Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: cappykat on March 01, 2006, 12:29:58 pm

Title: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: cappykat on March 01, 2006, 12:29:58 pm
My pH is a little high...about 8.5 according to the test strips.  Haven't used the hot-tub in over a week and bromine is high also but just shocked yesterday so that's probably why.  

Was wondering if I should add some vinegar to bring the pH down...and how much for 450 gal?
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: scott10367 on March 01, 2006, 12:31:21 pm
Dont use vinegar...get some pH decreaser.  It is cheap, safe and effective.  The exact amount can be determined with a decent test kit or by using the instructions on the bottle.
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: tootsie on March 01, 2006, 12:35:52 pm
I think I read,  if bromine levels are high that it will give you a false ph reading, you may want to wait to bromine gets to the norm before adjusting your ph.
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: NE-Phil on March 01, 2006, 12:53:07 pm
Quote
Dont use vinegar...get some pH decreaser.  It is cheap, safe and effective.  The exact amount can be determined with a decent test kit or by using the instructions on the bottle.

Scott,
22 oz pH decreaser: $4 - $5
1 gal white vinegar: $3 - $4
I'm curious. Why not white vinegar? It's just a solution of pure water and vinegar. It is cheaper than pH decreaser, and is also safe and effective.
I've been using it for awhile without any apparent problems. Or am I missing something?
I'm curious to hear your reasons for staying with PH decreaser. What makes it better?
Thanks,

Phil
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: cappykat on March 01, 2006, 12:56:50 pm
Tootsie...I'm going to take your advice and wait.  I'm also running the jets and leaving the cover off for a while.

Would still like to know about the vinegar for future.
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: Wisoki on March 01, 2006, 01:09:38 pm
MMMM, body oil and white vinegar dressing, MY FAVORITE!
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: drewstar on March 01, 2006, 01:12:53 pm
Vinger and hot water. ?

Ahhh, you must have that new tub, the Massingil 650. Perfect for a summers eve.
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: cappykat on March 01, 2006, 01:14:27 pm
Now that's just not right, drewstar!   ;)  You know too much about that stuff!
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: HotTubMan on March 01, 2006, 01:16:10 pm
Quote
Scott,
22 oz pH decreaser: $4 - $5
1 gal white vinegar: $3 - $4
I'm curious. Why not white vinegar? It's just a solution of pure water and vinegar. It is cheaper than pH decreaser,

How did you determine its cheaper? Are saying that 22 oz of pH decreaser will have the same impact as 1 gal of vinegar?

If so, how did you come to this conclusion?

Just curious.
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: drewstar on March 01, 2006, 01:20:26 pm
Quote
Now that's just not right, drewstar!   ;)  You know too much about that stuff!



I used to work in a convience store. I had to stock many differnt items on the shelf.

I only ment to amuse, not embarrasss.   8)
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: cappykat on March 01, 2006, 01:21:53 pm
No embarrassment from me!
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: drewstar on March 01, 2006, 01:24:34 pm
Quote
No embarrassment from me!



Jsut don't ask about what type of jets come on that tub.  ::)
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: cappykat on March 01, 2006, 02:00:54 pm
Ok, I'll bite.
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: NE-Phil on March 01, 2006, 02:19:08 pm
Quote
How did you determine its cheaper? Are saying that 22 oz of pH decreaser will have the same impact as 1 gal of vinegar?

If so, how did you come to this conclusion?

Just curious.

Hey HotTubMan,
I'm curious, too. I have no idea why one would be better than the other. I started using white vinegar due to what I read in various threads on this forum once the pH decreaser I was given by my dealer ran out . The dealer is miles away and I rarely visit his shop but the supermarket is just down the block. ;)
scott10367 was adamant about not using white vinegar but didn't give a reason. I want to know why one is better than the other.

Phil
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: drewstar on March 01, 2006, 02:29:41 pm
Quote
Ok, I'll bite.



are you trying to get me into trouble? :)  Let's just say the jets on the Masingil 650 vinegar tub are designed with a personal touch.    ::)  and thats all I 'm saying in public.  8)
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: Tatooed_Lady on March 01, 2006, 03:20:53 pm
this reminds me of talking to the electrician's fiancee about tubs....she asked if the tub I'm buying has a "big jet" at the bottom.....to which I replied "Ummm....no." She told me "that's too bad.....it's always a woman's favorite jet!"
:o :o
I think that is covered under the "too much information" topic....
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: cappykat on March 01, 2006, 03:46:31 pm
I think you're right tatooed lady!!
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: Bonibelle on March 01, 2006, 03:55:31 pm
Cappy, since I am the queen of high bromine...I was  asking a while back about my other things being out of wack and I can't remember who answered, but they did say, don't do any ph adjustments when the bromine is high. (that means I rarely do any ph adjustments ;D.)
I drained for the first time  today yipeee....
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: wmccall on March 01, 2006, 04:02:17 pm
Quote
Dont use vinegar...get some pH decreaser.  It is cheap, safe and effective.  The exact amount can be determined with a decent test kit or by using the instructions on the bottle.



What do you have against vinegar?  It should be white vinegar by the way and I think you will find it cheaper than PH down products.

I haven't had expeience with bromine so by all means get that in order. I would start with 2 capfuls and wait 24 hours before retesting. Then you can judge the next time based on the results of the 2 capfuls.    My Ph rarely gets above 8.0.  When it does 2 capfuls in my 425 gallon tub is about right.
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: cappykat on March 01, 2006, 05:33:04 pm
Oh, how I love this forum!!  Thanks everyone!  I haven't done anything yet.  I'll watch for a day or two and go from there.

Thanks, wmccall for the measurement!  

Keep us posted Boni!
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: IDW on March 01, 2006, 07:26:45 pm
Quote
I think I read,  if bromine levels are high that it will give you a false ph reading, you may want to wait to bromine gets to the norm before adjusting your ph.


High levels of bromine react will Phenol Red(PH tester) and form a product called bromide blue. This is a false high ph test. The colour it forms is obviously not right
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: NJDave on March 01, 2006, 09:25:01 pm
cappycat,
I know you may be tempted, but don't be reaching for that Balsamic Vinegar, on the counter in the kitchen. Leave it alone.The man said white vinegar. Otherwise you'll be like Cramer from Seinfeld, roasting in his hot tub. Enjoy the salad, I mean Hot tub. Dave.
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: cappykat on March 01, 2006, 09:45:39 pm
LOL!!  I wouldn't put anything in my hot-tub that was brown!!  ;D :o
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: galen on March 01, 2006, 10:37:52 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong but some use muric acid. A teaspoon at a time, wait 5 minutes to test.
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: windsurfdog on March 02, 2006, 11:01:47 am
I wonder how much TDS is contributed by white vinegar v. dry acid v. muriatic acid?  ???
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: Bonibelle on March 02, 2006, 12:32:19 pm
I don't know that I would feel real comfortable adding or even storing muriatic acid for use in the tub. I have used it to prepare surfaces for paint (my garage floor) and to clean brick work, and it is not friendly or forgiving. Why deal with that type of chemical when you could use vinegar or powdered material?  Just my thoughts  :-/
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: Tatooed_Lady on March 02, 2006, 12:44:44 pm
because it's a manly chemical? brings the "stud" out?  ;D
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: NE-Phil on March 02, 2006, 01:38:38 pm
Quote
because it's a manly chemical? brings the "stud" out?  ;D

Lady,
I think you're on to something here. ;D
And I can tell you what it means if I prefer white vinegar. It means I like to keep my costs down! And I prefer Italian dressing to Ranch! ;)

Phil
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: drewstar on March 02, 2006, 01:50:14 pm
Quote
And I prefer Italian dressing to Ranch! ;)

Phil



No matter how good of an idea at the time it may sound like, Do not fill your tub with Kraft Creamy Ranch Dressing.


/Trust me. the voice of experience.   :-[
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: Tatooed_Lady on March 02, 2006, 02:22:44 pm
 :oeven the "light" stuff??   :o
Title: Re: How much vinegar to lower pH?
Post by: svspa on March 02, 2006, 02:51:41 pm
Yes creamy ranch dressing never. Wine, chocolate, strawberries and whipped cream in small amounts is okay.

Steve.