Spa Water Testing
Most spa owners do not understand the importance or the process behind water testing. Let’s look into, spa water chemistry, how to check your spa water and understanding water test results.
Spa water should be tested on a weekly basis. This can be as simple as a home test kit. By completing a quick and simple test on a weekly basis it will highlight if there are any irregularities of the spa water. It is also recommended to have a professional spa test to be done on a monthly basis.
Spa Water Chemistry
Maintaining the right balance of spa water is a very crucial part for a spa owner. Maintaining the PH levels, Alkalinity, calcium hardness and sanitiser will define it is a healthy spa or not. If it is not you are not only putting your users at risk but you are also putting the integrity of the spa at risk.
PH Levels
The PH levels are the most important test in the spa. This will test the acidic and alkaline levels in the water. The recommended PH level for a spa is between 7.4 and 7.8. If the PH level is below 7.4 your spa is too acidic, this will cause red irritated eyes and skin. If the PH level is above 7.8 the water has to much alkaline, this will promote scaling and calcium formation in the filtration system.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity Is the number of hydroxides and carbonates in the water. Alkalinity is measured in parts per million (ppm). If the alkalinity level is balanced it will help keep the PH levels balanced. The alkalinity level for spa water is to be between 80 to 120 ppm.
Calcium Hardness
Is the amount of calcium in the water. These levels are to be closely monitored to prevent water stains or corrosion to the spas surface. The correct calcium levels are 150-250PPM.
Sanitiser
Sanitizer an extremely important part of a healthy spa. The sanitiser removes all the bacteria, algae growth from the water. This bacteria is generated from the swimmers, or animals which have entered the water. To sanitise the spa water, use either bromine or chlorine
How To Test Your Spa Water
Testing the spa water is surprisingly much simpler than you think! There are 3 recommended options to test the spa water and 2 of them don’t involve leaving the house. Spa test strips, liquid test kits, or taking a water sample to your local pool/spa shop.
The test strip test is the simplest spa water tests. It is as easy as collecting a sample of water and dipping the test strip into the sample. Allow the recommended time and comparing the colours on the test strip to the back of the bottle to give the results.
These test strips are great as they are cheap, quick, and easy.
The liquid test kits are slightly more complex than the test strips. After collecting a sample of the spa water, add the recommended number of drops to the water. Wait the required time and compare the water colour to the charts for the results.
The liquid test kit is great as it is cheap, accurate and simple to complete.
A alternate option to test your spa water is using the PH test meter. This small device tests only the PH in your spa water. It is a very simple to operate. Collect a sample of spa water in a clean cup and place the tester in the water, select the required settings and wait for the results.
Pool And Spa Professional Test
Local spa water testing at most pool/spa shops are free for water testings. It is important to get an accurate sample of water prior to taking it to the pool/spa shop
- See the local pool/spa shop for a water sample bottle (if you don’t have one)
- Turn spa filter on and let run for 5-10 minutes
- Rince the container with spa water 2-3 times
- Hold the bottle upside down and put it into the spa (bottle opening facing down)
- Hold the bottle up to the spa jets and turn 90° so the jet water will enter the bottle
- Bring the bottle back to the surface once completely full
- Keep bottle cool, sample must be completed same day as sample
The test at the local pool/spa shop will take no longer than 10 minutes, they will do a complete test of the spa water and recommend chemicals require. This is recommended to be done on a monthly basis.
Spa Water Test Results
It is always recommended to have spa water professionally tested prior to adding any chemicals. The local pool/spa shop specialist will recommend the correct product for the spa’s needs.
PH Levels
PH levels to be between 7.4 and 7.8
>Level below 7.4 – If the spa is too acidic; this will cause red irritated eyes and skin. Add baking.
Level above 7.8- the spa water has too much alkaline; this will promote scaling and calcium formation in the spa and spa filtration system. Recommend adding PH decrease.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity levels to be between 80 to 120 ppm
Level below 80 – The spa may be getting to much fresh water added to keep up. Add baking soda or alkalinity increaser
Level above 120- This is very rare, unless to much alkaline was manually added. Adding a PH decrease or speak to a pool and spa specialist for alternate options to lower.
Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness to be between 150-250PPM.
Levels below 150PPM – Caused by frequent water top ups. Add calcium to spa to prevent any damage. If the calcium levels are too low, it will need to added to the water. It is very important not to let the calcium levels go below 150PPM in concrete and tiled spas as the spa water will eat away the calcium in the concrete, tiles, and spa grout.
Levels above 250PPM – to much calcium added to spa water. Adding fresh water to the spa will lower the calcium levels over time or add a chemical called calcium down which will provide quicker results.
Chlorine
Chlorine levels to be between 1.5-3PPM
Levels below 1.5PPM- Add more chlorine to the water, this is a very common result.
Levels above 3PPM- Not a major concern, just be aware of skin allergies or red eyes. The level can be lowered by adding fresh water.
Bromine
Bromine levels to be between 3-5PPM
Levels below 3PPM simply add more Bromine to the spa water to correct levels
Levels above 5PPM- Not a major concern, the level can be lowered by adding fresh water
Cyanuric Acid (stabiliser)
Cyanuric Acid levels to be between 30 – 50PPM
Levels below 30PPM- The UV in the sunlight will dissolve the chlorine in the spa. Add Cyanuric Acid to the water. A simple sign that the cyanuric acid levels are low is the spa water will have a strong chlorine smell
Levels above 50PPM- To much cyanuric Acid in the water will reduce the effectiveness of chlorine in the water. It will dissolve on its own, however it may take several months to go back to the recommended levels. Discuss options with pool and spa professionals.