What chemicals are essential for spa maintenance?
Maintaining the right balance of the spa water is a very crucial part for a spa owner. Maintaining the pH levels, alkalinity, calcium hardness and sanitiser will define a healthy or unhealthy spa. It’s always advisable to have your spa water professionally tested before adding any chemicals. The local pool/spa shop specialist will recommend the correct product for the spa’s needs. Maintaining the right chemical balance in the spa is crucial for ensuring a clean, safe, and comfortable spa This is for the safety of the swimmers but also the protection of the spa.
Maintaining a clean and inviting spa requires more than just regular sanitization; it also involves the strategic use of additional chemicals. Understanding how to properly use these chemicals, such as defoamers, shock treatments, and algaecides, is crucial for optimizing their benefits. Each chemical serves a specific purpose—defoamers reduce unwanted bubbles, shock treatments eliminate contaminants, and algaecides prevent algae growth—contributing to a healthier spa environment. Moreover, achieving the best results hinges on regular water testing, which provides essential insights into pH levels, alkalinity, and sanitizer concentrations. By aligning chemical usage with recommended test results, spa owners can enhance water clarity, safety, and overall enjoyment.
Sanitizing the Spa Water
Sanitizing your spa water is essential for maintaining a safe and enjoyable soaking environment, and two of the most common options for this task are chlorine and bromine. Both sanitizers effectively kill harmful bacteria and control algae, ensuring that the water remains clean and inviting. Chlorine is commonly preferred for its rapid effectiveness and affordability, making it a popular option among spa owners. On the other hand, bromine offers a more stable solution, remaining effective at higher temperatures and providing a more pleasant odor. Understanding the properties and benefits of each sanitizer can help you choose the best option for your spa, ultimately enhancing your relaxation experience while keeping water quality in check.
Chlorine
Chlorine is one of the most commonly used and recognized pool and spa chemicals. You add chlorine to spa water to sanitize it, eliminating bacteria and preventing algae growth.
Before handling chlorine, it is recommended to always read the instructions and follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. Additional precautions to consider are wearing gloves when handling, keeping out of reach of children and never mixing with other chemicals. Mixing chlorine has the potential to cause a chemical fire, release toxic fumes or explosion. This can cause damage to the spa and any other items it may encounter. If chlorine comes into contact with your skin wash off with clean water to prevent any skin irritations.
Chlorine is available in liquid, tablet, and granular form. Each form of spa chlorine serves a different purpose. It is best to seek recommendations from your local spa supplier to know which chlorine is best suited for your spa.
Chlorine is less frequently used in spas than bromine, as bromine is more stable in warmer water.
Chlorine levels to be between 1.5-3PPM
Levels below 1.5PPM- Add more chlorine to the water, this is a very common result.
Levels above 3PPM- Not a major concern, just be aware of skin allergies or red eyes. The chlorine levels can be lowered by adding fresh water.
Bromine
Bromine is a similar product to chlorine, with the purpose to sanitise the spa water preventing the build-up of bacteria and algae. However, its benefits are it is odorless and non-irritating to the swimmer.
Bromine is safer than chlorine however is still a chemical and should be handled accordingly. Before use, be sure to read the instructions on the back of the container and follow them closely. It’s also advisable to wear gloves when handling bromine and adding the required amount to the spa. If overdosing occurs in the spa, it can cause skin irritation to the swimmers.
Bromine is more commonly used in spas than chlorine because it remains stable in warmer water.
Bromine levels to be between 3-5PPM
For levels below 3PPM simply add more Bromine to the spa water to correct levels
Levels above 5PPM- Not a major concern, the level can be lowered by adding fresh water.
Spa PH Levels
Maintaining balanced pH levels in your spa water is crucial for user comfort and the longevity of your spa equipment. pH levels indicate the water’s acidity or alkalinity, and keeping them within the ideal range (typically between 7.4 and 7.8) ensures a safe and enjoyable soaking experience.
Alongside pH, other factors such as alkalinity and calcium hardness play significant roles in water chemistry. Alkalinity acts as a buffer, helping to stabilize pH levels, while calcium hardness prevents corrosion and scaling of spa surfaces. Additionally, Cyanuric Acid serves as a stabilizer for chlorine, helping to protect it from degradation by sunlight. By understanding and regularly monitoring these key parameters, spa owners can create a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for relaxation.
pH Levels
pH levels to be between 7.4 and 7.8
The level below 7.4 – your spa is too acidic; this will cause red irritated eyes and skin. Add baking soda.
