Top 10 Best Hot Tub Monitoring System in 2023

Whether you live in the East or the West, a hot tub is a welcome addition to any home as it provides the opportunity to relax and unwind properly after a hard day’s work. Having a dip with friends and family around is also plenty of fun, making for a smooth and relaxing atmosphere.

Like everything else in life, hot tubs also need to be maintained properly to get the best out of it and this is where hot tub monitoring systems come in. These test strips and electronic devices ensure the longevity of your hot tub and the safety of the water. Here are the top 10 ones to look out for if you intend to buy one.

1. Best Overall – JNW Pool and Spa Test Strips

Specification

• Brand: JNW Direct
• Style: Monitoring Strips
• Product Dimensions: 4.41 x 1.93 x 1.81 inches
• Weight: 2.12 Ounces
• Number of strips: 100

Description

An affordable and attractive option for pool and hot tub owners, JNW Pool and Spa Test Strips covers all the hot tub monitoring basics. The strips are made with high-quality materials to provide accurate and reliable results.

Features

• Easy to use: These strips are easy to use- just take one out, dip it in the water, and wait for a few minutes to get the results.
• Reliable Results: The chlorine water strips are made with high-end materials and change color accordingly, providing you with easy and accurate results.
• Comes with Color Chart: This hot tub monitoring strip kit comes with a color chart at the back of the box which allows you to immediately match up the results.

How to Set Up

Use the following instructions to monitor your hot tub or pool with test strips:

1. First dip the strip into the water and hold it under for at least 10 seconds.
2. Once the required time has passed, pull up the strip and shake off the excess water clinging to it.
3. Match the color of the strip with the color chart provided with the manual or the back of the box.

Expert Verdict

When I bought my first hot tub, I didn’t have enough money left to go for an expensive monitoring system for it. These strips were a godsend back then as they allowed me to easily and accurately test the waters before taking my dip. While I don’t use them anymore, I can happily recommend them to anyone looking for an affordable alternative for a hot tub machine. That might be the case but I seriously cannot recommend this enough to get an accurate reading of your hot tub water level and quality. The reasons why I considered this to be the best overall hot tub monitoring system to be the best on the list is because of its easy-to-use features and reliability! So if you are completely new to hot tubs, I cannot recommend this enough!

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Reliable and easy to use	The strips tend to be fragile and break apart quite easily
Accurate results 100% of the time
Easy availability

2. Best For Affordable & Easy To Use – EASYTEST 7-Way Pool Test Strips

Specification

• Brand: EASYTEST
• Style: Monitoring Strips
• Product Dimensions: 4.37 x 1.89 x 1.85 inches
• Weight: 2.82 Ounces
• Number of strips: 150

Description

Looking for affordable and easy-to-use hot tub/pool test strips? EASYTEST 7-Way Pool Test Strips is here to help you along with its superb 150-strip water testing package. Take a nice long dip after using our strips to test the water for a comfy dip.

Features

• High Accuracy: These test strips are highly accurate and give you accurate results 100% of the time.
• Prevents waterborne diseases: Using these strips properly will prevent you from getting waterborne diseases such as itchy skin, dyspnea, dry skin, respiratory infection, and more.
• Contains both chlorine and bromine: For 100% accurate results these strips contain both chlorine and bromine.

How to Set Up

Use the following instructions to monitor your hot tub or pool with test strips:

1. First dip the strip into the water and hold it under for at least 10 seconds.
2. Once the required time has passed, pull up the strip and shake off the excess water clinging to it.
3. Match the color of the strip with the color chart provided with the manual or the back of the box.

Expert Verdict

I’ve tested these strips a couple of times on my hot tub and am satisfied with the results. The 7 test structure might not work for everyone as most strips come with four tests, but for me, the 3 extra ones are welcome additions. This is a good purchase for anyone not ready to switch to electronic hot tub monitoring systems.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to use	Sometimes the test colors bleed over rendering the result null
Affordable price
The whole pack lasts for a long time

3. Best for Environmental Protection ABS Material – Metoluar Pool Thermometer

Specification

• Brand: Metuolar
• Style: Pool Thermometer
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.01 x 0.01 inches
• Weight: 13.44 Ounces
• Number of units: 1

Description

If you’re looking for a compromise between cheap hot tub/pool testing strips and a full-blown pool monitoring system, then the Metoluar Pool Thermometer is the correct choice for you! It guarantees accurate results and doesn’t require extra maintenance, making it an excellent budget-friendly choice.

