Maintaining Spas and Hot Tubs

Maintaining spas and hot tubs is a different ball game when compared with swimming pools. Though these share similar equipment with the pools, their water chemistry is to be treated differently due to the fact that water is heated in these and this affects chemicals differently. It is a fact that the warmth afforded in spas and hot tubs are perfect breeding grounds for germs including bacteria. In addition, the hot water could act on beauty skin care products on a user’s body and send these into circulating water putting a strain on the filter system and altering water chemistry. For a spa or a hot tub, the filter system is its most important component.

Bromine is the ideal for sanitizing a hot tub or spa. It works much the same way as chlorine to kill live contaminants such as algae and bacteria. Though it is more expensive than chlorine as a sanitization product, it has an advantage over chlorine in that its chemical make-up is more stable and this allows it to stay intact in warm as well as hot water. Bromine is less stable in UV light, so it is not generally used in outdoor swimming pools where sunlight could break it down. It is however the preferred choice for spas.

An ozone generator would be a valuable addition to a spa or hot tub because it would produce and release ozone which is a powerful oxidant, working to oxidize beauty and skin care products, and even urine! These could potentially ruin the water condition making it unfit for use and causing skin irritation or allergies in users. The inlet of the ozone producing unit rests on the floor of the hot tub and keeps infusing ozone into the water.

You should check all your hot tub or spa equipment on a schedule similar to the one you would follow in a pool. So, you would be testing for pH and levels of sanitizing agent, Bromine, every week. pH levels are critical to the health of your hot tub. If it fluctuates substantially, the water could be crawling with bacteria and scaly deposits could show up. An ideal pH would be around 7.2, and anything below 6.8 on the acidic side and above 7.8 on the alkaline side should be immediately attended to.

Total Alkalinity and calcium levels that tell you about water hardness need to be done once a month. Any imbalance must be noted and suitable measures taken to restore balance. If spots and stains are appearing on the walls and floor, you probably need to check on levels of iron and copper in the water. Pump, filter and heater should be checked on a monthly schedule too.

Keeping to a schedule to check on the structural components, electrically powered equipment, plumbing and water chemistry can ensure that your spa or hot tub is in great shape. As with pools, maintaining spas and hot tubs is about keeping your eyes open and being disciplined with the maintenance schedule.

Maintaining Spas and Hot Tubs
A guide on maintaining spas and hot tubs.