How often should I check my hot tub water balance?

Twice a week is the minimum, always with a fresh strip. Add an extra test after any refill and after busy spells such as a party or several long soaks.

What happens if my hot tub pH is too low?

Acidic water eats away at heaters, jets and seals and leaves skin and eyes sore. Reach for Zagosa pH Plus, run the pump for an hour, then test again.

Can I add pH and alkalinity adjusters at the same time?

No. Deal with alkalinity first, give it six hours with the pump running, then test before you touch pH as a separate step.

Why does my hot tub need calcium hardness?

Because soft UK tap water pulls calcium out of grout, heaters and seals to satisfy itself. Keeping a domestic spa at 150 to 250 ppm stops that happening.

How long should I wait before bathing after a balance dose?

Give the circulation pump an hour or so and test again. Most balancers have settled within 30 to 60 minutes.

Spa Pool Water Balancers

Three readings decide whether a soak feels good or leaves you itching: pH, total alkalinity (TA) and calcium hardness. Balancers hold all three inside their target windows, which is what lets your sanitiser do its job, keeps scale off the shell and stops the water turning harsh on skin and eyes.