Ever looked at all those chemicals online and thought, "What do all these even do?" Don't worry—we've got you covered! Here’s your simple yet informative guide to keeping your hot tub water clean, clear, and comfortable!
pH and Alkalinity: The Foundation of Balance
Maintaining balanced pH and alkalinity levels is the backbone of water care. The pH level needs to be between 7.2 and 7.6 for your sanitizer (chlorine) to work effectively! Use test strips and our spa water testing app (Apple | Android) to assess, then adjust:
- Alkalinity Booster helps keep the water stable + protects your spa’s equipment from corrosion.
- Use pH Up or pH Down to bring your pH into the correct range.
Remember: Always balance alkalinity first, then pH, then chlorine. Wait 30 minutes in between adding each chemical!
Sanitizers: The Key to Clean Water
Sanitizing your hot tub is vital for killing bacteria. We recommend chlorine (which you should add after each spa use). Read this to learn more.
That “chlorine smell” and skin irritation is often blamed on chlorine, but it is actually due to combined chlorine, a byproduct that forms when chlorine reacts with contaminants. The solution? Use spa shock (an oxidizer) to break it down. This product should be added weekly or after heavy use.
Clarifiers: Keeping Your Water Sparkling
In some occasions, even with balanced water, you might notice cloudiness or foam. Here’s where clarifiers come in:
- Spa Clear: Helps eliminate discoloured or cloudy water.
- Scale Control: Prevents calcium buildup on your heater and surfaces, which can lead to inefficiency and damage. Read more about it here.
- Foam Free: Gets rid of foam caused by oils and other residues.
Remember: Use clarifiers as needed, but only after adding the pH balancers and chlorine!
Pro Tip: Use Spa Flush 2 to 3 times a year to remove biofilm build-up from the plumbing, jets, and shell of your spa. This helps reduce calcium buildup on heater elements and ensures cleaner hot tub water!
By using the right chemicals at the right frequency, you can enjoy a relaxing spa experience with minimal hassle. Remember, regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your hot tub ready for a soothing soak anytime! Feel free to refer also to this link for a more visual version of this blog.