Our Services
Everything you need, all in one place. Explore our expert services designed to keep your spa running smoothly and your experience stress-free.
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Boise, ID 83705
Mon-Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
(208) 468-8827
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Meridian, ID 83646
Mon-Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
(208) 468-8827
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Nampa, ID 83687
Mon-Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
(208) 468-8827
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Twin Falls, ID 83301
Mon-Sat: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday: 11:00AM - 4:00PM
(208) 468-8827
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Hailey, ID 83333
Mon-Fri: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat & Sun: Closed
(208) 726-8899
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Hot tub test strips and how to read them
Testing takes 30 seconds and tells you exactly what your water needs. Here's how to get an accurate reading, and which strips fit your water care system.
Pick strips for your system
Bromine or chlorine spas: a multi-test strip that reads sanitizer, pH, alkalinity and hardness. Salt systems: add salt test strips. MPS or ozone systems: MPS strips.
Strips vs. an in-store test
Strips are perfect for routine checks. When something looks off, or you just filled the spa, bring a sample to a showroom for a free, more detailed water analysis.
Target ranges
| Level | Target |
|---|---|
| Sanitizer | Bromine 3–5 ppm / free chlorine 1–3 ppm |
| pH | 7.2–7.8 |
| Total alkalinity | 80–120 ppm |
Common ranges. Match the color chart on your strip bottle and follow your system's guidance.
If strips show high hardness again and again, that's typical of hard fill water in the Treasure Valley. Ask us about scale control. Get a free water analysis.
How to use hot tub test strips
- Test before adding chemicals, with the jets off.
- Dip the strip about elbow-deep and remove it right away, or as the bottle directs.
- Hold it level; don't shake it hard.
- Compare each pad to the chart within the time on the label.
- Adjust alkalinity, then pH, then sanitizer, and retest later.
- Keep the bottle capped, dry and out of heat, and replace it by the expiration date.
Products we carry
BioGuard® (including SpaGuard®) and FreshWater® water care. Pick these up in store at any of our five showrooms, and ask our water care team what fits your spa.
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Chemical safety basics
- Add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals.
- Add one product at a time with the jets running and the cover open, and wait at least 20 minutes (or as the label directs) before adding the next.
- Never mix chemicals together, dry or wet, and never mix bromine and chlorine products.
- Store products sealed, cool, dry and out of reach of children and pets.
- Always read and follow the product label and your spa owner's manual.
Free water analysis
Bring a water sample to any of our five showrooms (Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls or Hailey), or request a time, and our team will test your water professionally and tell you exactly what to add, and what not to.
Test strips FAQs
How often should I test my hot tub with strips?
Two to three times a week, and after heavy use or a refill.
Why do my test strips give strange readings?
Strips that are expired, damp or exposed to heat can read wrong. Store them capped and dry, and check the expiration date. A free in-store analysis can confirm.
Can I use pool test strips in a hot tub?
Use strips made for spas or your specific water care system, since ranges and sanitizers differ.
Do I need special strips for a salt system?
Yes. Salt systems need salt test strips in addition to your regular strips. FreshWater® salt strips are made for that system.
Where can I get my hot tub water tested?
At any Snake River Pool & Spa showroom: Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls or Hailey. Water analysis is free.
Pick up chemicals at a showroom near you
Water care products and friendly advice in Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Twin Falls, plus our full-line Wood River Valley store in Hailey.
1340 S Orchard St
Boise, ID 83705
3490 E Tecate Ln
Meridian, ID 83646
16553 N Marketplace Blvd
Nampa, ID 83687
960 Blue Lakes Blvd N
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Boise · Meridian · Nampa · Twin Falls: Mon–Sat 10–6 · Sun 11–4 · (208) 468-8827