Water Testing & Chemical Safety
Help & Support > Water Testing & Chemical Safety
Hot Tubs have for a long time have been proven to provide health benefits through hydrotherapeutic massage, relaxation, pain relief and stress reduction with the added benefit of being a wonderful asset for family and friends in the home or garden.
Hot Tubs provide the prefect environment to relax at the end of a hard day, somewhere to unwind and spend time with friends and family.
To ensure that your hot tub remains safe, clean and always ready to use, correct water treatment and chemical control is vital. The following guide is designed to provide information on the careful and thorough hot tub water treatment and chemical dosing.
Water Testing
Water testing is a simple process that is necessary for easy and effective hot tub care. Each day, you should test to measure and adjust pH, free available chlorine (FAC) or bromine residual to the correct levels. Once a week, test and adjust the total alkalinity (TA) and calcium hardness (CH).
For accurate reading, follow these steps
- Wait 24 hours after a shock treatment before testing for FAC, Bromine residual or pH levels.
- Rinse the collection container (if using a PDP / Phenol Red Testing Kit) a few times with hot tub water. Do this before and after each use. If using paper Test Strips ensure that the strip is held horizontally to avoid cross contamination.
- Test the water sample promptly after collecting it.
Helpful water testing definitions and appropriate levels:
- pH
This is the measurement of water acidity. The ideal pH level should be maintained at 7.2 - 7.6 when using a Chlorine sanitizer and 7.4 - 7.8 when using a Bromine sanitizer. - Free Available Chlorine (FAC):
This is the measurement of the amount of chlorine in the water. You should maintain the FAC at 4-6 parts per million (ppm) - Bromine Residual:
This is the measurement of the water's ability to keep the pH at the proper level. You should maintain the Bromine residual at between 4-6 parts per million (ppm) - Total Alkalinity:
This is the measurement of the water's ability to keep the pH at the proper level. You should maintain the TA level at between 60-120 parts per million (ppm). - Calcium Hardness:
This is the measurement of dissolved calcium in the hot tub water. The acceptable CA range is 200-1,000 parts per million (ppm), however, the ideal range in a hot tub is 200-400 ppm.
Chemical Safety Tips
All Chemicals can constitute a health hazard if handled, stored or used incorrectly or imprudently. Customers should therefore acquaint him/herself with the appropriate health and safety information and take all necessary precautions to ensure that proper standards are maintained.
Before adding chemicals to the spa always make sure that bathers are out of the spa and have been warned not to use the spa again until told that they may do so.
When adding chemicals to the spa water ensure that the filtration cycle is working for at least 1 hour and use the air blower for a few minutes (if fitted) to agitate and mix the chemicals.
The following points NEED to be followed to ensure safety in spas:
Chemicals should always be kept in their original containers. DO NOT use contents of unlabelled containers
Handle chemicals with extreme care. Always keep chemicals out of the reach of children & pets
Ensure when adding chemicals ALWAYS add chemicals to the water NEVER add water to the chemicals
Make sure each chemical container is sealed tightly after use and stored correctly
If any chemicals come into contact with eyes, nose or mouth wash off with clean water & seek immediate medical attention
Caution should be taken NEVER to mix chemicals with any other substance
Always read and follow all label directions carefully
Labels are printed on each container. Ensure you understand what the chemical is, how it is to be used and what it will do before using
Store all chemicals in a cool, safe and dry environment away from direct sunlight, heat and open flame
Always measure chemicals accurately. Use separate clean utensils and measuring cups for each different chemical
First aid procedures are clearly printed on each chemical container. These should be read thoroughly before using
Ensure protective clothing is worn to prevent inhalation of chemical fumes
Take care to ensure that each chemical is added to the hot tub separately
Your safety is important. In case of emergency dial 999
