. Biguanide works in a completely different manner than Chlorine or Bromine.
When there is an imbalance in the pH levels you will need to add one of two chemicals to your hot tub water: sodium bicarbonate or sodium bisulphate. Sodium bicarbonate will elevate your hot tub’s pH levels. Sodium bisulphate will lower the water’s pH levels. If you purchase the strips designed for spa and pool maintenance, those test strips will measure your water’s pH levels as well as sanitizer levels.
Hot water areas are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. There is only one way to ensure that bacteria and germs don’t infest your hot tub and that is by testing the hot tubs pH balance at least once per week. You should also empty your pool water at least once every 90 days. By properly caring for your hot tub, you are eliminating the chance for bacteria to breed and decreasing the chance for the water to pose a health risk to your guests.
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