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Boise, ID 83705
Mon-Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
(208) 468-8827
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Meridian, ID 83646
Mon-Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
(208) 468-8827
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Nampa, ID 83687
Mon-Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
(208) 468-8827
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Twin Falls, ID 83301
Mon-Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
(208) 468-8827
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Hailey, ID 83333
Mon-Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat & Sun: Closed
(208) 726-8899
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pH increaser, decreaser and alkalinity for hot tubs
Balanced water keeps your sanitizer working, protects your spa's equipment and is comfortable on skin and eyes. Here's how to raise or lower pH and alkalinity the right way.
Fix alkalinity first, then pH
Total alkalinity is pH's buffer. When alkalinity is off, pH bounces around. Bring alkalinity into range first, wait, retest, and then fine-tune pH.
Signs your pH is off
Low pH (below 7.2): itchy eyes and skin, faster sanitizer loss, corrosion risk for metal parts. High pH (above 7.8): cloudy water, scale, and sanitizer that doesn't work as well.
Target ranges
| Level | Target |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.2–7.8 |
| Total alkalinity | 80–120 ppm |
| Calcium hardness | Follow your manual; many call for 150–250 ppm |
Common ranges. Salt and mineral systems can call for different targets, so check your owner's manual.
Hard water tends to push pH up. Many Treasure Valley owners reach for pH decreaser more often than increaser, and rarely need calcium increaser. If scale keeps coming back, ask about stain & scale control or a calcium remover. Get a free water analysis.
How to adjust pH and alkalinity
- Test with a fresh strip and note alkalinity and pH.
- If alkalinity is low, add alkalinity increaser. If it's high, use pH decreaser, which also lowers alkalinity.
- Run the jets with the cover open, wait the time on the label, and retest.
- Fine-tune pH with small doses of pH increaser or decreaser. Smaller doses are easier to correct than overshooting.
- Retest the next day before soaking, then check two to three times a week.
Products we carry
BioGuard® (including SpaGuard®) and FreshWater® water care. Pick these up in store at any of our five showrooms, and ask our water care team what fits your spa.
Chemical safety basics
- Add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals.
- Add one product at a time with the jets running and the cover open, and wait at least 20 minutes (or as the label directs) before adding the next.
- Never mix chemicals together, dry or wet, and never mix bromine and chlorine products.
- Store products sealed, cool, dry and out of reach of children and pets.
- Always read and follow the product label and your spa owner's manual.
Free water analysis
Bring a water sample to any of our five showrooms (Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls or Hailey), or request a time, and our team will test your water professionally and tell you exactly what to add, and what not to.
pH & alkalinity FAQs
What should hot tub pH be?
7.2 to 7.8 is the common target. Follow your owner’s manual if it lists a different range.
Should I adjust pH or alkalinity first?
Alkalinity first. It buffers pH, so once alkalinity is in range, pH is far easier to hold.
Is pH increaser the same as alkalinity increaser?
No. pH increaser mainly raises pH. Alkalinity increaser mainly raises total alkalinity with a smaller effect on pH. Some spa products, like FreshWater® pH/Alkalinity Up, are designed to move both.
How long after adding pH increaser can I use the hot tub?
Follow the label. Most owners wait at least 20 to 30 minutes with the jets running, then retest before getting in.
Why does my hot tub pH keep going up?
Hard fill water, high alkalinity and aeration from jets all push pH up. Lower alkalinity first, and consider scale control. Bring a sample in for a free analysis.
Pick up chemicals at a showroom near you
Water care products and friendly advice in Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Twin Falls, plus our full-line Wood River Valley store in Hailey.
1340 S Orchard St
Boise, ID 83705
3490 E Tecate Ln
Meridian, ID 83646
16553 N Marketplace Blvd
Nampa, ID 83687
960 Blue Lakes Blvd N
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Boise · Meridian · Nampa · Twin Falls: Mon–Sat 10–6 · Sun 11–4 · (208) 468-8827