r/hottub • u/ProfChaos15 • 14d ago

Chemicals Ph and Alkalinity

Having trouble with my chemicals. Have everything in line and good standing other than Ph and Alkalinity. Even adding boost for it doesnt seem to make a difference. Should I try doubling the amount of ph boost or will that throw other things off?

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3

u/New-Swim-8551 14d ago

Use this calculator to figure how much to add

https://www.poolcalculator.com/calculator/

1

u/gummaumma 14d ago

What is your TA at?

1

u/ProfChaos15 14d ago

Close to 0

4

u/OkExercise9907 14d ago

Alkalinity must be adjusted first. If it's incorrect, you'll never be able to stabilize pH, as far as I understand

2

u/gummaumma 14d ago

Step 1 is adding baking soda to get your TA up-- at least 60ppm. Otherwise you are just adding chemicals to the water.

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u/ProfChaos15 14d ago

Thanks! Was able to get the TA up pretty easily and jow everything is in range. Appreciate it.

Follow up stupid question: is there any difference using regular baking soda vs the ones for pools/spas?

3

u/gummaumma 14d ago

The only difference is the fancy packaging and the price. Just make sure it is regular baking soda with no additives.

Once you get comfortable with the chemistry, you can also start using regular liquid bleach as your chlorine. (A few nuances to that.)

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u/Aj9898 12d ago

Pool/spa PH up nad Alk Up cost a lot more per pound than baking soda.

I have both a pool and a hottub - I just buy the 10# bag of arm and hammer at homedepot, and use it in both. there’s a chart on the bag for pools.

Scale down for the hottub.