Why do some people put baking soda in their whirlpool spa hot tub?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural material with a wide range of uses in the home and in cleaning. In recent years, more and more whirlpool spa hot tub users have begun adding baking soda to their bathtubs in hopes of improving water quality, cleaning bathtub surfaces, and even improving the bathtub experience. However, when using baking soda, some users are skeptical of its effectiveness or are unclear about the scientific principles and practical effects of doing so. So, what are the benefits and precautions of adding baking soda to a whirlpool spa hot tub?

This article will explore in detail the role of baking soda in regulating whirlpool spa hot tub water quality, its application in cleaning, potential benefits, and precautions when using baking soda to help users understand the many uses of this household cleaning product in whirlpool spa hot tubs.

Why is baking soda used in whirlpool spa hot tubs?

Baking soda is widely used in household cleaning and personal care due to its unique chemical properties and cleaning ability. Its main functions are reflected in the following aspects:

1. Regulating water quality

The alkaline properties of baking soda enable it to regulate the acid-base balance of water. In a whirlpool spa hot tub, if the water quality is acidic, baking soda can help increase the pH value of the water to prevent the water quality from being too acidic and irritating the skin. At the same time, water quality balance can make the chemical substances more stable and improve the water quality cleaning effect.

2. Improving the softness of water

Baking soda helps soften the water quality and reduce the hardness of the water. Hard water can easily cause dry skin, and the addition of baking soda can make the water softer and bring a more comfortable bathing experience. In addition, soft water quality can also reduce scale formation and help maintain the cleanliness of the bathtub and pipes.

3. Mild detergent

As a natural detergent, baking soda can clean the inner wall of the bathtub, remove scale and impurities, and keep the bathtub clean. The granular texture of baking soda can easily remove stubborn stains when rubbed on the surface, but it will not scratch the surface of the bathtub. Therefore, cleaning with baking soda can reduce the use of chemical detergents and avoid the impact of residual chemicals on the human body and water quality.

What is the specific use of baking soda in a whirlpool spa hot tub?

After understanding the basic chemical properties of baking soda, users need to be more clear about its practical application in whirlpool spa hot tubs. Here are several common uses:

1. Adjust pH value

One of the problems encountered by many whirlpool spa hot tub users is the unstable acid-base balance of the water. When the water quality is acidic, it may cause discomfort to the skin and even cause corrosion to the equipment. Baking soda is a mild alkaline substance that can help adjust the pH value of the water to a comfortable range of 7.2 to 7.8. After adding baking soda, the pH of the water is closer to neutral, and the user's skin will feel more comfortable when bathing.

2. Remove dirt and scale in the bathtub

After long-term use, whirlpool spa hot tubs are prone to accumulate scale and soap scum, causing the inner wall of the bathtub to become slippery and even discolored. Baking soda is a mild scrub that can easily wipe away scale without damaging the bathtub material. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste and apply it to the inner wall of the bathtub. After it dries slightly, gently wipe it. Stubborn stains can be significantly removed.

3. Prevent odors

Due to long bathing and warm water temperature, the water in the whirlpool spa hot tub may produce odors. Baking soda has a deodorizing effect and can absorb and neutralize bad odors in the water. Regularly adding an appropriate amount of baking soda to the water can not only eliminate odors, but also keep the water fresh.

4. Reduce skin irritation

When there are too many chemical cleaners or unbalanced water quality in the whirlpool spa hot tub, it may cause skin irritation such as itching, redness and swelling. Baking soda has the property of relieving skin irritation, which can reduce the residual concentration of chemical cleaners and make the skin more comfortable when bathing.

What are the steps and methods for using baking soda in a whirlpool spa hot tub?

