Maintaining the correct level of alkalinity is critical for equipment which is used for water circulation, and a good example of such an equipment would be a bathtub. Alkalinity is the ability of the water to keep the elements less acidic by maintaining the right pH level.
Low alkalinity is proven to be harmful to your skin and eyes. At the same time, it damages your precious tub in the long run.
Hence sustaining the correct level of alkalinity is a must for the tub owners. For beginner’s, alkalinity or pH level – all these terms might sound alien or right out of a chemistry experiment!
But in reality, these are some basics terminologies for which you shouldn’t need any academic degree to understand. Throughout this article, I have focused on explaining the process of raising the alkalinity of a hot tub in the easiest way possible.
What Is Alkalinity?
Alkalinity measures the water’s ability to neutralize acidity by managing its pH levels.
It acts as a buffer if any change is made in the water’s pH value. So, alkalinity helps to keep the pH level in water stabilized and also less acidic. There are 3 primary types of Alkalinity such as:
What Is pH?
The pH of the water determines which type of alkalinity is dominant in water at the moment. pH is a shortened form of "power of hydrogen" which is a measure of the concentration of Hydrogen ions in water or any liquid.
Water solution with a high level of Hydrogen ion have a low pH, and vice versa - little Hydrogen ion tend to have a higher pH.
Roles Of Alkalinity And pH In Water
Alkalinity and pH balance are the two crucial factors for determining the suitability of water. Total alkalinity and pH measurement are not a relative measure.
Water with high alkalinity always has a pH value of 7 or more, but water with high pH still does not have high alkalinity. pH range is ideal between 7.2 and 7.6.
If the number is below 7, the water is considered acidic and too high is regarded as ‘basic’ meaning it contains base elements according to the pH scale formation.
The measure of alkalinity is expressed as "ppm of Calcium Carbonate," and the desirable range is between 80-120 ppm.
Adverse Effects Of Low Alkalinity On Equipment
Here are some of the effects of low alkalinity on equipment;
Adverse Effects Of Low Alkalinity On Human Health
Chemical Free Process To Raise Alkalinity
Commonly harsh chemicals are being used to raise the Alkalinity of a hot tub which might irritate our skin. But the good news is it can be done through a natural process, using one ingredient only and that holy grail is baking soda (Sodium bicarbonate)!
All we need is just a water testing strip and some baking soda. The measurement: 1 tablespoon of baking soda is required for 100 gallons of water. After that do as follows:
Maintaining the desired pH level is very important for the safety of our health. One simple technique you can follow is draining and refilling the water regularly to keep the pH level at a preferred quantity without any extra effort.
However, through a water strip test we can be certain of it and if required, the alkalinity can be raised through the above-mentioned simple process.
Artificial Process To Raise Alkalinity
We have already mentioned that the alkalinity level should be kept between 80-120 ppm. If it's below that then alkalinity can be raised using different products available in the market which are specifically manufactured for this one job.
But you should apply it with caution in cases of pregnant women.
Alkalinity Raising Process
Water Clarity Process
After completing the process, it is crucial to let the air pass through your tub. The confined area may create a toxic reaction which is harmful for a human.
Tips And Best Practices
Conclusion
A hot bath in a spa tub feels heavenly after a tiring day. But this pleasant experience might turn into a nightmare if proper care is not taken. It is a must to check alkalinity level regularly and based on that, steps should be taken to maintain the desired alkalinity level.
Our readers can follow the above-mentioned processes to maintain their tubs. If in doubt, they can take professional help as well. The bottom line is, alkalinity of the tub water should always be tracked for safety purposes.
