Spa Water Balancing Tips: How to Keep pH, Alkalinity, and Phosphates in Check
Crystal-clear spa water doesn’t happen by chance — it’s all about balance. Getting your pH and total alkalinity right keeps your water comfortable, your spa surfaces protected, and your sanitiser working efficiently. But one sneaky culprit often gets overlooked: phosphates.
At The Spa Shop, we make water balancing simple with free water testing and a range of quality products designed to keep your spa in top condition.
Understanding the Relationship Between pH and Alkalinity
Your spa’s pH measures how acidic or basic the water is, while total alkalinity acts as a stabiliser to keep pH from fluctuating.
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If alkalinity is too low, your pH will swing wildly.
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If alkalinity is too high, your pH becomes stubborn and hard to adjust.
That’s why it’s best to balance alkalinity first, then fine-tune your pH.
Aim for these ideal ranges:
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Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
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pH: 7.2–7.8
Check both easily with FreshWater 5-Way Test Strips — a quick, reliable way to see where your spa stands.
Phosphates – The Hidden Water Balancing Problem
Even when pH and alkalinity seem fine, phosphates can throw everything off. They enter your spa through tap water, body oils, and garden debris, feeding algae and disrupting chemical balance.
If you’re constantly battling cloudy water or unstable readings, high phosphates may be to blame. Use BioGuard Pool Complete to remove phosphates, improve clarity, and make balancing your spa much easier.
How to Maintain Perfectly Balanced Water
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Test regularly – at least twice a week using FreshWater 5-Way Test Strips.
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Balance alkalinity before pH to stabilise your water chemistry.
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Remove phosphates with BioGuard Pool Complete when needed.
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Maintain balance using BioGuard Perfect Balance to keep pH and alkalinity stable between treatments.
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Enhance water feel with BioGuard Velvet for soft, silky water.
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Clean your filters regularly with product like BioGuard Filter Renew to prevent buildup and ensure water circulates properly.
Free Water Testing at The Spa Shop
Not sure if your readings are accurate? Bring a water sample into The Spa Shop for free testing. Our team will analyse your water and recommend the right products to restore balance quickly.