Do you own a hot tub? If so, it’s important to keep an eye on the pH levels of the water.
But what exactly is pH? And what happens if the pH of your hot tub water is too high? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more.
You’ll learn what the recommended pH is for hot tub water, what happens when the pH is too high, and the health and mechanical risks associated with high pH.
So, if you want to keep your hot tub safe and healthy, read on to discover the answer to the question, “What happens if hot tub pH is too high?”.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
If the pH of a hot tub is too high, the water can become cloudy and irritating to the skin.
Additionally, high pH levels can cause scaling on the hot tub surface, as well as damage to the pump and other equipment.
In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment, it is important to keep the pH of a hot tub within the recommended range.
What Is Hot Tub pH?
Hot tub pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the water in a hot tub.
It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
A pH level below 7 is considered acidic and a pH level above 7 is considered alkaline.
Hot tub pH is important because it affects the comfort, health, and cleanliness of the hot tub.
When the pH is too high, the water can become uncomfortable and potentially hazardous to bathers.
High pH levels can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and can even corrode metal parts of the hot tub.
Additionally, calcium and other minerals can build up on the inner surfaces of the hot tub, causing scale formation which is difficult to remove.
It is important to regularly check the pH levels of the hot tub and make sure it is within the recommended range.
What Is the Recommended pH for Hot Tub Water?
When it comes to hot tubs, the ideal pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8.
This range ensures that the water is not too acidic or alkaline, creating an environment that is comfortable and safe for all users.
This pH range is also beneficial for the longevity of the hot tub, as it helps to protect the metal parts from corrosion and the inner surfaces from scale buildup.
It is important to regularly check the pH of the hot tub and make sure it remains within the recommended range.
If it starts to rise, there are several steps you can take to reduce it.
What Happens If Hot Tub pH Is Too High?
Having a hot tub with a high pH can cause a number of problems.
High pH levels can create an uncomfortable and potentially unhealthy environment.
It can lead to skin irritation, eye irritation, and can even corrode the metal parts of the hot tub.
The high pH levels can also cause scale to form on the inner surfaces of the hot tub, which can be difficult to remove.
High pH levels can also cause cloudy water that is difficult to filter and can cause the hot tub to be less efficient in heating the water.
It is important to regularly check the pH levels of the hot tub and make sure it is within the recommended range.
If the pH is too high, it can be lowered by adding a pH reducer, such as an acid, to the hot tub water.
It is important to make sure that the pH reducer is compatible with the hot tub material and that it is safe to use with the hot tub chemicals.
It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when adding any chemicals to the hot tub water.
When adjusting the pH of the hot tub, it is important to take small steps and test the pH levels regularly to ensure that the pH is not too low or too high.
If the pH levels are too low, it can lead to skin irritation or even corrosion of the metal parts.
If the pH levels are too high, it can cause cloudy water and scale buildup.
Finally, it is important to maintain the proper pH levels in the hot tub.
This can be done by regularly checking the pH levels and adjusting accordingly.
The proper pH levels will help to ensure the hot tub is comfortable and safe for use.
Skin Irritation from High pH
Having a hot tub with a high pH can cause serious skin irritation, which can be uncomfortable and potentially unhealthy.
This is because the alkaline nature of the water can cause an imbalance of the natural oils and proteins that keep the skin healthy and protected.
When the pH is too high, the protective oils and proteins can become stripped away, leaving the skin vulnerable to bacteria and other environmental irritants.
This can result in redness, itching, dryness, and even rashes.
To prevent skin irritation, it is important to keep the pH of the hot tub water within the recommended range.
If the pH is too high, it can be lowered by adding a pH reducer, such as an acid, to the hot tub water.
Additionally, it is important to keep the hot tub clean and free of any debris that could irritate the skin.
Regularly testing the pH of the hot tub water and adding a pH reducer when needed is the best way to ensure that the hot tub is safe and comfortable to use.
Eye Irritation from High pH
When the pH of your hot tub is too high, it can cause eye irritation.
High pH levels can make the water more alkaline, which can cause the eyes to become itchy, red, and irritated.
This can be especially bothersome if you are in the hot tub for a long period of time.
To prevent this, regular pH testing should be done and if the pH is too high, a pH reducer should be added to the water.
When adding the reducer, it is important to follow the directions on the package and be careful not to add too much as this can cause a decrease in the pH level that is too low.
If the pH level does become too low, it can cause corrosion of the metal parts of the hot tub, as well as scale formation on the inner surfaces of the hot tub.
The pH level should be kept between 7.2 and 7.8 to ensure that the hot tub is comfortable and safe to use.
Corrosion of Metal Parts
High pH levels in hot tubs can cause corrosion of the metal parts, including the heater, jets, and other components.
This corrosion can reduce the life-span of the hot tub, as well as create an unsafe environment for users.
The corrosion of metal parts can be caused when the pH levels become too high, as the water becomes more acidic.
This corrosion can be seen as discoloration on the metal parts, as well as flaking, pitting, and rusting.
It is important to regularly check the pH levels of the hot tub and make sure it is within the recommended range.
If the pH is too high, it can be lowered by adding a pH reducer, such as an acid, to the hot tub water.
Doing this regularly will help to ensure that the metal parts are not corroding, and that the hot tub is safe and comfortable to use.
Scale Formation
Having a hot tub with a high pH can cause the formation of scale on the inner surfaces of the hot tub.
This scale is a white, chalky substance that can be difficult to remove and can cause damage to the hot tub.
Scale can cause the water to become cloudy and can clog the filters, making it harder for the hot tub to circulate the water and keep it clean.
Scale can also corrode the metal parts of the hot tub, leading to rust and corrosion.
To prevent scale formation, it is important to keep the pH levels of the hot tub within the recommended range.
If the pH is too high, it can be lowered by adding a pH reducer, such as an acid, to the hot tub water.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to make sure that your hot tub’s pH is within the recommended range in order to maintain a comfortable and healthy environment.
High pH levels can cause skin irritation, eye irritation, corrosion of metal parts, and scale formation, which can be difficult to remove.
To prevent these issues, you should regularly check the pH levels of your hot tub and, if needed, add a pH reducer, such as an acid, to lower the pH.
Taking these steps will ensure that your hot tub is always safe and enjoyable for everyone.