Using vinegar and baking soda in hot tub is not recommended, as it can cause scaling, odor, and be less effective than commercial hot tub chemicals. Learn how to safely adjust the pH of your hot tub water with this guide.
While these household products can be used to adjust the pH of pool water, they can have negative consequences in a hot tub.
I wouldn’t recommend using vinegar and baking soda in your hot tub for pH control. While they may seem like a cheap and easy option, there are several drawbacks:
- Scaling: Vinegar and baking soda can react with other chemicals in the hot tub water to form scale, which can damage the hot tub’s equipment and surfaces.
- Odor: Vinegar and baking soda can also leave a strange odor in the hot tub water.
- Effectiveness: Vinegar and baking soda are not as effective at adjusting the pH of hot tub water as commercial hot tub chemicals.
If you need to adjust the pH balance of your hot tub water, it is best to use commercial hot tub chemicals. These chemicals are specifically designed for hot tubs and will not cause the same problems as vinegar and baking soda.
A RATIO OF VINEGAR TO WATER FOR CLEANING A HOT TUB
If you’re interested in using vinegar to clean a hot tub, I recommend against using it for pH control due to the reasons mentioned previously. However, if you’re set on using vinegar for specific cleaning purposes like tackling hard water deposits or mineral buildup, here are some ratios to consider:
How To Save Money By Using Vinegar And Baking Soda In Hot Tub
- Clean your hot tub with vinegar: Vinegar can be used to clean all of the surfaces of your hot tub, including the shell, cover, and jets. This can help to save you money on commercial hot tub cleaners.
- Use baking soda to adjust the pH of your hot tub water: It is a natural alkaline, which can help to raise the pH of your hot tub water if it is too low. This can save you money on commercial pH increasers.
- Use it to shock your hot tub water: It can be used to shock your hot tub water, which helps to kill bacteria and algae. This can save you money on commercial shock treatments.
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Vinegar:
First, let’s start with vinegar. Vinegar has a pH of around 2.4, which is pretty acidic, though not as acidic as battery acid at 1.8. It can lower the pH of your hot tub by adding one cup into your filter every week or two weeks, depending on how often you use the tub.
Though this is one of the better solutions to lower your pH, it starts to lose its effect after about three weeks due to saturated water with the acid. Discover the differences between salt water and chlorine in hot tub. Find out which one is best for you, as well as the pros and cons of each option.
Pros:
- Adding vinegar to your hot tub may seem odd, but it can offer several benefits.
- Vinegar is an acidic substance that can help to lower the pH levels in your hot tub water, making it less hospitable for bacteria to grow.
- Additionally, vinegar can help to dissolve mineral deposits that may have built up on your hot tub surfaces.
Cons:
- Vinegar is a corrosive substance, so you’ll need to be careful not to allow it to come into contact with any metal surfaces.
- Additionally, too much vinegar can make your hot tub water quite acidic, which can be uncomfortable for users and may cause skin irritation.
Baking Soda:
You can add baking soda to your filter or directly into your hot tub when you add chemicals such as chlorine. It works by neutralizing the acid in your hot tub, making it more alkaline, thus raising your pH level. For more about How much Baking Soda to add to Hot Tub.
Pros:
- Baking soda is a natural pH neutralizer. This means that it can help keep your hot tub water balanced and healthy without using harsh chemicals.
- It is also a great way to remove unwanted odors from your hot tub water. Add a cup of baking soda to the water and let it soak for a while before draining and refilling the tub.
- It can also help to soften your skin while you soak.
Cons:
- One con is that it can be harsh on your hot tub’s finishes.
- It’s also important to note that it is an alkaline substance, which can increase the pH of your hot tub water if you use too much of it.
- This can make your water less comfortable to soak in and can also cause damage to your hot tub’s equipment.
- it takes quite a bit of time and effort to clean the tub with it thoroughly.
Adding too much vinegar or baking soda can upset the pH balance of your hot tub and cause skin irritation. It’s also important to test your pH levels before and after using vinegar or baking soda and to avoid using these agents with other chemicals.
How to Properly use Vinegar and Baking Soda
You can go right with vinegar and baking soda if you’re looking for an inexpensive way to keep your hot tub clean. Here’s how to properly use these everyday household items to keep your tub sparkling:
First, combine one cup of vinegar with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Give the tub a good scrubbing with the mixture, paying particular attention to any stubborn stains. Rinse the tub well and then fill it with fresh water.
Next, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water and let the jets run for a few minutes to distribute it evenly. After 15 minutes, drain it, then give it another rinse. You should notice that your hot tub is much cleaner after using this simple cleaning method.
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Your spa should be maintained regularly to keep running smoothly and looking great. Here are some tips for keeping your hot tub up to par. Empty the water from it at least once a week. This will keep the water fresh and clean and prevent any odors from developing. Clean your filters regularly.
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How can you use vinegar and baking soda to clean a jet tub?
While vinegar and baking soda can be helpful for some household cleaning tasks, their effectiveness in cleaning a jet tub is limited and comes with potential drawbacks. Here’s a revised and improved guide on cleaning your jet tub, considering both DIY methods and safer alternatives:
DIY Methods with Vinegar and Baking Soda (Use with Caution):
Final Thoughts:
While both have advantages and disadvantages, our general belief is that there are numerous potential problems when adding either chemical to your hot tub without first treating it. This is why we incline toward using baking soda over vinegar. We are dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience with your hot tub by providing you with all the necessary information before purchasing a new one!
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Common Queries:
Q. How often should I use baking soda in a spa? It would help if you used baking soda in a spa when you have problems with the water’s pH level.
Q. What does vinegar do to hot tub water? Vinegar can be used to clean hot tubs. It can help remove dirt, grime, and build-up from the tub’s surface. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can also help to kill bacteria. For more about Care of Your Hot Tub.
Q. How much vinegar do I put in my hot tub to lower the pH? The amount of vinegar you’ll need to lower your hot tub’s pH will depend on how high the pH is. If it’s only slightly high, you may only need a cup or two of vinegar. You may need a gallon or more if the pH is very high. Use your hot tub’s pH test kit to determine how much vinegar you need.
Q. How long do I need to soak my spa in vinegar? Let the vinegar sit in your hot tub for 24 hours. Scrub any build-up or dirt with a brush after soaking it in vinegar. Then, run it for a few hours to rinse out the vinegar.
Q. How do I lower my hot tub’s pH without chlorine bleach? You can use a pool of acid in it if you don’t want to use bleach.
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