FROG TArget™

Without the TA buffer, pH will swing dramatically from acidic to alkaline making it very difficult to achieve the neutral pH range of 7.2-7.6. Without a balanced TA, the hot tub water will feel uncomfortable, and it can harm hot tub surfaces and equipment.

Low Total Alkalinity may be caused by source water (the water used to fill the hot tub), human body oils and sweat, sanitizers like chlorine that are low in pH, the normal routine of water evaporation and adding more water and even the aeration of the hot tub jets that drive pH up.

A low alkalinity level will often drive the pH level in the water down, making the water more acidic which results in itchy, dry skin. Plus, surfaces like metal rails, filters, screws, pipes, may experience corrosion. And sanitizers are less effective – you’ll need to add more to keep water clean. Plus, you’ll find that pH will fluctuate, which makes water balance challenging.

High alkalinity also makes sanitizers less effective, which can lead to cloudy or green water.  High TA will mean high pH, which can be very difficult to lower. Hot tubs with TA over 120 ppm can experience scaling, which makes the water cloudy and forms mineral deposits on hot tub surfaces.