How do I check the water quality and how often should I test it?

How important is it to check it?  Let’s just have a brief run through the elements we need to monitor and then compile a quick go-to list to simplify it.

We need to check:-

1.   Sanitiser – Chlorine or Bromine. Levels should be:- Free chlorine – 3-5ppm, Bromine 4-6ppm 

2.   Alkalinity. This should be between 80-120ppm

3.   pH level – For chlorine users, this should be around 7.2 – 7.6. For bromine users it should be around 7.0 – 7.4.  Values below these ranges indicate that the water is too acidic or if above, too alkaline both of which can have a negative impact on the effectiveness of sanitiser, water quality and can damage parts of the hot tub. The water can also cause irritation to eyes. High alkalinity can also cause the water to become cloudy.

4.  Total Hardness. This is a measure of the dissolved minerals in the water, usually calcium and magnesium. Ideally, this should be between 100-250ppm. If the water is too hard , scale may form and the water may be cloudy. Tap water in the south east of the UK is hard water. Soft water may draw minerals from metal parts it is in contact with and cause damage.

5.     Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).  Chemicals, minerals, and other soluble materials can build up over time causing dull water and reducing the effectiveness of the chemicals used to maintain water quality. Testing should take place regularly every few weeks give or take depending on hot tub usage.

6.     Bacteria. Your hot tub can provide bacteria with the ideal environment to thrive and grow. Bacteria test strips can test for E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and many other coliform and non-coliform bacteria, with the results in around 15 minutes. These strips are readily available at retailers and online.

7.     Visually check water clarity and foaming. Check out our Filter Care topic ‘Hot Tub foam. What the bubble is going on?’

8.     Check filters. These should be checked regularly for contamination, build up of dirt, sludge and other solids. Read our Filter Care Topic ‘How to clean a hot tub filter’ for more information.

It is arguably easier and more time-efficient to test regularly and treat accordingly working to maintain high water quality rather than ignore it until it drops to an almost irrecoverable quality. 

To maintain the water quality – Most important is to reduce or remove sources of contamination, i.e., organic materials, suntan lotion, fake tan, make-up, contaminated bathing wear (detergent/ softener residue), soap, shampoo, body dirt, body oils, bather load, filter maintenance, cosmetics, food and drink spilled in and around the hot tub. These all add to the filter workload and all contribute to degrading the quality of the water that you bathe in.

Don’t allow contamination to enter the water in the first place, practice strict hygiene (shower before bathing etc), and ensure hair is clean and kept clear of the water. 

Poor filtration through dirty, clogged or poor quality filters can cause milky or cloudy water, unpleasant odours and sanitiser levels to drop rapidly. Biofilm can also form on fixtures, in  pipework and other areas where it cannot easily be seen. Not pleasant to bathe in!  

Water balance – Balancing the water in your hot tub is the number one factor to maximising the life and appearance of your hot tub and water. Correct water balance ensures that the water is not scale forming or corrosive and will enhance your bathing experience. Balanced water ensures that the sanitiser works to maximum effect helping to protect the hot tub shell, equipment, water quality and enhance your hot tub experience.

To sum up in one list:-

1. Sanitiser

2. Alkalinity

3. PH level

4. Total hardness

5. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

6. Bacteria

7. Clarity and Foaming

8. Filters.

Hopefully, this information will help you to enjoy a wonderful hot tub experience with enticingly clear water 

If you are looking for more information or have any suggestions for other hot tub Filter Care topics, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We will do what we can to help 

Happy hot tubbing!!!

The Darlly Team