Features

• Durable and Lightweight: The Metoluar Pool Thermometer is highly durable and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and store.
• A Floating Thermometer: Unlike testing strips, this thermometer floats on the water surface of your hot tub/pool, reducing the chances of your hands getting scalded by accident.
• Made with Environment-friendly materials: This pool thermometer is made with ABS materials, which prevent environmental and water pollution when used.

How to Set Up

Use the following instructions to monitor your hot tub or pool with this hot tub monitoring thermometer:

1. First put the thermometer into the water, ensuring the upper half of the LCD panel is not submerged.
2. Once the thermometer has floated for a few minutes use the remote control to view the numbers.
3. Once you’re satisfied with the output, remove the thermometer unit from the pool/hot tub and take a dip!

Expert Verdict

The Metoluar Pool Thermometer is a nifty hot tub monitoring device that’s neither too expensive nor too cheap. The device is an electronic one which means it tends to provide more accurate results faster. I love the range of the thermometer control panel which has a 300 ft range. All in all, a good compromise between price and quality who’re looking for an upgrade from testing strips.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Made with ABS materials.	Prone to damage if used or stored incorrectly.
Allows you to monitor from both indoors and outdoors.
Readings are more accurate than strips.

4. Best for All Types of Pool & Tub – ‎LifeBuoy Pool Alarm System

Specification

• Brand: ‎LifeBuoy
• Style: Floating pool alarm system
• Product Dimensions: ‎6 x 6 x 5 inches
• Weight: 1.23 pounds
• Number of units: 1

Description

Looking for a hot tub alarm system that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, then look no further than the LifeBuoy Pool Alarm System. This nifty buoy-style pool alarm system will consistently update you on your hot tub/pool without needing to be packed and unpacked repeatedly.

Features

• State-of-the-art design: This fantastic hot tub monitoring device for Lifebuoy is made with the latest technology and user-friendly design.
• Smartphone Integration: The device comes with a smartphone Bluetooth app that allows you to check your hot tub/pool’s condition from the palm of your hand.
• Easy to set up: Setting up this pool alarm system is so easy and simple, that it’ll be over before you even know it.

How to Set Up

Setting up a hot tub monitoring smart alarm is very simple you follow the simple instructions below:

1. The alarm system comes disassembled, so you need to assemble the individual components first using the provided manual.
2. Once the primary device has been assembled, attach it with the string provided in the kit with the buoy.
3. Submerge the kit into the water with the transparent cone facing downwards and the buoy will keep the unit afloat.
4. Now install the battery in the home unit and activate it.
5. Download the device app on your phone and sync it with your home unit.
6. Activate the device and you will start receiving notifications on your phone when the water quality or temperature of the water drops.

Expert Verdict

My parents got this fine hot tub alarm system last year for their hot tub and as far as I can tell they’re very happy with the product. Due to their age, they’re often forgetful but thanks to the smartphone app integration, they’re immediately notified when anything goes wrong in their hot tub.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to assemble and use.	Occasionally certain parts might come broken but can be easily replaced by contacting the manufacturer.
Comes with a smartphone-integrated app.
The device comes with multiple modes.

✨ You May like: Top 10 Best Biofilm Cleaner for Hot Tub in 2023

5. Best Hot Tub Test Strips – Health Metric Spa and Hot Tub Test Strips

Specification

• Brand: Health Metric
• Style: Monitoring Strips
• Product Dimensions: 2.24 x 2.2 x 13.78 inches
• Weight: 1.92 Ounces
• Number of units: 100

Description

If you’re looking for the best hot tub or pool monitoring system test strips, then Health Metric Spa and Hot Tub Test Strips might just be the right product for you. This test strip set is made with the best quality materials, ensuring you get precise readings very fast.

Features

• 5-in-1 Chemical testing: This hot tub monitoring strip set has 5-in-1 chemical testing which checks all potential water-related risks.
• Multiple Uses: Each strip can be used at least 6 times, meaning the entire set can easily last you half a year.
• Extra wide strips: Health Metric Spa and Hot Tub Test Strips are 20% wider than regular hot tub/pool monitoring strips from other brands.

