If you’ve ever been tempted to skip your weekly spa maintenance or skimp on the hot tub chemicals you use, then this article is a must-read. Think of it this way, the same water stays in your hot tub for up to three months at a time. Without proper sanitization, your spa would become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Clean water — and a properly working spa — starts with using the right hot tub chemicals on the right schedule. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to keep your spa sparkling clean and ready to use whenever the urge strikes.
Why Are Hot Tub Chemicals and Supplies So Important?
One of the biggest aspects your hot tub supplies influence is your water quality. If it isn’t well maintained, you could be looking at expensive repairs in the future.
The water in your hot tub comes in contact with every part of your spa. If it’s kept clean and well-balanced, the effects on the parts and pipes of your system should be fairly standard. However, if your water has fallen out of balance and become corrosive or acidic, it could:
- Create scale build-up in your pipes and on your shell
- Slowly deteriorate the parts in your system
- Eat away at your shell
- Cause corrosion on your heating element, leading to cold water
Not only that, but unbalanced water isn’t safe to soak in and could lead to red and irritated skin and eyes after use or even rashes developing shortly after you’ve finished your spa session.
The great news is maintaining your water health and minimizing damage to your system is easy as long as you have the right products to do so. Properly balanced water ensures that your spa’s components last longer and perform better, giving you a more enjoyable and safer soaking experience.
By understanding the importance of using the right hot tub supplies, you can prevent these potential issues and enjoy your spa to the fullest. Investing in quality chemicals and adhering to a regular maintenance schedule will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road.
Keep these points in mind as we dive deeper into the specific products and practices that will keep your hot tub in top shape.
1. Determine Your Hot Tub Chemicals with a Test Kit
Using a test kit regularly is crucial for keeping your water balanced. A kit will have all of the items you need to determine if your water requires hot tub chemicals.
2. Chlorine Granules or Bromine Tablets
Chlorine Proper Level: 1-3 ppm
Bromine Proper Level: 3-5 ppm
Both chlorine granules and bromine tablets are ideal options to help keep the water clean in your hot tub. The experts at your local hot tub supply store can work with you to determine the best one for your lifestyle.
However, there are various other sanitizers you can use in hot tubs, and the choice will ultimately depend on your water system. Here are some options to consider:
- Chlorine: Popular for its effectiveness and ease of use.
- Bromine: Known for its stability in higher temperatures.
- Salt Cells: A natural alternative that uses salt to generate chlorine.
- Biguanide: A non-chlorine sanitizer that’s gentle on the skin.
By understanding these different types of sanitizers, you can make a more informed decision and consult with experts to find the best fit for your specific needs.
Below, we will review the pros and cons of chlorine and bromine in a hot tub.
Chlorine Benefits
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Remains stable when exposed to UV rays
- Remains stable at lower temperatures
- Effective
Some reasons that chlorine may not be the best option for you can include a strong smell, difficulty to keep pH levels balanced, needs to be added regularly, and may be irritating to those with sensitive skin.
Bromine Benefits
- Remains stable at higher temperature
- Easy to balance pH levels
- Little to no scent
- Effectively keeps water clean
- Ideal option for sensitive skin
- Doesn’t need to be added frequently
Some reasons that bromine may not be the best option for you can include that it’s not as effective in lower temperatures, hard to rinse off skin, and it’s not as affordable as chlorine.
Safety Precautions
- Never combine both chlorine and bromine inside your hot tub or in their dry state. Mixing chlorine and bromine can cause a dangerous chemical reaction.
- If you wish to switch from one to the other, the experts at your local spa service center can assist you. If you wish to handle the transition yourself, you will need to drain and clean your hot tub, along with a line flush.
- Don’t store them next to one another, as the fumes they create can combine and become dangerous and combustible.
- Always use separate feeders. Even if you have cleaned one, small traces of the chemicals can cause a reaction.
3. Alkalinity Increaser
Proper Level: 100-150 ppm
The main role of alkalinity is its regulation of your water’s pH levels. Without proper alkalinity, your water’s pH levels will drop and your water will become acidic.
Where you live will have a significant influence on your water chemistry. Some areas have naturally harder water than others. This might mean your hot tub will need a more intensive round of pH and alkalinity treatments after each water change.
Keeping alkalinity increaser on hand and using it as needed will prevent that from happening. If alkalinity gets too high, a pH decreaser can be used to bring the level back into the target range.
When adjusting your water chemistry, add an alkaline increaser before you work to bring your pH levels into range. Alkalinity has more influence over your pH levels, meaning it quickly changes your pH, whereas your pH has very little effect on alkalinity. By adjusting your alkaline levels first, you’ll have an easier time balancing your water.
4. pH Balancers
Proper Level: 7.4-7.6
Low pH can damage your hot tub over time. Acidic water and scaling are both risks of low pH and can damage the inner workings of your spa. High pH, meanwhile, can cause cloudy water and hot tub foam.
However, if your water has fallen out of balance and become corrosive or acidic, it could:
- Create scale build-up in your pipes and on your shell
- Slowly deteriorate the parts in your system
- Eat away at your shell
- Cause corrosion on your heating element, leading to cold water
Not only that, but unbalanced water isn’t safe to soak in and could lead to:
- Red and irritated skin and eyes after use
- Rashes developing shortly after you’ve finished your spa session
Once your water’s alkalinity is balanced, it’s time to test your water to determine the appropriate pH level. PH up is needed if your water tests low while pH down is added if it tests high.
