Hot Tub pH Value - One of the Most Important Values

The hot tub pH value is one of the most important measurements for proper hot tub water care. In a hot tub, it should always be between 6.8 and 7.2.

Why Does the Hot Tub pH Value Need to Be Correct?

The hot tub pH value in pool water is crucial for the effectiveness of disinfectants, the comfort of bathers (skin and eye compatibility), and protecting pool materials from corrosion or deposits. The optimum pH value lies within a narrow range between 6.8 and 7.2 (a value of 7.0 is often considered ideal
).

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Why Is the Hot Tub pH Value So Important for Hot Tub Water Care?

Optimal Disinfection: Chlorine, the most commonly used disinfectant, works efficiently only within this optimal pH range. If the pH value rises above 7.4, the effectiveness of chlorine decreases rapidly, which can lead to inadequate hygiene and algae growth. The same applies to other disinfectants used for hot tub water care.
Skin and Eye Compatibility: A properly adjusted pH value (close to the natural pH value of human tears and skin) prevents skin and eye irritation among bathers.
Protection of the Pool System: If the water is too acidic (pH value below 6.5), it can cause corrosion of metal and plastic parts. If it is too alkaline (pH value above 7.6), limescale deposits may form.

Clear Water: A balanced pH value contributes to clear pool water. Incorrect values can cause cloudiness. From 7.4, the water already takes on a slight bluish tint; from 7.6, the water begins to turn milky. This cannot be filtered because it is discoloration, not contamination. Even the best
hot tub filter cannot change that.

Regularly checking and adjusting the pH value is therefore the foundation for effective hot tub water care and safe, clean bathing enjoyment.

And now for the EGo3 Hot Tub Guru tip, because this is the most common error when adjusting the pH value!

MOST TESTING METHODS MEASURE THE PH VALUE IN A HOT TUB INCORRECTLY.

Why is that? Almost all testing methods were originally developed for pools, not hot tubs. And there is one crucial difference between these two products when it comes to hot tub water care - ALKALINITY.

In pools, it is approximately stable, while in hot tubs it is almost always too low. However, alkalinity that is too low distorts the pH measurement result: it is displayed 0.1 too low for every 10 below the correct alkalinity of 120. So, you measure a hot tub pH value of 7.2 with test strips, but the alkalinity is only 40. Your actual pH value is then 8.0, which is completely outside the correct range. Disinfectants hardly work anymore, and the water turns green and cloudy. The water also becomes milky even though the pH value appears to be correct according to the test strips. More disinfectant is used, the hot tub filter has to run for many more hours, and it still does not help.

FORMULA FOR CALCULATING THE CORRECT PH VALUE

Correct pH value = measured pH value plus 0.1 for every 10 TA units below 120!

Why don't testing method manufacturers change this? Because measuring correctly is more expensive and more complex, and it does not matter for the vast majority of customers (those with swimming pools).

Why don't you learn about this when your hot tub is delivered and during hot tub water care training? Because you have to buy much more chemicals and hot tub filters if you do not know this, and probably also because of the hot tub dealer's pure lack of knowledge.

What do I need to do? Either use a testing method such as Pool Lab that takes the deviation into account, or calculate it using the formula above to achieve perfect and correct hot tub water care.

INSIDER PH VALUE TIP: If the water is milky, the pH value is ALWAYS too high. You are simply using an incorrect testing method that does not measure the hot tub pH value correctly for optimal hot tub water care