How to Set Up

Use the following instructions to monitor your hot tub or pool with test strips:

1. First dip the strip into the water and hold it under for at least 10 seconds.
2. Once the required time has passed, pull up the strip and shake off the excess water clinging to it.
3. Match the color of the strip with the color chart provided with the manual or the back of the box.

Expert Verdict

Another easy-to-recommend hot tub monitoring test strip, I’ve used Health Metric Spa and Hot Tub Test Strips recently when I was on vacation. Since I’m a big guy with big hands, holding regular test strips properly without accidentally breaking them can be a bit tough for me. The wider size of these test strips is really suitable for people with big hands in general, so that’s a win in my book.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to test and read.	The pH readings can be a bit off sometimes.
Made from the best quality materials.
Maximum accuracy.

6. Best for Medical Grade – Dr. Tim Wang Pool and Hot Tub Test Strips

Specification

• Brand: Dr. Tim Wang
• Style: Monitoring Strips
• Product Dimensions: 5.63 x 2.09 x 2.05 inches
• Weight: 3.53 Ounces
• Number of strips: 100

Description

Not every hot tub or pool owner is in favor of commercial-grade test strips for hot tub or pool monitoring. Dr. Tim Wang’s Dr. Tim Wang Pool and Hot Tub Test Strips are made to bring peace of mind to these kinds of hot tub owners. Made with medical-grade precision, these are the only hot tub monitoring strips you’ll need!

Features

• Trusted Brand: Dr. Tim Wang Pool is one of the most trusted and reputed brands in the pool and hot tub test strip market. Every purchase is guaranteed satisfaction.
• Affordable test strip combination: This test strip offers four-in-1 medical grade tests for monitoring your hot tub or pool.
• Least Color Blok Interference: The color block interference rate of this test strip is one of the lowest in the market, making the test results very dependable.

How to Set Up

Use the following instructions to monitor your hot tub or pool with test strips:

1. First dip the strip into the water and hold it under for at least 10 seconds.
2. Once the required time has passed, pull up the strip and shake off the excess water clinging to it.
3. Match the color of the strip with the color chart provided with the manual or the back of the box.

Expert Verdict

I haven’t used this particular brand of hot tub monitoring test strips myself, but from what I’ve heard from friends and acquaintances, it’s a really good product. The medical grade quality isn’t just some marketing talk but actually reflects the product quality. For those who want to be a bit extra careful about their hot tub monitoring, this may be a good recommendation.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Medical-grade hot tub monitoring test strips.	Some of the strips in the pack may be a bit brittle.
4-in-1 testing strip.
Quick and accurate results.

7. Best for Alexa & Google Assistant Support – BCone Smart Floating Pool Safety Alarm System

Specification

• Brand: BCone
• Style: Floating pool alarm system
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 9.4 x 8.7 inches
• Weight: ‎1.57 ounces
• Number of units: 1

Description

A lot of people are increasingly using Google Assistant and Alexa for their day-to-day activities. If you’re one of them and looking for a hot tub monitoring system that integrates properly with either one of these AI assistants, then consider the BCone Smart Floating Pool Safety Alarm System.

Features

• Specially developed for Alexa and Google Assistant: This cutting-edge hot tub monitoring alarm system has been specifically designed to synchronize and integrate perfectly with these two platforms.
• High Performance: Made with the best quality materials, this high-performance device will ensure accurate readings every time.
• Swim Mode: With the swim mode option turned on, you won’t have to worry about the alarm accidentally tripping when someone else is using the tub in your absence.

How to Set Up

Setting up this hot tub monitoring smart alarm is very simple you follow the simple instructions below:

1. The alarm system comes disassembled, so you need to assemble the individual components first using the provided manual.
2. Once the primary device has been assembled, attach it with the string provided in the kit with the buoy.
3. Submerge the kit into the water with the transparent cone facing downwards and the buoy will keep the unit afloat.
4. Now install the battery in the home unit and activate it.
5. Download the device app on your phone and sync it with your home unit.
6. Activate the device and you will start receiving notifications on your phone when the water quality or temperature of the water drops.

Expert Verdict

I usually recommend tattoo kits for beginners because both the quality of accessories and the machine itself often don’t hold up to professional-level equipment. But the price on this one is so good that it’s worth buying just to keep it as a backup. I have bought one for the same purpose and suggest other professional tattooists do the same.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Great compatibility with AI assistants.	The pool jets of your hot tub or swimming pool might accidentally trigger the alarm.
Easy to assemble and use.
Long-term warranty.

