Low Alk Low Ph

[cappykat]

I knew as soon as I said my water was "perfect" that something would go wrong.

Just did a reading and total hardness and bromine are fine, but the pH is between 6.2-6.8 and alk is very low...around 40.

If I add pH up will that adjust the alk also?  I usually add 2-3 tsp of di-chlor per week and I didn't do that yesterday.  I'm planning to add after soak tonight.

Should I leave things alone and test after I add the di-chlor and then check tomorrow?

[Brewman]

That'll teach you to brag about water balance!  The gods are now punishing you.
 
I have to occasionally boost both my Ph and alk, as they tend to drift down gradually.  I'm told it's the mps shock.  
I use plain old baking soda to raise alk, and Ph increaser to raise Ph.  
I think baking soda has a minor impact on Ph.  

[Vinny]

Baking Soda!!!

It will adjust both but only worry about PH.

[hymbaw]

Total Alkalinity is your waters ability to resist ph change. Get that in line first then worry about ph.

[tony]

Baking soda will raise both.  Shouldn't need anything else.

[Mark_Vee]

Definately get the TA in line first, raising the TA will also raise the Ph some.  After raising the TA give it a day or to and then retest the Ph to see where that was brought up to.

Over time Bromine can lower the TA a little bit, I see alot of hot tubs that use bromine that need to raise the TA after a month or so of filling.

[cappykat]

How much baking soda?

[wmccall]

How much baking soda?

It varies drastically, but I buy these little boxes that fit in the palm of my hand, they are about the size of single size breakfast serial boxes. Under your circumstances, I would put 1/2 box in my 425 gallon tub.

Just remember to wait another day before deciding how much that helped.

[Brewman]

I usually add an ounce or two at a time, over the course of a day or two.  As you get experience, you'll find out what works for you.  That seems to have minimal impact on my Ph readings, but nudges alk readings up to the acceptable range.

[cappykat]

I put about 2 tablespoons.  I'll add more tomorrow.  We haven't been using the hot-tub much lately.  I've been sick and too many other projects going on.  I noticed today a pretty strong chemical ordor...mostly on me after it dipped the test strip.  Could our not using the hot-tub as much cause this?