How Much Hot Tub Water is Needed for Testing?

When most people think about their own private exercise pool or hot tub, they usually envision frolicking in the water, lounging in the sun and relaxing without a care in the world.  But you also want to ensure that your spa water is crystal clear and sanitary. After all, who wants to be in a spa filled with algae, leaves and bacteria?  Keeping your hot tub water clean and healthy is one of the biggest responsibilities that every spa owner has and thankfully with Hydropool self-cleaning systems it doesn’t take much time at all. 

At first, you’ll be wondering how to test the water, how much hot tub water is needed for testing, how the results are interpreted and what needs to be done with these interpretations.  But luckily all these tasks are easy to learn and will eventually become habitual.  In order to help new hot tub owners, we’ve provided a list of tips to help with keeping your spa’s water chemistry balanced.

The Sample Container

Testing your hot tub water begins with taking a water sample.  The container you use to collect your water sample can easily skew your test results if it’s contaminated.  For that reason, it’s important to completely rinse out the sample container before collecting the water.  You also want to make sure your container hasn’t been used to hold chemicals or substances that will affect your test results.  For this reason, things like old pickle jars or detergent bottles shouldn’t be used.  Residues that are impossible to clean out will likely mess with your test results.  Your container should be able to hold at least 250 ml of water.

Where to Collect Your Water Sample

Where you take the water sample from is also important.  The water’s surface will be affected by the atmosphere above and may give you distorted test results.  Things like dust, dirt, debris and organic matter can be enough to throw your test results off kilter.  It’s best to collect water by dipping the sample container to about elbow depth before letting it fill with water.  Also, you should avoid taking your sample from around the spa’s jets.

When to Collect Your Water Sample

The ideal time to collect your water sample is first thing in the morning.  This will have allowed the pool water to properly circulate throughout the night without the chemistry being affected by use.  It also avoids excessive chlorine breakdown caused by the sun.  The worst time to take a water sample is during a rainstorm.  Rainwater is naturally slightly acidic and will cause your test results to be off.  Wait for about eight hours after a rainfall to test your water.  You’ll also want to avoid testing your water within 24 to 48 hours of adding any chemicals to your hot tub.  Allow time for the chemicals to circulate and properly dissolve before collecting another sample.

To find out more about becoming a hot tub owner, download a free hot tub buyer’s guide today.