An inflatable hot tub is a great way to relax and unwind after a stressful day. However, it also requires some maintenance. The water in the hot tub needs to be at a certain pH level to prevent corrosion, scale buildup, and skin issues.
The ideal pH level range for hot tub water is between 7.2 and 7.8. Sometimes, these pH levels can go wild, far outside the recommended range. When that happens to your hot tub, you shouldn’t ignore it.
We are giving you some tips on how to raise the pH in an inflatable hot tub. In case your pH is already too high, we’ll show you how to lower the pH in the hot tub:
How to Raise pH in a Hot Tub
Let’s first start with how to raise the pH in the hot tub. A low pH in a hot tub means that the water is acidic. As such, it can cause corrosion. When that happens, various metals from the tub and piping (such as copper and lead) can leak into the water, and that’s a huge health hazard.
That’s why you should try these methods for raising pH in a hot tub:
1. Use Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
Usually, people use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to raise total alkalinity, but it can also cause a small increase in pH. If your hot tub has low pH and low alkalinity, baking soda is a good two-in-one solution.
To raise the pH in a hot tub using baking soda, you’ll need to add approximately 1.5 pounds (or 24 ounces) of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water to increase the pH by about 0.1.
However, inflatable hot tubs typically have a smaller volume of water, so if you have a smaller tub (e.g., 500-1000 gallons), you can reduce the amount proportionally.
For example, for a 500-gallon tub, you would use around 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to raise the pH by 0.1.
It’s always a good idea to add small amounts at a time, then test the water before adding more, as pH can be sensitive. Make sure to also check the alkalinity, as baking soda primarily affects total alkalinity, which in turn can help stabilize the pH.
2. Aeration (Jet Action and Bubbling)
The next method includes aerating your hot tub water. You can do it through extended use of jets, air blowers, or even splashing.
The science behind it is simple: aeration removes carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the water. This causes the water to become more basic, increasing the pH.
3. Commercial pH Increaser
Alternatively, you can try pH increasers. These are usually based on soda ash or a blend of pH-adjusting agents. These are convenient and easy to use, and they often come with dosing instructions.
How to Lower pH in a Hot Tub
Now that you know how to raise pH, let’s see how to lower the pH in the hot tub. When pH levels are too high (alkaline water), that can also cause certain issues. First of all, it can cause a significant scale buildup. It can make the water cloudy and even cause skin irritation. A pH level that is too high also reduces the effectiveness of chlorine, making the water unsafe to use.
So, let’s see how you can reduce a high pH in the hot tub:
1. Sodium Bisulfate (Dry Acid)
This is one of the most common chemicals for lowering pH. It is typically sold as a “pH decreaser” or “pH minus.” To use it, dissolve the recommended amount in a bucket of water, then pour it evenly into the hot tub. The jets should be running while you do this. Allow the water to circulate for 2–4 hours before testing again.
2. Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid)
Muriatic acid is a powerful acid used to lower high pH levels. It’s commonly used in pools and hot tubs due to its fast-acting nature. However, keep in mind that this acid is strong, so we advise extra caution. Wear gloves (and even goggles) when handling it.
3. Diluting the Water
If you want to lower pH levels, but you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, this is another great solution. Simply drain a portion of water from your hot tub, and then pour some fresh water. This will naturally lower the pH level, but keep in mind that this method is not as effective as other methods.
Bonus Tip: How to Lower Alkalinity in a Hot Tub Without Affecting pH
To do this, you should use the acid + aeration method. First, turn off the jets and add a small amount of muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate into one place. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes before turning the jets back on. This targets alkalinity more than it targets pH, allowing you to lower alkalinity without significantly impacting pH.
Is Balancing pH Easier With an Inflatable Hot Tub?
If balancing pH is too much work for you, you should consider buying an inflatable hot tub. These tubs are smaller than the regular ones, which means you need fewer chemicals to manage their pH levels. However, keep in mind that you need to be more careful when using these chemicals, as even the smaller amounts can be potent enough to make a big difference.
Discover Low-Maintenance Inflatable Hot Tubs From Co-Z Palace
If you are thinking of getting an inflatable hot tub, here are some great choices for you. Both options are high-quality, affordable, and low-maintenance:
CO-Z Inflatable Adult Bathtub with Air Pump
This hot tub is comfortable, durable, and easy to maintain. It comes with an electric air pump, which means you can inflate it in just 3 minutes. Perfect for cozy evenings or slow weekends, this hot tub will bring a spa experience to you:
CO-Z 4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub with 120 Bubble Jets & Air Pump
If you want to spend some nice time with your friends, then you should choose this inflatable hot tub. It can fit up to 4 people, and it comes with some cool additional features, such as 120 bubble jets:
Conclusion
There are multiple methods you can try in both situations. Many of those methods include various acids and chemicals, so you need to be careful when using them. Consider getting yourself an inflatable hot tub, as they are generally easier to maintain.
You might also be interested in our guide on how to clean an inflatable hot tub and how to get crystal clear hot tub water.
