How Do I Test My Spa Water?

Ensuring your spa water is clean and safe is essential not just for the longevity of your spa but for the health and comfort of the swimmers. Clean spa water means a more enjoyable and safe experience for everyone. The importance of regularly testing your spa water for any chemical imbalances cannot be overstated—it's about protecting your investment and ensuring the well-being of all who dive in.

Testing spa water regularly is the key to preventing the growth of algae and bacteria, which can turn your relaxing spa into a health hazard. Beyond the obvious health risks, unchecked water can also damage your spa, leading to costly repairs.

Methods of Testing Spa Water

There are three common ways to test spa water:

Spa Test Strips

These strips are a quick and easy way to check water chemistry and are suitable for routine monitoring.

Liquid Test Kits

These offer more accuracy, providing detailed insights into your spa's water condition.

Take it to the Professionals

Take a sample of spa water to a local retailer or technician for a professional assessment.

How to Collect Spa Water Samples

When collecting a water sample from your spa, remember a few things to remember to get an accurate reading. Firstly, you should use a clean cup or bottle with a cap, especially if you plan to take the sample to a pool shop. To collect the sample:

1. Hold the cup or bottle upside down with the opening facing the spa floor and insert it into the water elbow-deep.
2. Turn the right side up to collect the water.
3. Remember not to take the sample near any of the jets and try to get as close to the middle of the spa as possible.

How to Use Spa Test Strips

It's pretty straightforward on how to use spa test strips. They are easy to use, and you can usually follow the instructions on the product's packaging.

1. Collect a water sample.
2. Dip the strip into the water sample and hold it for 5-6 seconds before taking it out.
3. Hold the strip against the colour chart provided on the back of the packaging to determine the water's chemical levels.
4. Balance the water accordingly.

It is crucial to ensure that all colours on the test strips match the range of ideal colours shown on the test strip's packaging. If the colour on the test strip matches the corresponding chemical's ideal colour, then everything is okay. Regular test strips can only test for chlorine/bromine, pH, and alkalinity. Therefore, we recommend testing at least once a week.

How to Use a Liquid Test Kit

To test water quality in a spa, you can collect a water sample using a liquid testing kit with a container, similar to using a spa test strip.

1. Collect a water sample using the container provided.
2. Add 4 drops of phenol red to the water on the pH side.
3. Add 4 drops of OTO (yellow colour) to the water on the chlorine side.
4. Wait for approximately 15 seconds before comparing the colour of the water with the colours on the container. The colour of the water will determine your readings.

You will aim for a pH level between 7.4 and 7.6, with 7.5 being ideal.

What is the Ideal Range for Each Chemical Level?

Test results will indicate levels of pH, chlorine, bromine, alkalinity, and more. Ideal ranges are:

pH Levels - 7.2 to 7.8

If the pH reading is 6.2 or lower, the pH line on the test strip will turn a dark yellow. A pH reading around 6.8 will show a light orange colour, while a pH level within the correct range of 7.2 to 7.8 will indicate a dark orange colour. If your pH is too high, it will show a red colour (above 7.8).

Alkalinity - 100 to 120 ppm

The ideal total alkalinity range for spas is between 100 and 120 ppm. If your total alkalinity is very low, up to 40 ppm, it will show a golden yellow colour on your test strip. If it's between 40 and 80 ppm, it will display a brass or light green colour. When the total alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm, it's close to the ideal range, and the test strip will show an olive green or a light grass green colour. However, it will show a deep dark green colour if it's above the ideal range.

Chlorine - 3ppm is ideal

Chlorine is vital in keeping your spa free from bacteria and other unwanted materials, making it a safe place to soak in. Maintaining the appropriate level of chlorine in the spa is crucial to keep it clean and safe for use. To ensure maximum safety, it's important to maintain the chlorine level between 3-5 ppm.

How Do You Increase Low Alkalinity and pH Levels?

Balancing the chemistry of your spa water is important for ensuring both the longevity of the spa and the safety of its users. Sometimes, you might find yourself with balanced pH levels but low alkalinity, or vice versa.

When You Have a Balanced pH But Low Alkalinity

Low alkalinity can lead to unstable pH levels, making the water corrosive or scaling. If your pH level is within the ideal range but your alkalinity is below the recommended range, you should consider adding an alkalinity increaser, which is designed to raise alkalinity without affecting the pH levels.

When You Have Low pH Levels

A low pH level in your spa water can be harsh on the skin and eyes, and it can also damage the spa's equipment and shells. To increase the pH level, you will need to use a pH increaser. After adding that, it's crucial to retest your water using testing strips to ensure that both pH and alkalinity levels have adjusted to their ideal ranges.

Best Practices for Adjusting Water Chemistry

Balancing the chemical levels in your spa water is just as crucial as maintaining the right balance in your pool water. This ensures that everyone who uses it can enjoy a safe and pleasant swimming experience.

Always Add Chemicals Separately

When adjusting both alkalinity and pH, add one chemical and allow it to fully circulate and integrate into the spa water before testing and adding another. This prevents the chemicals from reacting with each other in ways that might restrict your adjustment efforts.

Retest After Adjustments

After adding any chemicals to the spa, wait at least 2-4 hours before retesting. This should give the chemicals enough time to mix thoroughly with the water and alter the chemistry accurately.

Follow a Gradual Approach

It's better to make adjustments in small, measured amounts rather than large doses, allowing for more precise control over the water chemistry.

Bottom Line

Through the simple acts of testing the water and adjusting its chemistry, you can ensure that your spa remains a relaxing experience for all the bathers. Remember, the balance of your spa water is as crucial as that of any pool.

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