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pH/Alkalinity

Keeping Spa pH In Range
Changing Spa Water
Stabilizing pH In Spa

Keeping Spa pH In Range
Q:
We have a 320 gallon fiberglass spa; our well water is softened by a water conditioner. From water tests at the dealer:

ph 7.1
total alk 140
calcium hardness 50

Unfortunately after a night of heating from 60->100 degrees, the ph zooms up to 8.2. I have not added any chemicals or shock or bromine. Adding ph decreaser causes a MARKED decrease in total alk. I can only get the ph down to 7.8, but the total alk is bottomed out at 40, which puts an end to any adjusting.

A local spa dealer suggested that the low calcium content of our softened water is the problem. He recommended a new product which is called something like "ph perfect". It is supposed to work better in low calcium conditions, and create a stable ph 7.2-7.6. Do you have any opinions about the use of this product and any trade-offs in side effects?

From other information in your archives I think we need to correct our low calcium hardness or deal with the corrosion to the heater element. Will this conflict with this other buffering (perfect ph) system?
A:
The low calcium could be part of the problem. This type of product will definitely help stabilize the pH in the optimum range. These products cannot be used in hard water. The fact that the water has been softened will allow its use.

The pH of the water affects sanitizing action and as such it is more important than is total alkalinity -- keep the pH in the proper range, as much as possible.

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Changing Spa Water
Q:
I use bromine tablets in a floating device to maintain proper bromine levels, in addition I use a two part bromine enhancement solution weekly to shock the water. But I have difficulty maintaining proper Ph and alkaline levels in my water. I clean my filter weekly and deep clean it annually. I've had the hot tub for a year and It has an ozonator attachment. I haven't changed the water since my local dealer went belly up. Can you please give me some insight into this, and can you please tell me how often should I change the water?
A:
If your water is over a year old, it is a good time to change the water and clean up the spa.

There is no definitive way for me to tell you how often to change the water. It depends on how often the spa is used, your source water and quantities of chemical used, etc. Generally speaking I would change it every few months at the very least.

The bromine tablets have a lowering effect on the pH and alkalinity. The net effect of aeration and bathing will lower the pH. This requires regular additions of pH Plus or total alkalinity boosters. You could stabilize the pH with products such as Spa Clear pH Buffer. Keep the T/A in the 100-150 range and that will help keep the pH in range.

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Stabilizing pH In Spa
Q:
We have had our spa for 6 months. It holds 300 gallons, is equipped with an ozonator and we use bromine.

Our problem is we have well water and have not been very successful in reducing our pH and balancing our alkalinity. How can we stabilize our pH? We have been draining and refilling our spa every 2 months due to this pH problem.

The procedure we follow after filling our spa is as follows: metalgon, packet of sodium bromide, spa down, and renew (shock), defender.

We continue to add spa down yet the pH remains too high (off the scale) and of course the alkalinity becomes too low (off the scale). When the alkalinity is in the correct range, the pH is too high.

Our dealer has told us to continue to add spa down, when the pH is in the correct zone to shock the spa, and the alkalinity should balance itself. We have done this and the pH then goes too high. We just refilled our spa 2 weeks ago and have added over 2 quarts of spa down during this time and the pH continues to be a problem. It will drop within range then rise off the scale as we attempt to balance the alkalinity.

A friend of ours has suggested having city water delivered. What do you suggest?
A:
Nowhere in your letter did you mention cloudy water. Therefore, I will assume that the water is clear.

You MUST maintain the pH in the 7.2-7.8 range. Ideally, the total alkalinity should be approximately 100 -150 PPM. If the pH is ideal and the water is clear, the fact that the Total Alkalinity is too high is NOT NECESSARILY A PROBLEM. Lowering the T/A will cause the pH to drop. The fact that you are using well water may preclude the possibility of both an optimum pH and T/A. Do your best to control the pH and bromine levels, add chemicals to protect against the possible presence of iron and enjoy the spa. If the high T/A is not causing cloudy water, there should be no great concern. Shocking is not a means of lowering the T/A.

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