New 6-in-1 test strips from Hach Company/ETS have been developed specifically for testing water in spas and hot-tubs.

The new strips in the AquaChek range include tests for: total chlorine, total bromine, free chlorine, total alkalinity, pH and total hardness. Hach says that spas and hot tubs present unique challenges in terms of maintaining healthy, balanced water, as the higher water temperatures and lower water volumes  can cause faster chemical reactions and increase evaporation rates.

The company says the test strips are fast, accurate and easy to use – the user just needs to dip the testing strip into the water, compare the result with the colour chart comparator on the bottle, and adjust chemical levels that are not within the acceptable range. Instructions are included in English, French, Spanish and German.

“Owners should test their water before and after each use, and treat the water regularly,” advises Joe Sweazy, Technical Sales and Service Manager for the company. “We recommend tracking results each time the water is tested,” he adds.