In order to select the right chemicals for your spa, you must either use a test kit or take a water sample to your local pool professional for analysis. This will give you an accurate measurement of your spas pH, alkalinity, free chlorine, free bromine and calcium hardness that determine the overall health of your pool. With these results, you can purchase the necessary chemicals to correct any imbalances, giving you the clean, healthy spa you deserve.
Test strips are very easy to use. Each test strip has several areas impregnated with chemicals that react with the presence of any aspect of water chemistry the kit is designed for, giving you an accurate measurement. To test, simply dip the testing strip into the spawater and immediately pull it out. Most test kits tell you not to shake off the excess water. Hold the test strip horizontally and compare it to the color chart provided with the kit, usually on the bottle itself. This will give you fast, accurate results that will allow you to select the right chemicals to bring your spa back into balance.
Liquid testing kits is another fast, effective way to test your spa water chemistry. Instead of a strip you dip into the water and read, these kits require you take a small water sample and fill a supplied graduated cylinder. Then you simply add a few liquid testing reagents and wait for the color changes to take place. Match the color of the water to the supplied color chart, allowing you to purchase the right chemicals to bring your spa back into balance.
Choosing which type of testing kit to use is largely personal preference, as they are both highly accurate and take about the same amount of time to get results. However, if you are or always wanted to be a chemist, then liquid testing kits are probably right up your alley.