WATER CHEMISTRY FOR YOUR HOT TUB OR SPA
There are 2 goals of proper water chemistry: Protecting the bathers and protecting the equipment.

 

    
Protecting the
    bathers:


    
Keep
    the water clean and sanitized by maintaining the bromine or chlorine
    within their recommended levels:


    

      
Bromine = 2.8-3.5 ppm
      
Chlorine = 0.8-1.5 ppm
    

    
(If your spa is equipped with
    an ozone generator, you may choose to maintain the chlorine or
    bromine at the lower end of their ranges.)


    
Shocking the water with a non-chlorine
    shock oxidizes the water removing organic waste, helping the
    sanitizer work more effectively and removes odors. One teaspoon
    of shock is recommended at the end of the day of use.


    
Maintain the pH between 7.2-7.8.
    In this range bathers are comfortable, the spa surface and equipment
    are protected and the sanitizers perform efficiently.


    
Drain and refill the spa every
    3-6 months.


    
Protecting the
    equipment:


    


    
As already stated, maintain the
    pH between 7.2-7.8. This range ensures that the spa surface and
    equipment are protected and the sanitizers perform efficiently.


    
Clean the filter 2-4 times a
    month, soak the filter in a filter or cartridge cleaning solution
    every 3 months and replace it every 12-18 months to ensure proper
    water flow so as not to damage the spa equipment.


    
Drain and refill the spa every
    3-6 months, once the tub is full of fresh water, a metal remover
    is recommended to remove excess metals from the water that may
    damage the heater or pump seal.


    
Test the water:


    


    
To ensure that the spa water
    is properly balanced and safe.


    

      
To detect and avoid problems.
    

    
Liquid test kits or test strips,
    you decide:


    

      
Liquid test kits provide a more
      accurate measurement of sanitizer and pH.
      
Test strips are more convenient
      and quick, however, their accuracy is debatable.
    

    
Monitor the sanitizer level by
    testing 1-2 times a week. If the levels are not in the proper
    range, adjust as necessary.


    
Maintain the pH level between
    7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is low, add a pH increaser. If the pH
    is high, add a pH decreaser, following the directions on the
    bottles.


    
Cleaning the
    Filter:


    


    
We recommend that you clean your
    filter 2-4 times per month with your garden hose.


    

      
Remove the filter cartridge from the
      spa's filter housing.
      
Use a garden hose with a straight flow
      nozzle to wash down the filter element. Work from the top down,
      holding the nozzle at a 45 degree angle and wash all the pleats
      with emphasis between pleats.
      
Rinse until all dirt and debris are
      gone.
      
Place back in the spa's filter housing.
    

    
Every 3-4 months clean the filter
    with a filter cartridge cleaning solution such as Filter
    Clean to break down the perspiration, suntan lotions and
    other oils present in the water.


    
Energy/Tub Saving
    Tips:


    
To reduce energy consumption
    on your spa and prolong the life of the spa, here are some simple
    tips.


    


    
Keep lid closed when not in use.
    This keeps debris out of the tub, prevents the sun from cooking
    the tubs surface and the components on the top of tub, such as
    the topside and control knobs. The sun will discolor the knobs,
    cause the topside to darken to make the LED/LCD display unreadable
    and can cause diverter and on/off valves to shrink and cause
    the caps to blow off once the pump(s) come on. Keeping the lid
    closed also eliminates loss of heat in the cooler weather which
    means the heater works less prolonging its life and reducing
    the electricity usage of the spa.


    


    
When the lid is closed, turn
    off air valves*. These valves pull air into the water from outside
    or under the tub. This air is pulled in anytime the pump(s) run
    and the valves are open. The air in the winter is cooler than
    the water causing the water to drop in temperature and making
    the heater come on more. In the summer the air valves pull in
    hotter air causing the tub to increase in temperature and possibly
    go into an overheat situation. The popping air bubbles can also
    shorten the lids lifespan by throwing chemicals from the water
    onto the underside of the lid causing the lid to become rough,
    crack, shrink and destroy the foam inside. These effects can
    cause the lid to become heavy with water weight or dry out and
    become light, flimsy or warped causing a poor seal to the tubs
    surface allowing heat to escape and debris to get in.


    
*If you have a forced
    air system, common on some Maax and Coleman Spas, do not turn
    off the air valves. By doing so you will blow the diaphragms
    in the venturi caps causing a loud whistling sound and loss of
    air pressure in the tub.