Can I Put Baking Soda In My Hot Tub?

Hot tubs may be confusing and frustrating while you’re getting used to them, but there is a serious reason, which is that they take a lot of upkeep.  If you are dealing with this all for the first time and you’re looking for support and help on what to add, some searching may have led you to baking soda.  But why?  Let’s take a look.

pH and baking soda
    The water in your hot tube should be between 7.2 and 7.8 for pH rating.  This is considered normal and not a reason for concern.  However, what if you can’t get the pH to the right level and you don’t want to add in unnecessary chemicals?  Baking soda can step!   This will naturally increase the alkaline level in your water and can be just what you need to get it in the proper zone.  Plus, since it’s natural, no chemicals needed
    Another plus is that most of us have baking soda in our kitchen cupboards so that we can grab it and use it when you need to have it in a pinch.

How to use baking soda for hot tubs
    If you want to use baking soda responsibly, you’re going to want to add 1 oz of baking soda at a time.  Yes, really.  No more, as it is deceptively strong and it may push your pH level over the top, defeating the purpose!
    Add 1 oz and then let it circulate over 2-3 hours.  Test the pH again and you’ll likely find that it is where it needs to be.  If not, you can add another oz and try the same thing again.  This will get it to where it should be in most situations.  Remember to wait the full 2-3 hours or longer, as it needs time to circulate and dissolve into the water.

Baking soda is not a replacement
    If you love the thought of relying on natural baking soda instead of pH chemical regularly, this is a common thought.  However, pH balance chemicals are required for safe and long-term use of your hot tub.  Your tub is designed for them and all spas will recommend them.  They are designed to maintain your tub’s water long-term and keep your system running smoothly.
    While using baking soda to give it a little boost is great and done widely by hot tub users of all experience levels, it is not intended as a long-term replacement, just a little helping hand when you’re in need.  

    It’s so cool to think that something so ordinary can help keep your pH level in the right zone when it drops, but it is really important to make sure that you see it as a temporary fix instead of just being something you can substitute whenever you feel like it.  A great boost when you need it, you’ll want to add a box of it to your cupboard just for those situations where you are in need of a natural solution for your pH balance!