As mentioned, your pH is a crucial aspect of the health of your water. Including pH increasers and decreasers will ensure you can always treat your water when it falls out of balance. Anytime you are using these chemicals, follow the instructions on the back of the bottle carefully, add them while your system is running, and retest after 30 minutes.
5. Hot Tub Shock
Shock, which is used to prevent foam and cloudy water, is a prime example of common hot tub chemicals that should be used regularly to keep your water clear.
If your hot tub receives average use — say two people five times a week — then a weekly dose of shock should do the trick. If you have more bathers or use it more than once a day on a regular basis, your water may require two shock treatments a week.
While shock is great for prevention, it can also be used to get rid of murky water, hot tub foam and even algae.
6. Stain and Scale Control
If you have hard water, staining and scales are inevitable. Your best defence against either issue is stain and scale control. It protects your hot tub from the harmful effects of scale buildup and staining.
Commonly caused by excessive calcium, iron, copper and other minerals in your spa’s water, scale buildup can cause damage to the exterior and interior of your spa, including the circulation system.
Using these hot tub chemicals weekly, or as needed, can help keep both problems at bay.
Now that you have the low-down on what chemicals you need and how they work, be sure to use them as directed. When used properly, your spa chemicals will help your hot tub to work well for many years to come.
Optional Hot Tub Chemicals and Supplies You Might Find Useful
When it comes to maintaining and enhancing your hot tub experience, there are several optional supplies that can make a big difference.
Clarifier
If your hot tub water starts developing foam, a clarifier can offer a quick fix. This product works by aggregating tiny particles that cause cloudiness and foam, allowing your filter system to remove them more easily. Keep in mind, though, that a clarifier is a temporary solution. It’s best used to quickly improve water clarity while you plan for a more permanent fix.
Hose Filter
A hose filter is a handy tool for ensuring the water you add to your hot tub is clean from the start. This device attaches to your garden hose and filters out impurities as you fill your tub. While you’ll still need to test and adjust the chemical balance of the water afterward, starting with filtered water can simplify this process and reduce the load on your hot tub’s filtration system.
Hot Tub-Safe Aromatherapy
Enhance your relaxation by incorporating hot tub-safe aromatherapy products. Unlike regular bath bombs and essential oils, which can cause damage to your hot tub’s system and water, specially formulated hot tub aromatherapy products are designed to dissolve without harming your equipment or water chemistry. These can offer a range of benefits, from stress relief to muscle relaxation.
Additional Considerations
- Test Strips: While not exactly optional, having an extra set can save your day if you run out unexpectedly.
- Cover Lifter: Makes removing and replacing your hot tub cover easier, protecting it from damage and extending its lifespan.
- Cleaning Tools: Accessories like skimmers, brushes, and vacuum tools tailored for hot tubs make maintenance simpler.
Investing in these optional supplies can not only enhance your hot tub experience but also contribute to better water quality and easier maintenance.
Understanding the Purpose of a Spa Vacuum
A spa vacuum is an essential tool for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of your hot tub. Here’s why it’s important:
- Efficient Cleaning: Spa vacuums effortlessly clean the underwater surfaces of your hot tub, reaching areas that manual cleaning might miss.
- Shell Maintenance: By regularly using a spa vacuum, you can keep the hot tub shell in top condition between water changes, preventing build-up and wear.
- Safety: Regular use reduces the risk of slippery surfaces, making the hot tub safer for everyone who uses it.
- Time-Saving: With brands like Pool Blaster and Water Tech, spa vacuums are designed to save you time and effort, providing a quick and efficient way to keep your hot tub pristine.
By integrating a spa vacuum into your maintenance routine, you ensure a cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable hot tub experience.
Are There Hot Tub-Safe Aromatherapy Products Available?
Absolutely! You can enhance your hot tub experience with specialized aromatherapy products designed specifically for spa use.
Why Regular Products Won’t Work
General bath bombs and essential oils aren’t suitable for hot tubs. They can harm the water quality and damage the system, leading to costly repairs.
The Solution: Spa-Approved Aromatherapy
Thankfully, there are many hot tub-safe options available. These products are formulated to dissolve completely without leaving harmful residues. They are compatible with your hot tub’s filtration system and won’t affect the water chemistry.
Benefits of Hot Tub-Safe Aromatherapy:
- Safe for Equipment: Designed to prevent clogging and damage.
- Water Stability: Maintains balanced pH and chemical levels.
- Enhanced Experience: Offers therapeutic benefits without the risks.
Add a touch of luxury and wellness to your hot tub routine with the right aromatherapy products. Your spa experience will be elevated safely and effectively.
Shop Hot Tub Chemicals at Eden Spas
Our goal at Eden Spas is to help you get the most out of every hot tub experience. Whether you’re shopping for a new outdoor hot tub, hot tub chemicals or hot tub supplies, we’re your top local source for high-quality products.
Contact or visit our Prince George showroom to shop for hot tub accessories or necessities such as spa filters and hot tub chemicals. Our experts are always on hand to help you find what you need or to help you schedule regular hot tub maintenance or repairs.
