Hot Tub Water Maintenance

Basic hot tub water maintenance involves monitoring water with test strips or a test kit and adjusting ph levels to be within the 7.2-7.6 range or slightly basic.

The sanitizer level such as chlorine or bromine is also monitored so there is sufficient bacteria killing sanitizer present at all times.

Finally, special circumstances may call for an anti-metal liquid, a decalifying agent, defoamer or other additive to combat a particular issue.

An oxidizer like potassium monopersulfate helps to revitalize spa water as it is a non-chlorine shock treatment.

This allows for a quick reinvigoration of the water to allow for spa use. Shocking does not affect the water ph and gets the water ready for visitors immediately.

If this type of shock produces algae or other conditions, then instead of using bleach or other compounds, sodium hypochlorite products may be an alternative shock.

A shock treatment oxidizes bather waste and helps renew the bromine reserve in the water when using bromine tablets. The activation of existing bromine also saves on needing to add even more bromine, so the spa water should be shocked regularly.

 

Hot Tub Water Problems

spa pack hot tub troubleshootingHot tubs can cause skin infections or even worse if the water is left neglected. Many times the spa owner just does not know how best to keep the spa water clear and free of bacteria.

Even industry professionals sometimes do not take the best care of their spa water as found in showrooms or even on tradeshow floors. Some illnesses including Legionaire's have been linked to poorly maintained hot tubs. But it is not that difficult as long as a few basics are followed.

Bacteria and Hot Tubs

Balboa ML900 controlDon't be a sitting duck for a skin infection caused by rampant bacteria in the hot tub. Hot water is a perfect breeding ground for out-of-control bacteria that can cause skin infections but keeping the water ph level in balance and maintaning sufficient sanitizer can ward off even the hardiest of bacteria.

Hot Tubs are the next best thing to travelHot Tub Sanitizer

Hot tub sanitizer is added either in liquid, powder or puck form to keep a residual of disinfectant in the water. The most effective and popular sanitizers for hot tubs are:

  • bromine
  • chlorine
  • biguanides
  • mineral sanitizer

There are many sanitizer substitutes being touted on the market, but nothing performs quite as well as bromine and also chlorine, although bromine gasses off at a higher temperature and will last longer.

Either way, micro-organisms are killed and spa water is safe to enter. When refilling the spa, add granular bromine to establish a reserve so the spa can be used right away.

Hot Tubs CanadaHot Tub Sanitizers and Water Quality

Nature 2 Mineral StickMaintaining hot tub water is mainly about watching the ph level and the sanitizer level. Never mix bromine and chlorine, but select one and test the spa water regularly with test strips or a water test kit.

Other sanitizer aids can include an ozonator or spa mineral sticks such as Nature 2 or Spa Frog Mineral Sanitizer (link below). These items will help reduce the amount of sanitizer needed to maintain pure water, but will not eliminate the sanitizer. Except when using a Bromine Salt System or Chlorine Salt System, it is mostly a good idea to employ an ozonator to help with some of the disinfectant chores.

Essenntials Spa Frog Mineral Sanitizer

The ozonator can oxidize particulates, soaps and oils as well as lotions and other foreign materials.

Clean out the Gunk from the Plumbing Lines

Accumulated biofilm can remain hidden inside manifolds and plumbing lines despite your best santizing efforts. That is why the product AhhSome wass invented. Try it and have safer, cleaner spa water.