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. It should always be between 6.8 and 7.2 in a hot tub.
Why must the hot tub PH value be correct?
The hot tub PH value is crucial in the pool water for the effectiveness of disinfectants, the comfort of bathers (skin and eye compatibility), and the protection of pool materials from corrosion or deposits. The optimal pH value lies in 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, only works efficiently in this optimal pH range. If the pH value rises above 7.4, the effectiveness of chlorine rapidly decreases, which can lead to insufficient hygiene and algae growth. The same applies to other disinfectants used for hot tub water care.
Skin and eye compatibility: A well-adjusted pH value (close to the natural pH of human tear fluid and skin) prevents irritation of skin and eyes in bathers.
Protection of the pool system: If the water is too acidic (pH value below 6.5), it can cause corrosion on metal and plastic parts. If it is too basic (pH value above 7.6), lime deposits can occur.
Clear water: A balanced pH value contributes to the clarity of the pool water. Incorrect values can lead to cloudiness. From 7.4 the water already gets a slightly bluish tint, from 7.6 the water begins to become milky. This cannot be filtered because it is a discoloration and not a contamination. Even the best hot tub filter cannot change this.
Regular checking and adjustment of the pH value is therefore the basis for effective hot tub water care and safe, clean bathing pleasure.
And now the EGo3 hot tub Guru tip, because this is the most common mistake in PH value adjustment!
MOST TEST KITS MEASURE THE PH VALUE IN THE HOT TUB INCORRECTLY.
Why is that? Almost all test kits were originally developed for pools and not for hot tubs. And there is a crucial difference between these two products in hot tub water care - ALKALINITY.
In pools, this is almost stable; in hot tubs, it is almost always too low. However, too low alkalinity distorts the PH value measurement result by 0.1 is shown too low per 10 below the correct alkalinity of 120. So if you measure a hot tub PH value of 7.2 with test strips, but the alkalinity is only 40, then your actual PH value is 8.0 and thus in the completely wrong range. Disinfectants hardly work anymore, the water turns green and cloudy. The water also becomes milky, although the PH value according to the test strips is correct. More disinfection is done, the hot tub filter has to run many more hours, and it still doesn't help.
FORMULA FOR CORRECT PH VALUE CALCULATION
Correct PH value = measured PH value plus 0.1 per 10 TA value below 120!
Why don't the manufacturers of the test kits change this? Because it is more expensive and complicated to measure correctly and it does not matter for the vast majority of customers (those with swimming pools).
Why is this not mentioned during hot tub delivery and hot tub water care training? Because you have to buy much more chemicals and hot tub filters if you don't know it and often also out of pure ignorance of the hot tub dealer.
What do I have to do? Either use a test kit like the Pool Lab that takes the deviation into account, or calculate with the formula above to have 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 a wrong test kit that does not measure the hot tub PH value correctly for optimal hot tub water care