8. Best for Smart Monitoring System with Aos – Eco Pool Smart Water Monitor

Specification

• Brand: Eco Pool
• Style: Smart hot tub monitor
• Product Dimensions: 11.61 x 6.69 x 6.42 inches
• Weight: 1.54 pounds
• Number of strips: 1

Description

Currently, Eco Pool Smart Water Monitor is one of the best smart monitoring systems in the market. Using sensors to monitor your hot tub or pool water, this device is a comprehensive solution for all your water monitoring needs, whether it be a hot tub or an aquarium.

Features

• Provides Real-Time Analysis and Recommendations: While other smart hot tub/pool monitoring devices only provide you with test results, the Eco Pool Smart Water Monitor provides you with recommendations based on those results as well.
• Comes with its own app: The device comes with its own Bluetooth app that can be installed on your smartphone to remotely control the device.
• Precise and lightweight: Made from lightweight materials, this fantastic rotary pen tattoo machine allows you to draw precise designs effortlessly.

How to Set Up

To use this smart hot tub monitoring device, just follow the simple steps below:

1. Put the batteries in the Eco device and let it afloat on the water.
2. Activate the device and it will start monitoring your water purity levels.
3. Use the app for the device on your phone to remotely move it across the pool to cover all areas equally.
4. Once used and you’ve got the recommendations for treating the water, gather the required ingredients and materials to treat it properly.

Expert Verdict

After using multiple hot tub monitoring devices over the years, this one was honestly a breath of fresh air for me. I love the fact that the device is usable straight out of the box and I can operate it like an RC boat around my tub. The price point is also really great, so unless you don’t dig the color or the design, there’s no reason not to buy it.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Smart and fun design.	The device is not compatible with salt water.
Easy to use and operate.
Durable and long-lasting.

9. Best for Digital Instant Upgrade Feature – Braxlee PoolMeter

Specification

• Brand: Braxlee
• Style: Smart hot tub monitor
• Product Dimensions: 9.33 x 3.19 x 2.05 inches
• Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Number of units: 1

Description

Unlike most other smart devices, smart hot tub monitoring devices usually don’t tend to get regular updates to improve performance. This is where the Braxlee PoolMeter differentiates itself from its competitors- the manufacturer regularly upgrades the software so that with each digital upgrade your device will perform better.

Features

• Regular Software Updates: This smart hot tub monitoring device gets regular updates to enhance performance and remove bugs.
• Can check pH levels: The Braxlee PoolMeter is capable of checking your hot tub water’s pH levels like a testing strip.
• Large Display: The large display allows you to easily check the results instantaneously.

How to Set Up

To set up the Braxlee PoolMeter smart monitoring device just follow the simple instructions below:

1. Remove the protective cap and turn on the power.
2. Submerge the bottom part of the device that contains the electrode to take the readings.
3. You can switch between testing metrics by pressing the MODE/CAL button.
4. After using the device, rinse the electrode with clean water, dry it, and put back the cap on.

Expert Verdict

I’m not a gadget freak who constantly updates his gadgets for the best performance, but for those of you who are this hot tub monitoring system might just be perfect for you. The software updates are carried out via the smartphone app, so it’s not complicated at all.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comes with software upgrade options.	Figuring out the testing results on the screen can be a bit difficult at first.
Provides 5 different test results.
Has a 30-day return policy.

10. Best for Smart monitoring & Solution – Sutro Pool & Spa Water Smart Monitoring Device

Specifications

• Brand: Sutro
• Style: Smart hot tub monitor
• Product Dimensions: 16.75 x 8.5 x 6.25 inches
• Weight: 7.39 Pounds
• Number of units: 1

Description

Sutro Pool & Spa Water Smart Monitoring device is currently one of the most expensive ones in the market, but well worth the price. The minimalistic ergonomic design and high durability make it one of the, if not the best, smart hot tub monitoring systems on the market.

Features

• Works with all kinds of water: This powerful hot tub monitoring system can test and monitor any kind of water.
• Regular Updates: The device updates the condition of your water thrice a day by default by the smartphone app even if you’re not home.
• Unbeatable Performance: With a high price tag, the Sutro Pool & Spa Water Smart Monitoring also ensures high performance and accurate readings for years to come.

