How to Test Spa Chemicals

Testing the chemicals in your spa.

Spas are enjoyable and relaxing, especially after a grueling day of work. But they do require proper care in order to provide those hours of comfort. Spa chemicals such as bromine or bleach, shock and pH balancers are added to spas to keep the water from breeding harmful bacteria and algae. However, you must first test the spa water to determine which chemicals need replacing; you can do this by purchasing spa testing strips and chemicals at your local pool supply store.

Things You'll Need

• Clean glass or plastic container
• Spa test strips
• Spa chemicals

Instructions

1. Turn the spa pump on to circulate water for one or two minutes. Dip a clean glass or plastic container into the spa and take out a sample of the water.

2. Dip the spa test strip into the water sample, making sure that the entire testing area has been saturated, then remove the test strip from the water sample.

3. Tap any excess water from the test strip and hold it for about 15 to 20 seconds, or however long the instructions recommend.

4. Compare the colored chart on the test strip bottle to the test strip. The colors will indicate if the spa water is in need of a bleach sanitizer and what the pH levels are.

5. Add bleach or pH increaser or decreaser to the spa water as instructed on the pool chemical containers.

6. Store the spa test strips in a cool dry place for future use. Make sure the lid on the bottle is secured properly.

References

• Spade Pot: Testing Chemicals In Spas