A hot tub or spa is a great way to relieve stress and get back into a rhythm of sorts. It can be used for a variety of reasons, such as relaxing after a hard day at work or a weekend indulgence.
The most important elements of hot tub/spa care and maintenance are:
- Circulation & Filtration
- Water Balance & Sanitation
- Cleaning
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Circulation and Filtration
Aside from keeping the water clean, circulation also helps to keep the hot tub running smoothly. It's also important to regularly filter the water to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals.
Your hot tub's circulation schedule can be set to run once or twice a day. If it doesn't have an automatic cycle, manually check it twice a day to maintain optimal cleaning. Having regular circulation cycles will help keep the pump at its optimum working conditions.
Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when it comes to maintaining and cleaning your hot tub or other equipment. Doing so can help keep it in good working order.
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Water Balance and Sanitation
Due to the heat and aeration of a hot tub, it uses chemicals more than a pool. This makes it necessary to learn the ins and outs of chemicals for a hot tub or spa.
Like pools, hot tub and spas can use either chlorine or bromine for sanitation.
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Using Chlorine
Although chlorine is less expensive, it is still very effective at sanitizing spa water. However, it should be used correctly to avoid staining the water.
After filling a hot tub or spa, shock it with a dichlor shock to increase the chlorine in the water to kill algae and bacteria. Follow the instructions on the label to test the water.
After the shock, keep your FAC at around 2-5 ppm. Ideally, add more chlorine to maintain these levels.
Set the amount of dichlor required to keep the FAC levels at least 2 ppm. Test weekly thereafter.
When using a hot tub frequently, shock the FAC level to test it.
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Using Bromine
Bromine is more durable and is more expensive than chlorine. It lasts longer and is more efficient.
A bromide reserve is a great way to add chlorine to your hot tub or spa. It works by neutralizing the chlorine in the water.
After creating a bromide reserve, use chlorine or a non-chlorinated oxidizer to shock the water. Follow the label directions to the extent of the shock.
Use a bromine dispenser or apply a chemical such as chlorine. Bromine levels can be maintained at around 4-6 ppm by applying a few drops of bromine or an oxidizer.
Even with bromine, you still need to shock the water to remove organic contaminants. To minimize this, wait for the total bromine level to drop below 4-6 ppm before swimming in the hot tub.
Test the pH and bromine levels in your hot tub or spa every week. It's important to note that cyanuric acid does not affect the bromine systems, and there is no need to test it.
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Balancing Water
Water balance is very important for proper spa care and maintenance. It can cause algae growth and damage to your equipment.
The ideal level for calcium hardness is 150 ppm. However, if your CH level is less than 100 ppm, then add a calcium increaser.Test for Total Alkalinity. The ideal level is 80 to 120 ppm.
To test the proper pH level, add Leslie's Alkalnity Up or Dry Acid.
Ideally, the pH ranges from 7–27.8. To increase it, add 2 to 3 drops of Alkalinity Up or Leslie's Dry Acid. It can also be maintained through aeration.
It's important to keep your hot tub or spa clean and clear by draining and washing it every 3 months.
Having the make and model of your hot tub or spa available will help you find the features and configurations that best suit your needs.
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Cleaning
Although chemicals can help clean the water, they cannot remove the harmful particles that can build up on the floor and sides of the spa. This is where cleaning comes in.
Hot water can also cause algae and bacteria growth to develop in the water. It's important to maintain a clean and balanced water environment.
Follow these simple steps and you will be able to maintain the cleanliness of your hot tub and its water filter.
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If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!