A level above 7.8- the spa water has too much alkaline; this will promote scaling and calcium formation in the spa and spa filtration system. Recommend adding pH decrease.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity levels to be between 80 to 120 ppm
Level below 80 – your spa may be getting too much fresh water added to keep up. Add baking soda or an alkalinity increaser
Level above 120- This is very rare unless too much alkaline was manually added. You can add a pH decrease or speak to a pool and spa specialist for alternate options to lower.
Calcium Hardness
Calcium chloride, also known as a calcium or hardness increaser, is a salt compound added to spa water when tests show low alkalinity.
When handling calcium chloride, follow the instructions provided by your local pool and spa professionals, and read the product instructions before use. The calcium chloride needs to be pre dissolved, in a bucket of spa water before pouring it into the spa. Prevent putting any undissolved calcium chloride in the spa as it will settle on the bottom of the spa and leave marks on the bottom of the spa. If you do notice any undissolved calcium chloride on the bottom of the spa, use the soft bristle brush on the pole to lightly brush the product and assist in dissolving.
Calcium hardness to be between 150-250PPM.
Levels below 150PPM – Caused by frequent water top-ups. Add calcium to the spa to prevent any damage. If the calcium levels are too low, you need to add calcium to the water. It is very important not to let the calcium levels go below 150PPM in concrete and tiled spas as the spa water will eat away the calcium in the concrete, tiles, and spa grout.
Levels above 250PPM – too much calcium added to spa water. Adding fresh water to your spa will lower the calcium levels over time or add a chemical called calcium down which will provide quicker results.
Cyanuric Acid (Chlorine stabilizer)
Chlorine stabilizer, also known as cyanuric acid, helps chlorine last longer in the spa. Most people do not realize that chlorine breaks down in the UV sunlight, this being the biggest factor in low chlorine levels. This is generally a known issue for concrete spa owners as most other spas will have a cover protecting it from UV. Adding chlorine stabilizer to the water will help the chlorine stay in the water for longer keeping your spa sanitized and algae-free.
Cyanuric Acid levels to be between 30 – 50PPM
Levels below 30PPM- The UV in the sunlight will dissolve the chlorine in your spa. Add Cyanuric Acid to the water. A simple sign that your cyanuric acid levels are low is your spa has a strong chlorine smell.
Levels above 50PPM- Too much cyanuric Acid in the water will reduce the effectiveness of chlorine in the water. It will dissolve on its own, however it may take several months to go back to the recommended levels. Discuss options with pool and spa professionals.
Additional Spa Chemicals
When it comes to maintaining the pristine quality of your spa, additional chemical treatments can play a vital role. While regular sanitization is essential, incorporating products like defoamers, shock treatments, and algaecides can enhance your spa experience and prolong the life of your water. Defoamers help eliminate unsightly bubbles that can detract from relaxation, while shock treatments effectively manage contaminants and organic matter, ensuring crystal-clear water. Algaecides, on the other hand, prevent the growth of unwanted algae, keeping your spa clean and inviting. Understanding how these supplementary chemicals work can empower you to create a safer and more enjoyable spa environment.
Shock Treatments
Spa Shock (oxidizers) treatment is a one-time application that breaks down organic contaminants and enhances the effectiveness of sanitizers. These contaminants come from sweat, oil, sunscreen, and body fluids. Types include chlorine-based shock (calcium hypochlorite) and non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate). Shocking the spa regularly helps maintain clear water and prevent odours.
Before shock treatment, you must follow strict instructions from your pool and spa professional.
Algaecides
Add algaecide to the pool water Helps prevent and control algae growth. It is especially useful if you have a problem with algae. You should regularly add a preventative algaecide to the pool, especially during warmer months when algae growth is more likely. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application
Defoamers
It is good to add a form of defoamer to your spa if you notice it starting to bubble. The foaming can occur due to contaminants from soap found on skin, hair and clothing or excessive air in the water. Defoamer is a product that is available to purchase from pool and spa shops. Alternately a DIY home defoamer to add to the spa is 10:1 vinegar and baking soda. This helps keep the spa water looking clean and clear.
Defoamer is only a temporary solution to the root cause. If the spa is becoming foamy, it may indicate a pH imbalance, so you should complete a water test as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the effective use of additional spa chemicals is vital for maintaining a clean, safe, and enjoyable soaking environment. By understanding how to properly apply products like defoamers, shock treatments, and algaecides, spa owners can maximize their benefits and enhance overall water quality. Regular water testing is essential, as it provides the necessary data to adjust chemical levels according to recommended ranges, ensuring optimal performance and safety. With a proactive approach to chemical management, you can create a pristine spa experience that promotes relaxation and well-being, allowing you to fully enjoy the therapeutic benefits of your spa. Make sure you prioritise the spa maintenance to ensure you can enjoy it for many years to come.