Owning a hot tub is a great way to enhance your relaxation, but it comes with its fair share of responsibilities. Routinely testing your water is one of these essential duties, yet many hot tub owners still find it overly confusing, despite it being crucial in maintaining sanitary and comfortable water.

Why? Traditionally, water testing has required a considerable amount of equipment and is both demanding and confusing in nature. Test strips and liquid reagent kits have commonly been the go-to methods for checking water quality, but both uphold this reputation.

Recently, however, digital hot tub water testers have begun to revolutionize the way spa owners monitor their water chemistry. These advanced devices offer precise readings with minimal effort, eliminating guesswork while reducing the chances of inaccurate results. Many devices can also connect to users’ smartphones, allowing hot tub owners to monitor their spas from afar and even automate chemical dispersion.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about digital hot tub water testers, and then take a closer look at Sundance’s digital water testing solution.

Why use a digital hot tub water tester?

• Digital water testing offers a plethora of advantages over traditional testing methods:
• Simplicity: No need to compare colors or interpret vague results. Digital testing gives you clear, accurate readings with intuitive recommendations.
• Highly Efficient: Digital testing gives you results within seconds, without mixing reagents or waiting for color changes. That means less time reading confusing instructions and more time soaking it up in the tub.
• Accuracy: We’re human, we make mistakes. Digital testing provides exact results, reducing human error and giving you extra peace of mind.
• Data Storage and Connectivity: Many digital testers can connect directly to your smartphone, allowing you to monitor your hot tub from wherever you like. Some also store historical data, allowing you to review previous statistics and examine trends.
• Durability: Unlike test strips or outdated testing equipment, digital testers are designed to last for months, saving you time and effort in the long run.

How to Choose the Right Digital Water Tester

Similarly to hot tubs, there are a few digital hot tub water testers on the market, which can oftentimes make it difficult to make a decision. Here are a few factors to consider that will help narrow down your search:

Testing Capabilities

Different testers measure different aspects of water quality. Look for a tester that can test:

• pH (Ideal range: 7.2-7.8)
• Alkalinity (Ideal range: 80–120 ppm)
• Chlorine/Bromine (Chlorine: 1–3 ppm, Bromine: 3–5 ppm)
• Calcium Hardness (Ideal range: 150–250 ppm)
• Cyanuric Acid (Ideal range: 30–50 ppm)

Reliability and Accuracy

For your digital water tester to be worth the investment, it needs to give you results you can trust. As is the case with many digital devices, higher-end models typically tend to yield more accurate results than cheaper alternatives. Consider investing in a high-quality device to avoid misleading readings that could lead to improper water treatment.

Ease of Use

If you’ve tested your water before, you know that you’re not in the market for something complicated. Look for a digital tester with a simple interface, an easy-to-read display, and intuitive features. Oftentimes, features with smartphone connectivity help further simplify the testing process. Keep in mind that some digital water testers require reagents, while others use sensors or test probes.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Incorporating your phone into your spa maintenance process offers a whole new level of transparency and control. Many digital testers can connect to apps, store historical data, or even provide maintenance recommendations. If you’re looking for a high-tech solution, search for a smart water tester with an app integration.

Budget and Lifespan

As is the case with many serious purchases, digital water testers come at a wide range of prices. However, in this instance, a higher initial investment can pay off in the long run, as more expensive models typically offer increased durability and accuracy. Cheaper models can also require more frequent sensor or reagent replacements. Consider the lifespan of your hot tub and your budget, and search for digital water testers that offer an ideal balance of durability, affordability, and features.

Common Issues Digital Testers Can Address

Even with regular testing, hot tub owners can still encounter water balance issues. However, digital testers provide more precise data, making it easier to diagnose and fix problems. Here are some typical hot tub water problems that digital testers can help solve: