pool chems/spa chems

[orlandoguy]

I notice that the chemicals in ph down for pools and spas seem to be the same, kinda like baking soda and alk up.

I also notice that spa chemicals seem to come in small bottles that can be pricey, while pool chems come in larger containers that can save some serious moolah.

Regarding ph down, my constant saga, can I use the ph down for pools in my spa?  Thanks!!!

[windsurfdog]

If your ph down is sodium bisulfate, it makes no difference how it is packaged.  Concentration may be different but sodium bisulfate should be the active ingredient.

[Brewman]

I've been purchasing my PH up and down from a fleet supply store- I get 8 pounds of chemical for only a buck or two more than one of those small spa size bottles, and the ingredients are identical.
For Alk up I use plain old baking soda- sodium bicarbonate.  

[orlandoguy]

That's what I thought.  Thanks for confirming I have been pouring my money down the drain for a few months now.

[hottub.pool_boy]

white vinegar works like a charm to lower ph. That's what we used to tell people to use.

[orlandoguy]

That's a new one, but worth a try.  just picked up a bottle of vinegar to delime the cappucino machine anyway.

So it's baking soda for high alk, vinegar for high ph, and was it flour for high blood pressure?

[HotTubMan]

Baking Soda will raise TA not lower.

You use acid to lower pH or TA.