Keep Testing – Keep Control – Keep Safe
Keep Testing – Keep Control – Keep Safe
What do the Professional use?
What do the Professional use?
As you would expect the commercial leisure sector, take water treatment and testing very seriously. They know that good water quality is essential for the bather experience and for their health and safety. Most establishments will be testing the disinfectant and pH levels several times a day and maintaining levels as needed.
They will not be using test papers! All testing will be carried out using a tablet reagent comparator or photometer systems and the results will be recorded and stored for up to seven years.
PWTAG (The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) the gurus of everything related to swimming pool water state that test kits should be.
• Systems should be professional and accurate (Comparators or Photometers)
• Make sure the range is correct for the application
• Should use recognised test chemistries (i.e. DPD)
• Everything should be scrupulously clean
• Should be checked regularly (weekly)
• Use the correct tablets / check dates
When it comes to testing Hot Tubs in a commercial setting then the Health and Safety Executive Guideline HSG282 has to be followed. This was introduced in 2017 and the aim was to reduce the risk of legionella associated with hot tub use. Again, emphasis is put on having a good testing regime, testing at least twice a day and using a correct test system. The guideline states that testing should be.
• Carried out at least twice a day
• Use a professional test system (comparator or photometer)
• Use tablet based testing with recognised chemistries
So why not test strips? One thing the last couple of years has shown us is how important good hygiene is. This is just as important in pool or hot tub water but if you are not testing correctly how do you know if levels are correct and what chemicals may need adding?
The problem with tests trips are:
• Difficult to read
• Not always accurate
• Can deteriorate over time
With tablet reagents based systems such as comparators or photometers you know that you are using recognised tests chemistries giving easy to read, accurate and reliable results. In addition, as each tablet is individually wrapped the last one used will be as good as the first.
Although it is not practical for everyone to have a commercial photometer or comparator system, there are kits available for the home user that use tablet reagents. These include the Lovibond® Compact Pool Test Kit, Pooltester and Scuba II. Although they may take slightly longer to use than test strips, speed should not be your main driver: safety and accuracy should be your main concerns. By using a tablet based test kit you will be sure that your readings are accurate, repeatable and reliable and most importantly you will be testing in the same way as the professionals.
Take the hassle out of getting your test kit or refill packs. Order online and get them delivered directly to your home.
Would you prefer to head down to your local pool or hot tub shop? If so we've listed some of our preferred suppliers for you. Take a look and see if there is a shop local to you.
The Lovibond® Compact Pool Test Kit enables you to measure accurately the key parameters of chlorine, pH and bromine easily and accurately ensuring your water is safe for all users. Suitable for all pool and hot tubs.
The Scuba II takes testing to the next level as the meter gives a digital readout taking away the need to compare colours. This handheld unit is easy to use and will measure chlorine (free and total), bromine, pH plus total alkalinity and cyanuric acid making it a must for all pool and hot tub users.
A firm favourite with pool users for many years the Lovibond® Pooltester gives accurate readings for chlorine and pH. The large blocks means colour matching is easier for enhanced user confidence.
If you are running low on tablets then our re-fill packs will be just what you need. Available for all of our test kits these handy packs will ensure you can keep on top of your water testing.
