Product Overview
Our Hot Spring Spas Freshwater Portable Spa Test Strips are designed to help you maintain brilliantly clear, odor-free spa water. These strips provide quick and accurate readings for key water parameters, ensuring optimal water quality for your hot tub.
Image: A bottle of Hot Spring Freshwater 5-Way Test Strips, indicating tests for Bromine, Chlorine, Alkalinity, pH, and Total Hardness levels. The bottle states it contains 50 strips.
Setup and Preparation
Before testing, ensure your hands are clean and dry. Keep the test strip bottle tightly closed when not in use to prevent moisture from affecting the strips' accuracy.
Operating Instructions
Performing a Water Test:
Immerse the Strip: Carefully remove one test strip from the bottle. Immediately recap the bottle tightly. Immerse the strip into your spa water.
Swirl: Swirl the strip in the water 3 times.
Remove and Compare: Remove the strip with the pads facing up. Do not shake off excess water. Immediately compare the color of the pads to the color chart on the test strip bottle.
Read Results: Read the results for Total Bromine (TBr), Free Chlorine (FCl), Alkalinity (Alk), pH, and Total Hardness (Hard).
Understanding the Readings:
- TBr (Total Bromine): Indicates the total bromine level in your spa water.
- FCl (Free Chlorine): Indicates the free chlorine level, which is the active sanitizer in your spa.
- Alk (Alkalinity): Measures the total alkalinity, which helps buffer pH changes.
- pH: Measures the acidity or basicity of your spa water.
- Hard (Total Hardness): Indicates the concentration of calcium and magnesium in your water.
Routine Maintenance
Regular testing of your spa water is crucial for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable hot tub experience. It is recommended to test your water at least 2-3 times per week, or more frequently with heavy use.
Based on your test results, adjust chemical levels as needed using appropriate spa chemicals. Always follow the chemical manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Inaccurate Readings:
- Ensure the test strip bottle is sealed tightly when not in use to prevent moisture contamination.
- Check the expiration date on your test strips. Expired strips may give inaccurate results.
- Ensure proper lighting when comparing colors to the chart.
Water Imbalance:
- Low Bromine/Chlorine: Add appropriate sanitizer according to product instructions.
- High Bromine/Chlorine: Reduce usage, aerate water, or consider a partial drain and refill.
- Low Alkalinity/pH: Use a pH/Alkalinity increaser.
- High Alkalinity/pH: Use a pH/Alkalinity decreaser.
- High Hardness: May require a water softener or partial drain and refill.
Product Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hot Spring |
| Model Number | 73687 |
| Package Dimensions | 5.39 x 1.69 x 1.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.08 ounces |
| Tests For | Total Bromine (TBr), Free Chlorine (FCl), Alkalinity (Alk), pH, Total Hardness (Hard) |
| pH Range | 7.2 to 7.8 |
| Date First Available | December 16, 2010 |
| Manufacturer | Hot Spring Spas |
Warranty and Support
For specific warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Hot Spring Spas website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt for any warranty claims.
