How to Test Spa Water Properly
If you notice that your spa water looks cloudy or a tinge of green, it's likely a sign that it's not balanced properly. To identify the problem, the first step is to use spa test strips. By testing the water, you can determine what's going on and add the right chemicals in the right amounts. Testing your spa water regularly is crucial to ensure it's safe and comfortable for swimmers. Luckily, testing spa water is not a complicated task, and you can either do it yourself or take a sample to your local pool shop.
Spa Water Testing Methods
Testing your spa water is crucial for maintaining its health and longevity. Let's explore the most common methods:
- Spa Test Strips: These are widely available and easy to use. These strips are a quick way to check water chemistry.
- Liquid Spa Testing Kits: These kits offer more detailed results and are perfect for those who prefer a thorough analysis.
- Test by a Professional: Sometimes, it's best to leave it to the experts. Taking a water sample to a professional can provide the most accurate insights.
No matter which method you use to test water, it's crucial to collect the water sample correctly.
How to Collect Spa Water Sample
When collecting a water sample from your spa, it's important to take it from the middle. To do this:
- Use a clean cup or bottle with a cap if you're going to take it to the pool shop.
- Hold it upside down with the opening facing the spa floor, and insert it into the water elbow-deep.
- Turn it right side up to collect the water.
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 very easy to use, and you can usually rely on the instructions for use on the packaging of the product.
- Collect a water sample, following the steps before.
- Dip a strip into the water sample and hold it for 5-6 seconds before taking it out.
- Hold it still for about 15 seconds to allow the chemical level indicators to change colour.
- Simply compare the colour of the strips to the back of the packaging.
- Balance the water accordingly.
If the test strips' colour matches the corresponding chemical's ideal colour, then everything is okay. However, it's important to confirm that all colours on the test strips match the ideal range shown on the test strip's packaging. Regular test strips can only test for chlorine/bromine, pH, and alkalinity, so we recommend testing at least once a week.
Please note below that instructions are guidelines only; you should refer to the test strip bottle for specific recommendations from the manufacturer.
How Do I Read the pH Level on My Spa Test Strips?
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).
How Do I Read Alkalinity on My Spa Test Strips?
The chart above displays the total alkalinity in parts per million (PPM) and is similar to typical charts on many test strip bottles. For spas, the ideal range of total alkalinity 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, if it's above the ideal range, it will show a deep dark green colour.
How to Use a Liquid Test Kit
To test water quality in a spa, you can use a liquid testing kit with a container to collect a water sample. The process is similar to using a spa test strip.
- Collect a water sample using the container provided.
- Add 4 drops of phenol red to the water on the pH side.
- Add 4 drops of OTO (yellow colour) to the water on the chlorine side.
- 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.
Take a Water Sample to Your Local Pool Shop
We highly recommend taking the water sample to your local pool shop for a pool and spa technician to ensure that your water is tested for seven important chemicals. These include total hardness, total chlorine, total bromine, free chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and cyanuric acid. To connect with a spa expert near you, try our Dealer Locator.
How to Balance My Spa Water
If your water is not within the ideal range, adjust the total alkalinity first, then the pH. Remember to ensure that your water has already been warmed up so that the chemicals react correctly.
How Do I Balance the Total Alkalinity in My Spa
Total alkalinity refers to the water's capacity to resist changes in pH. When the total alkalinity is balanced, it becomes more challenging for the water's pH level to fluctuate, resulting in more consistent water pH levels. On the other hand, if the total alkalinity is not balanced, the pH will fluctuate, making it more difficult to maintain water quality and clarity.
To raise your total alkalinity, use an alkalinity increaser. Follow the instructions on the packaging to determine the correct amount based on the volume of water in your spa. Start with adding a small amount, then turn on your jets to circulate the water, wait for 30-60 minutes, and test it again. If you need to lower alkalinity, use a pH decreaser and follow the same process.
How Do I Adjust the pH Levels in My Spa
Maintaining the pH level of the water in your spa is crucial. The pH level measures how acidic or basic the water is. Ideally, the pH should be between 7.2 to 7.8.
If the pH level is too low (under 7.2), it indicates that the water is too acidic. This can cause corrosion and damage to your spa components like jets, heater elements, and pillows. It can also deteriorate the shell of your spa. Moreover, low pH levels can cause skin irritation and inflammation. To raise the pH level, use a pH increaser product like Sodium Bicarbonate in your spa water.
On the other hand, if the pH level is too high, it means that the water is too basic. This can result in cloudy, foamy, and smelly water, making it unpleasant to use. To lower your pH level, you need to add a pH decreaser product like Sodium Bisulphate to your spa water.
When the water is too acidic or too basic, it requires more effort from the sanitiser to keep the water quality, kill bacteria and maintain the water's clarity.
While DIY methods like spa test strips and liquid test kits offer a convenient way to monitor your spa's water quality, we still recommend you to consult with a pool professional regularly to ensure the safety of your spa water and extend the life and performance of your spa.