Water Chemistry 101 -- It's easier than you think!

Maintaining spa water quality is not as difficult as you might think, thanks to Test Strips. In the past, spa test strips were considered by some to be less accurate than the complicated liquid test kits. In recent years though great strides have been made making test strips the preferred water testing method. Test strips are easier to use, and more cost effective than cumbersome liquid test kits

There's no equipment to clean. You never have to keep track of various liquid chemical reagents... a drop of that, two drops of this. The purpose of owning a hot tub is for fun and relaxation, so shouldn’t water testing be as simple and easy as possible?

Seriously, this is not rocket science!

Simple Testing Procedure

If using a conventional sanitizer such as Chlorine or Bromine, check spa water weekly.

Note: Read the instructions on the bottle. Testing procedures vary by test strip brand.

Allow spa to circulate for a minute or two, then take a sample of spa water in a clean plastic drinking glass-- a few ounces will do. Remove a spa test strip from the bottle, and recap tightly. Dip the strip in the water just deep enough to wet the test pad(s) used, and remove according to bottle directions. Remove excess water by shaking the strip once, briskly (again, check the bottle directions). Hold strip horizontal, pad side up, for 15 seconds (or per bottle instructions). Make color comparisons with bottle chart. Adjust spa water as necessary. For most accurate results, allow water to equilibrate several hours or overnight after adding balance chemicals, then retest.

Watch your Fingers

Be sure to wash your hands before performing the test. Bromine, chlorine, or other chemical residues on fingers can skew the test results. Never put a wet finger into the test strip container. This will contaminate the unused strips.

Store Strips Properly

Do not store your test strips outside. Keep them at room temperature, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Cap the bottle tightly right after removing a strip—do not wait until you are done testing.

Use Fresh Strips

Check the date on the bottle and replace expired strips. Beyond that date, you may get false readings resulting in wasted chemicals, or improper water balance.