Why You Should Test Your Hot Tub Water
Congratulations! On your new Spa or Hot Tub we are sure that it will give you hours of fun and enjoyment. To ensure that your tub is kept in ‘tiptop’ condition and everyone using it is kept safe it will be necessary to test and treat the water. We are often asked why do I need to test and what should I be measuring. We hope that the following guide will help:
So why do you need to Test?
- Make sure it is safe
- Make sure it is comfortable
- Make sure there is enough chemicals
- Make sure it does not cause damage to the tub surfaces or fitting
What should you be testing for?
It is advisable to carry out testing frequently throughout the day. As the volume of water is relatively small conditions within it can change rapidly. The water should ALWAYS be tested before the first use of each day. If you don’t test how do you know the water is safe and whether you need to add any chemicals.
You should consider testing the following:
Disinfectant: This can be either chlorine or bromine. Your supplier should advise the levels needed. The disinfectant sanitises the water by ‘killing’ bacteria and neutralising waste products. It is essential that this is tested frequently to ensure sufficient disinfectant is present especially during heavy or continuous use when it can be rapidly used up.
pH: This is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the water is. Normally you would be looking for a level of between 7.0 – 7.6. Poor pH control can make the water uncomfortable for bathers, damage the tub and fittings and prevent the disinfectant working correctly
It is advisable to test disinfectant and pH several times a day and always together (see our sheet on pH for reasons).
Total Alkalinity: This is the amount of alkaline salts in the water and acts as a ‘buffer’. As pure water has little buffering capacity, alkalinity is needed to prevent wild changes in water conditions when chemicals are added.
Hardness: All water contains hardness and the levels vary depending on your location and the source water. Soft water can be prone to ‘foaming’ where as hard water can lead to scaling and damage to surfaces.
It is advisable to test Total Alkalinity, Hardness and Cyanuric Acid
How do I test?
There are lots of test systems available and whichever one you select it is important that you understand how it works and that you are able to read the tests. We would recommend that you use a tablet-based system as:
- These are easier to read and colours do not run into each other
- The tablets are individually sealed so you know the last test is as good as the first
- You will be using the same test chemistries as used by the professionals
- Important readings such as disinfectant and pH are easier to quantify
- They tell you only what you need to know
Remember the more testing you do the safer the water, the better it will be for tub and the more control you will have on chemical use. In addition, it will give you peace of mind that the water is safe for your family and friends to use.
Purchase a Pool Tester?
Scuba3s - Smart electronic pool tester for precise, effortless pool and spa control
The Scuba3s takes the guesswork out of pool care, combining fast, reliable testing of all essential water parameters with wireless NFC and the Lovibond PoolAssistant app. Get instant results, helpful insights, and practical water-care guidance. With intuitive operation, a compact waterproof design, and smart mobile management, the Scuba3s keeps your pool water under control—quickly, confidently, and effortlessly.
Pool Testers - Fast, Accurate, and Easy to Use
The tester combines rapid-dissolving RAPID tablets with simultaneous measurement of water treatment agents and pH, delivering highly accurate results you can trust. Its intuitive design makes operation simple and straightforward, with clear instructions to guide you whenever needed. The ergonomically optimized lid ensures a secure grip for comfortable handling every time.
Tablet Refill Packs for Accurate Water Testing
Lovibond tablet refill packs are formulated to deliver fast-dissolving, highly accurate measurements you can rely on. Designed specifically for use with Lovibond testers and the Scuba3s, the tablets ensure consistent colour development for precise water quality analysis. Easy to handle and clearly labelled, they support quick testing, dependable results, and confident pool and spa water management.