After understanding the role of baking soda, the correct method of use can help users achieve the best results:

1. Used to adjust the pH value

If you want to use baking soda to adjust the pH value of water, it is recommended that users first measure the pH of the bathtub water to determine whether alkaline substances need to be added. If the pH value is lower than the recommended 7.2, you can gradually add baking soda. The specific method is as follows:

● Prepare materials: baking soda, pH test paper

● Addition method: Take about 100 grams of baking soda and dissolve it in water, and pour it evenly into the whirlpool spa hot tub. Stir for a while after adding to fully dissolve the baking soda.

● Observe the effect: Wait for 15 minutes and measure the pH value again. If it still does not reach the ideal range, you can continue to add it, but do not add too much each time to avoid too high a pH value.

2. Used to clean the inner wall of the bathtub

When using baking soda to clean the inner wall of the whirlpool spa hot tub, it is recommended to do it when the bathtub is empty for better results. The cleaning steps are as follows:

● Prepare materials: baking soda, water, sponge or soft cloth

● Cleaning method: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water into a paste and apply it evenly on the inner wall of the bathtub, especially in areas with more dirt. Wait for a while, wipe gently with a sponge or soft cloth, and the dirt will fall off with friction.

● Rinse clean: After cleaning, rinse the bathtub thoroughly with clean water to prevent baking soda residue.

3. Eliminate odors

Sprinkle about 50 to 100 grams of baking soda directly into the whirlpool spa hot tub, and turn on the circulation system to circulate the water. After the baking soda dissolves, it can absorb odors in the water and keep the water quality fresh.

What are the precautions for using baking soda?

Although baking soda has many benefits in the whirlpool spa hot tub, improper use may affect the water quality balance and equipment operation. Here are some precautions when using baking soda:

1. Control the amount

The amount of baking soda should be controlled within an appropriate range. Excessive amounts of baking soda can make the water too alkaline, which may cause dry skin and even corrosion of bathtub accessories. Therefore, it is recommended to add it gradually and test the pH of the water regularly.

2. Avoid long-term reliance on baking soda for cleaning

Although baking soda is an effective cleaning agent, its abrasive effect may cause slight wear on some bathtub materials if used for a long time. It is recommended to alternate between other cleaning agents during regular cleaning and avoid using the same material.

3. Handle drainage with caution

Drainage after cleaning a whirlpool spa hot tub should be handled with caution. Although baking soda is a natural substance, due to its alkaline properties, excessive discharge into the sewer may affect the water balance in the pipes.

4. Check the filter system regularly

After using baking soda to adjust the water quality or clean the bathtub, the filter system of the whirlpool spa hot tub should be checked and cleaned. The filter may absorb some baking soda particles, so it needs to be checked regularly to ensure that the filter is not blocked and affects the water circulation.

What are the negative effects of using baking soda?

After understanding the basic uses and usage of baking soda, users should also know that although baking soda can improve the water quality and cleaning effect of whirlpool spa hot tub, it may have other effects in some cases:

1. Neutralization of chemicals

The alkaline properties of baking soda will neutralize certain chemicals in the water, so adding baking soda immediately after adding other chemical agents may reduce the effectiveness of the agents. It is recommended that users use baking soda separately from other water treatment agents to ensure the stability of the chemical composition of the water quality.

2. May cause dry skin

Excessive baking soda will increase the alkalinity of water quality and easily cause dry skin. For users with sensitive skin, the amount of baking soda should be carefully controlled when using it, and avoid soaking in water containing a large amount of baking soda for a long time.

3. Corrosion of bathtub accessories

If the whirlpool spa hot tub is made of metal or contains metal accessories, special attention should be paid to the amount of baking soda used. Excessive baking soda will react chemically with the metal, causing corrosion of accessories. Therefore, for bathtubs made of non-ceramic materials, it is recommended to use baking soda with caution or clean them in time afterwards. 

Is your factory open for inspection or third-party audits?

Yes, our factory located in Zengcheng, Guangzhou, is open for customer visits and third-party inspections. We welcome buyers to verify our production capacity, quality control systems, and spa testing processes. As a reliable spa manufacturer and supplier, we value transparency and long-term cooperation. For international buyers, we also support video tours and detailed factory reports.