Hot Tub Chemicals
Making use of chemical sanitisers is the fastest, easiest and most inexpensive method of keeping the water in your spa in perfect balance. Hot tub chemicals, used as intended, will fulfil several purposes. We try to achieve clear hot tub water, which is free from microbes and bacteria, and is consequently fine for bathers to use safely. We also want water which doesn't cause any skin irritation for users, doesn't have any nasty taste or bad aroma, and isn't foamy or cloudy.
It is a Goverment health and safety recommendation to use chemicals to maintain your hot tub water. In addition, it's advised as being the most suitable method of defending the plumbing and workings inside your hot tub from damage and corrosion. An alternative choice for many HotSpring owners these days is the ACE salt water sanitising system, which may reduce the quantity of chemical sanitisers which you have you use every day or week, but will still require a small quantity of chemicals to sustain optimal spa water conditions.
Testing our Hot Tub Water
Aquachek 4 Test Strips
For the majority of hot tub and spa owners, we recommend using Aquachek 4 test strips which are sold worldwide. Aquachek 4 test all essential readings that are relevant when making use of spa chemicals - Chlorine level, pH level, Total Alkalinity (TA) level and Cyanuric Acid too. The strips are manufactured under strict conditions at a medical supplies factory!
Using Chemicals
Never mix Hot Tub chemicals together. Always wear protective clothing and equipment when handling chemicals. Never drink, smoke or eat whilst using chemicals. Always add chemicals to water, never vice versa. Always store chemicals correctly - in a cool, dark, dry place, away from children. When adding chemicals, use one at a time.
Stabilised Chlorine Granules
When using chlorine for your Hot Tub, please use only Stabilised Chlorine Granules, as they are almost pH neutral. The ideal level in the water is between 3 and 5 ppm (mg/l). When dosing, it's best to add a small amount at a time, as correcting an over dosing is much more difficult than under dosing. Your santiser is the most important Hot Tub chemical in your arsenal, as it's the main line of defence against infections, viruses and bacteria. A low Chlorine reading will leave bathers vulnerable.
Non Chlorine Shock
Hot Tub Shock oxidises the water of your Hot Tub. It's generally recommended to shock water on a weekly basis with Non Chlorine Shock, which eliminates waste contaminates brought in by bathers. After heavy bathing a shock of the water is highly recommended. Using non-chlorine based shock will let you have almost uninterrupted Hot Tub use, and in some cases will return clarity to the water.
Total Alkalinity Increaser
Total Alkalinity (TA) is the measurement of dissolved minerals, alkalis and bi-carbonates in the water. Having the right TA is vital to your water quality, as it has an effect on pH stability, and a possibly scaling and staining of Hot Tub fabric. The ideal TA reading is 80-150ppm. Too low, and pH 'bounce' may occur, adding some Hot Tub Alkalinity Increaser will 'buffer' the water from pH changes.
pH Increaser and pH Reducer
The ideal pH reading for your Hot Tub water is 7.4-7.6 if your TA (see above) is correct, you will need to add either some Hot Tub pH Increaser, or Hot Tub pH Reducer, dependant on which way your water pH needs to be adjusted.
Scale Inhibitor for Hot Tubs
The minimum reading for Calcium in your Hot Tub water is 250ppm, anything lower than this level maybe cause damage to the internal fabric of your Hot Tub. In hard water areas, it's essential to use Hot Tub Scale Inhibitor, which should be added on first use of the Hot Tub, and then weekly thereafter to ensure mineral salts don't build up. This will help remove these unwanted minerals, and ensure water clarity and problem free Hot Tub use. Continued lack of treatment for hard water could result in pump, jets and internal pipework failure.
Spa Foam Reducer
Occasionally, your Hot Tub may experience excess foaming, which will generally be caused by detergents like Shower Gel or Shampoo. Even residual detergent from bathers can build up and cause Spa foam. A small application of Spa Foam Reducer will suppress this foam, but care must be taken as over using the Spa Foam Reducer will impact on water quality, filter efficiency and bather comfort.
Waterline Cleaner
Using a Hot Tub surface cleaner periodically is recommended to clean the waterline, but ensure you use it sparingly as overuse can promote foaming and water clarity problems. Use a clean cloth to apply our Waterline Cleaner , and a second clean cloth to remove the residue. Be sure to dispose of waterlogged cloth away from the Hot Tub water.
Hot Tub System Cleaner
A drain of your Hot Tub is recommended every 16 weeks, and should be accompanied by a system flush treatment prior to draining. Our Hot Tub System Cleaner will give the internal pipework and components of your Hot Tub a complete cleanse, a process which should already be standard industry practice in our opinion.