How to Set Up

Here are the steps you need to follow to set up the Sutro Pool & Spa Water Smart Monitoring hot tub monitoring system:

1. Submerse the device in your hot tub or pool while keeping the top part afloat with the nylon rope hook that comes with the package.
2. Download the app for the device on your smartphone.
3. Turn on the device and sync it with your smartphone.
4. Leave the device submerged to receive regular updates, only taking it out when you use the tub or need to recharge the device.

Expert Verdict

I saw my friend using this smart water-monitoring device in his swimming pool when I paid him a weekend visit. While it didn’t seem exceptional at first when I fiddled around a bit with it the premium quality immediately became apparent to me. Right now I’m saving money to buy this one for my hot tub, which should tell you how impressed I was with it!

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
The best hot tub monitoring system money can buy.	The price is really high compared to most other hot tub monitoring systems.
Comes with 5 testing capabilities.
Sends regular updates to your phone which is optional.

Maintaining Water Quality and pH Balance in Hot Tub With Monitoring System

Having your own hot tub or pool to kick back and relax after a long day can be one of the best pleasures of life. But getting one also involves a lot of care and maintenance as they’re prone to a variety of malfunctions and issues if not taken care of properly. This is where hot tub monitoring systems come in to partially help your out.

While these systems can’t repair your hot tub or pool if anything breaks down, they can help out in other ways such as maintaining ideal water quality, preventing bacterial growth, and pH imbalance. Some of the most common ways these systems help you monitor your hot tub or pool are as follows:

• Ensuring Clean Water: Water in hot tubs and pools can look clean and sparkly at first glance, but they can easily be host to germ and bacteria growth throughout the day. A hot tub/pool monitoring system or testing strips can easily indicate whether the water quality is safe for you to take a dip.
• Ensuring pH balance: Hot tub monitoring systems/ strips are designed to test and measure the pH balance of the water. The acronym pH stands for the acidity level of the water. If the water of the tub/pool is too acidic then it becomes harmful to your skin as well as organs like your eyes. The standard pH level for hot tub/pool water is between 6.5-8.5.
• Ensuring proper temperature: A hot tub/pool monitoring system also helps maintain ideal water quality by measuring the water temperature. This is especially important for hot tubs as the slightest difference in temperature can be the difference between getting scalded skin and a comfy dip.

Benefits of Hot Tub Monitoring System: Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Hot tub monitoring systems are not only good for maintaining proper water quality but also benefit you in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings. Some of the common benefits of hot tub monitoring systems include:

• Remote Monitoring and Alerts: There are countless examples of hot tub owners turning on their tub and forgetting about it as they get caught up in one chore or another. Most hot tub monitoring systems come with remote monitoring technologies integrated with smartphones which allows you to turn off the tub when you receive the alert.
• Energy Usage Estimation: Most quality hot tub monitoring systems can calculate how much energy is being used over a certain period of time. By checking and comparing these estimates you can easily judge how much money you’re spending extra for running your hot tub and reduce energy wastage to save money.
• Setting up custom preferences: High-end hot tub monitoring systems can be easily set up with custom settings according to your preference. This will lock down the energy consumption to a certain level no matter who’s using the tub and can save you a considerable amount of money if you have a large family or friends frequently coming over.

FAQs

1. What is a hot tub monitoring system?

A hot tub monitoring system is an electronic device or testing strip that is used to check and monitor the water of a hot tub or pool.

2. How does a hot tub monitoring system work?

Hot tub monitoring systems can work in one of two ways- electronic devices hooked up to your tub/pool and manual testing strip that have chemical components to check water temperature and clarity.

3. What are the benefits of using a hot tub monitoring system?

Key benefits of using a hot tub monitoring system include health safety, energy consumption reduction, and cost savings.

4. Can I receive alerts and notifications with a hot tub monitoring system?

Yes, you can with the electronic ones. All you have to do is make sure that your hot tub monitoring system is compatible with your phone via an app.

5. Is it easy to install a hot tub monitoring system?

Yes, it is if you read the manual that comes with it and follow the instructions. Otherwise you should call in a professional handyman to install it.

Final Thoughts

So there you go, the best hot tub monitoring systems money can buy that I have personally used and reviewed. If you own a hot tub or swimming pool, then getting a monitoring system for the water, whether it’s a testing strip or smart device is a must for your health and safety. Choose one that’s best for you and enjoy your hot dip after a hard day’s work!

✨ Next Attraction: Top 10 Best Hot Tub Test Strips In 2023