Spa Chemicals
What are the chemicals you are putting in your spa and what are they doing in your spa? Let’s break down the most common spa chemicals and their purpose to the spa, risks associated when handling and when they are required.
Chlorine
Before handling chlorine, always read the instructions on the container of chlorine and follow as directed. Additional precautions to take is wearing gloves when handling, keep out of reach of children and never mix with other chemicals. Mixing chlorine has the potential to cause a chemical fire, release of toxic fumes or explosion. This can cause damage to the spa and any other items it may encounter. If you get chlorine on your skin wash off with clean water to prevent any skin irritations.
Pool and Spa Chlorine is available in liquid, tablets, and granular form. Each form of spa chlorine serves a different purpose. Seek recommendations from your local spa supplier to know which chlorine is best suited for your spa.
Chlorine is less commonly used in Spas compared to bromine as it is more stable in warmer waters.
Chlorine
Chlorine is one of the most used and known pool and spa chemicals. The purpose of chlorine in spas is to sanitise the water and prevent build-up of bacteria and algae.
Before handling chlorine, always read the instructions on the container of chlorine and follow as directed. Additional precautions to take is wearing gloves when handling, keep out of reach of children and never mix with other chemicals. Mixing chlorine has the potential to cause a chemical fire, release of toxic fumes or explosion. This can cause damage to the spa and any other items it may encounter. If you get chlorine on your skin wash off with clean water to prevent any skin irritations.
Pool and Spa Chlorine is available in liquid, tablets, and granular form. Each form of spa chlorine serves a different purpose. Seek recommendations from your local spa supplier to know which chlorine is best suited for your spa.
Chlorine is less commonly used in Spas compared to bromine as it is more stable in warmer waters.
Bromine
Bromine is a similar product to chlorine, its purpose is to sanitise the spa water preventing build-up of bacteria and algae, however it is odourless and non-irritating to the swimmer.
Bromine is still classed as a chemical and should be handled accordingly. Prior to use always read the instructions on the back of the container. Always wear gloves when handling bromine and add 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 over chlorine as it is more stable in warmer waters.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride also known as calcium increaser or hardness increaser. Is a salt compound that is added to the spa water when the water test results show low alkalinity. Adding calcium chloride to the water will help balance the PH levels in the water.
When handling calcium chloride, it is recommended to follow the instructions given from the local pool and spa professionals and read the product instructions before use. Before putting calcium chloride into the spa, fill a bucket ¾ full of spa water, then add the recommended amount of calcium chloride to the bucket of water. Swirl the bucket of water until the calcium chloride has dissolved. Slowly pour the bucket of water around the edge of the spa as you walk, so it is spread evenly around the parameter of the spa and prevent any splashing of the chemical
Try to 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. Refill the bucket with water if undissolved calcium chloride is still in bucket and repeat process until dissolved. 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.
Chlorine Stablaiser
Chlorine stabilizer also known as Cyanuric Acid is a product used to help chlorine last longer in the spa. Most people do not realise that chlorine breaks down in the UV sunlight, this being the biggest factor to low chlorine levels. By adding chlorine stabiliser to the spa water, it helps the chlorine stay in the water for longer keeping the spa sanitised and algae free.
Shock Treatment
Shock treatment is a one-off treatment to the spa water to give it an instant sanitise. It will breakdown the bacteria in the water caused by sweat, oil, sunscreen, and body fluids. Adding shock treatment to the water, it will give the water a large chlorine “shock” which will remove all the built-up chloramines in the water.
Prior to shock treatment follow strict instructions from the pool and spa professional.