pH testing is a necessary part of hot tub ownership. Regular pH testing prevents corrosion of a hot tub’s piping and internal mechanisms. It also helps maintain clear, aesthetically pleasing water. In chlorine-sanitized hot tubs, pH testing is necessary to keep the water free from bacteria. Without proper pH testing, you risk infection to yourself and guests as well as untimely degradation of your hot tub’s internal components.
As a result, pH testing should be performed at least one per week. A decade ago, accurate pH testing was only accomplished through complicated liquid titration kits. More convenient test strips, until recently, did not have the same reliability as more complex test kits. Now, however, this has changed. Test strips in recent years are just as accurate as liquid test kits, and much easier to use. In addition, modern test strips are usually all-in-one kits that test not only pH, but also other important chemical factors like sanitizer concentrations and alkalinity. The Cover Guy sells excellent 4-in-1 test strips that can meet all chemical testing needs.
To test a hot tub, first prepare a test strip. Test strips should be appropriate to the type of sanitizer being used. Test strips designed for chlorine sanitizers will give wildly inaccurate results in bromine-sanitized hot tubs, and vice versa. Additionally, test strips’ expiry dates should be checked before use to make sure that they are still accurate. When you remove a test strip from the bottle, immediately close the bottle tightly. The longer a test strip bottle is open, the more likely it is that the test strips inside will become contaminated and unreliable.
Then, wash your hands. Trace elements on your fingers can affect test results. Take a sample of your hot tub’s water in a clean drinking glass. Follow the test strip bottle’s directions about how to test the water. In most cases, the directions will instruct you to dip the test strip’s test pads briefly in the water. Then, remove it, hold it still for twenty seconds or so, and then check the color-coded results against the chart on the bottle.
If you are using a chlorine-based sanitizer, you will want a pH between 7.0 and 7.6. Any lower reading and the chlorine will be used up rapidly. Any higher reading and it will be ineffective. If you are using hard water to fill your tub, you will want a pH of 7.0-7.4. Any higher levels will cause corrosion, cloudy water, and the formation of floating metal flakes in the water.
Testing for pH using a 4-in-1 test strip is also a great time to check sanitizer levels, calcium levels, and alkalinity. If any of these are outside of acceptable bounds, they can be easily fixed. Various spa care kits, available through The Cover Guy, can adjust pH, alkalinity and calcium according to need. Testing is the first step in ensuring that your spa gets the care it needs. With appropriate care, you can dramatically increase the lifespan of your spa. Always ensure that you get the best suited spa covers and hot tub covers for your home and enjoy the terephthalic benefits.
