Readings are High Again

[cappykat]

Yesterday when I refilled, I checked the water and everything was perfect.  I just checked today and the pH and Alkalinity is high again.

I'm using AquaChek test strips.  The pH seems to be between 7.8-8.4 and alka beween 180-240.

Should I add a couple OUNCES of pH Down??

[East_TX_Spa]

Yes.  That should do it.

Terminator

[cappykat]

Morning, Term!  Ok, I'm adding 2 OUNCES of pH Down, right??

[East_TX_Spa]

Buenos dias senora!

Si! pH decreaso, undale!

Terminato'

[cappykat]

Now I'll wait 24 hours and test again?

[East_TX_Spa]

How does your calcium hardness reading look?

Terminator

[grahamtasia]

You should take a spa water sample along with a tap water sample  to a local pool and spa store that does water testing and have them test for metals. Also check the date on your test strips to see if they have expired.

[wmccall]

Now I'll wait 24 hours and test again?

Yes.  What are you usin to test? 7.8 is high, but tolerable, 8.4 is just high.  The alk readings are ok. If that were my tub, and I thought the reading was 7.8 I would leave it alone as my PH tends to drift down over time.  If I knew my PH was 8.4 I might try to lower it. I'm currently out of PH down, so I might give the White vinegar a try. High PH is not something I normally see.

[grahamtasia]

You do not have to wait 24 hours.  Run the jets for an hour or so and then test it.  2 hours should be sufficient.

[cappykat]

AquaCheck paper test strips.  It's a match the colors game..HA!  The hardness was within normal range and the bromine was normal.

I say pH is between 7.8-8.4 because the pink is between those ranges.  I would say it's on the high end.  I put in 2 ozs. of pH Down and I'm going to wait to check it late tonight or tomorrow morning.  Husband will probably use tonight.  I'm sick with a sinus infection so I won't be going in.  

[grahamtasia]

Make sure the tub is running after adding the ph down, so, you do not drop your alkalinity. You can check in a couple of hours.

[cappykat]

When you say "run the jets" does it matter if the cover is up/down?  That's probably a stupid question, but I don't know if it matters.

[grahamtasia]

You can run the jets with the cover on.  If you run the jets with the cover on alot, the increased condensation will make the cover heavier over time. The way I do it is if I am home I leave it open and if I have to leave I keep it closed.  

[ssbraun]

When you say "run the jets" does it matter if the cover is up/down?  That's probably a stupid question, but I don't know if it matters.

I leave the cover 1/4 open (3 piece cover); I think it is most important to do so for an hour or so when shocking but I do it when adjusting ph also.  One note:  If jets are on with air valves open, the aeration can give "false" high ph readings.  I've been battling high ph for a couple weeks, and I add ph down, run all pumps for 15-20 minutes, wait an hour and retest / redose as req'd.

Cheers!

Steve

[HotTubMan]

Cappy;

You didnt mention what your chlorine or bromine reading are.

I mention this because I find one very weak aspect of test strip and lower end test kits (ones without thiosulfate (chlorine neutralizer)) is reactions with chlorine.

If your chlorine is high, it is quite likely that you will get a high pH reading even if your pH is OK.

A nicer test kit or store lab will test your chlorine before the pH to determine how much neutralizer is required to get an accurate pH reading.