Testing Water

Is the use of PH strips, an accurate way of telling the Ph of your water?

My test kit seems to drop to much of the red. I have replaced this with a new bottle, but still have the same problem.

Have used PH strips in testing lab water where I used to work.

My testing constantly shows a +PH number. In adding -PH to bring it down, it does not seem to change color after adding chemicals.

Afraid I am going to end up having rashes or sever red and itching skin.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thank You _________________ James W Myers

Every day Six Feet Above Ground is a GOOD Day!

What brand chemicals are you using? Test strips are about 95% accurate. I would take a water sample of the spa water and the tap water to your local spa dealer where you get the chemicals to compare the results first. How old are your chemicals? They typically have a shelf life of one year, but if stored out side they can go bad faster. This may be why you are not noticing a difference in the levels. Also if the water is cold or you are not waiting long enough between applications. pH can take up to 24 hours for the chemicals to become soluble in the spa water. When was the last drain and clean? I highly recommend draining the spa an starting over after you have had the water tested. It sounds like you have been adding a lot of chemical and you want to add only the minimum amount needed. High pH is a base, and low pH is an acid. It is more important to keep the level up so you do not get the burning skin, the components in your spa will be eaten away and your jewelry can be dissolved.