Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: newtotubbing on December 30, 2004, 06:35:51 pm

Title: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: newtotubbing on December 30, 2004, 06:35:51 pm
My PH is stuck at around 8.0 or so.  I am using Taylor test kit, have added ph down now 3 times for the past week it it won't move.  I just added 3 TEASP00NS of Spagaurd PH Decreaser just now and nothing!  Still at 8.0.

I though it was going to drop over time but it isn't.  
Added PH decreaser isn't working.


What to do.?

Jonathan
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help!
Post by: Vinny on December 30, 2004, 07:49:44 pm
Your PH may be way over 8 and that may be the problem.  The Taylor kit only measures to 8 and anything above will read the same.

I don't know if the Taylor booklet explains how to get readings when the PH is off the scale.
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help!
Post by: steve771 on December 30, 2004, 07:57:50 pm
The Taylor kit includes an "acid demand" test.  Basically, after doing a pH reading, you add another reagent drop by drop to the vial, mixing and counting each one until you get a color change from the original pH.  Then, consult the Taylor book for the amount of ph down to add.  Hope this helps.
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help!
Post by: newtotubbing on December 30, 2004, 07:57:56 pm
You might be right about that.

Still don't know what to do, but you suggestion is a start in the right direction.


Jonathan
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help!
Post by: Brewman on December 30, 2004, 08:00:32 pm
Try taking your water to the dealer.  They should be able to advise you on how much ph down to use.
Our water is really high in ph and alk, and I have to add a lot more than a couple thingys full to move it into range.
Brewman
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help!
Post by: newtotubbing on December 30, 2004, 08:39:42 pm
Having people over for NYE and can't make it to the dealer.  Last time I was there I followed the directions of the computer analysis but it didn't go down.

I am going to de the acid demand test now.

Jonathan
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help!
Post by: newtotubbing on December 30, 2004, 08:51:43 pm
Ok,

I did the acid demand test twice, pretty neat, didn't know what the was before this thread!!!!

It needed 4 drops to bring it down to around 7.4.  Book says to add 4.93 ouncesfor 1000 gallons so for 500 gallons it should be 2.465 or 2.5ounces of Dry acid (93.2%).  Next stupid question, I do not have a scale so how do I know how much 2.5 ounces is in TABLE/TEASP00N talk?

Making progress!!!!

Jonathan
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: stuart on December 30, 2004, 09:03:50 pm
Not rocket science, I just consider a TABLESP00N about an oz, in fact I use the small cap on a 1 lb bottle overflowing and consider it about an oz...
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: stuart on December 30, 2004, 09:06:12 pm
BTW, that's a HEAPING TABLESP00N! One level TABLESP00N is about 1/2 of a fluid ounce.
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: newtotubbing on December 30, 2004, 09:08:45 pm
But the book is refering to dry acid.  So that rule still applies?  So I am looking at 2 1/2 heaping TABLESP00NS?

Thanks.

Jonathan
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: stuart on December 30, 2004, 09:29:35 pm
Quote
But the book is refering to dry acid.  So that rule still applies?  So I am looking at 2 1/2 heaping TABLESP00NS?

Thanks.
Jonathan

I'm refering to Sodium Bisulfate and yes 2.5 sounds right at your ph level and tub size....
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: newtotubbing on December 30, 2004, 09:36:16 pm
Yep, Sodium Bisulfate, Spa Guard brand.

I am going to administer the medication to the patient now, Doctor!

Jonathan
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: stuart on December 30, 2004, 09:40:24 pm
When I add that much I always dilute it in a bucket or bowl first...
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: newtotubbing on December 30, 2004, 09:44:13 pm
Oooops.

I just added into the spa a sprinkle at a time, with the jets on.

Oh well.

How long should I wait before I check PH again?  30 minutes?


Jonathan
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: stuart on December 30, 2004, 09:50:05 pm
Your fine, I just try and make sure that none of it can rest on the bottom of the shell.

Just for grins leave it until tomorrow and see how it looks, sometimes we wind up overdoing it when we don't need to just because we are anxious for a change.

BTW, what time is it there? ???
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: newtotubbing on December 30, 2004, 10:54:13 pm
Ok, tested the water again and it needed one more TABLESP00N  and I think I have it.

It almost 11:00 in NY.

Almost there.

Jonathan
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: Chas on December 31, 2004, 10:52:59 am
Wow - lots of posts here.

Next time you have a pH reading of 8.0, just toss in four dry ounces of dry acid.

Get a measuring cup next time you go to the dealer, or run over to Wally World and get one.

Most tub makers and chem companies don't suggest adding more than three or four ounces at a time - so you may have to repeat this. Wait at least three hours for the pH to settle at it's new level.

For my 500 gallon tub (now gone from my life  :( ) I have to add four to six ounces on fresh water to even start to get it into range.
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: stuart on December 31, 2004, 12:55:14 pm
I figured that it was around that time by the time on your posts but was questioning the rational sanity of how cold it must be at 10 pm out there and what would drive you to be out adjusting the spa. You New Yorkers! ;)
Title: Re: PH not moving down Help! closer!
Post by: newtotubbing on December 31, 2004, 02:27:44 pm
Yeah we are such a crazy bunch aren't we, NOT!

Well it worked.  I guess what got me into a  funk over this was the Taylor test kit only going to 8.0 and me not knowing to do an acid demand test.  The PH must have been really high and I was thinking about it being a bit over 8.0.  

The spa is at 7.6 right now after putting in 3.5 heaping TABLESP00NS on PH decreaser.  I didn't think my water was so high out of the tap.  This is after my first water change.  I did not have this trouble on the initial fill of the spa, ph was almost in line on day one.

Thanks for the help on this.

Jonathan