​What Chemicals are Needed for a Hot Tub

Whether you are a new hot tub owner or have been enjoying yours for years, it is never too late to learn about hot tub chemistry and what chemicals are needed to keep your spa in it's best working condition.

  

When it comes to hot tub chemistry there are 3 main elements you will become familiar with that are the key to keeping your spa clean and enjoyable for every soak. Those elements are pH, alkalinity and sanitizer. Let’s start from the beginning and work our way through the essentials of spa chemical maintenance:

  

Test Strips

The best place to start is with testing your spa water using test strips. These test strips test the levels of bromine/chlorine, alkalinity, pH and calcium hardness (water hardness) in your spa. Each pack of test strips come with easy to follow instructions. Before you start your chemical maintenance you are going to want to test your water so you know what levels need to be adjusted.

  

pH Decreaser/Increaser

pH refers to the acidic or basic nature of your spa water. The ideal range for your water’s pH is between 7.4 and 7.6, which is considered neutral. If your pH level reads higher than 7.8, your water is basic. If the pH reads lower than 7.0, the water is acidic. Neutral is the best place for your water to be on the pH scale. If you find that your hot tub water is either acidic or basic, don’t fret, there is a chemical to fix it!

  

For spa water that is too basic (reading above 7.8), you are going to want to bring that number back down between 7.4 and 7.6. Therefore, you would use a pH decreaser. There are several companies that produce products of this nature and each come with directions to follow.

  

For spa water that is too acidic (reading below 7.0), you are going to want to bring that number back up to between 7.4 and 7.6. Therefore, you would want to use a pH increaser.

There are several companies that make this product and each bottle comes with directions to follow.

  

Alkalinity Increaser

Now that we have broken down the role pH plays in your spa we can move on to alkalinity as these 2 elements work closely together. Total Alkalinity refers to the measurement of carbonates and bicarbonates in your water. To put it simply, alkalinity acts as a buffer for your pH: helping to stabilize and keep it from fluctuating. The ideal range for the alkalinity in your spa is 80 ppm to 250 ppm (parts per million).

  

You are going to want your alkalinity level in its most ideal range before trying to balance your pH. When adjusting your alkalinity level to that perfect range using an alkalinity increaser, you are going to want to add it in small amounts, each time allowing the spa to circulate for 12-24 hours before testing the water again. Often times once the alkalinity is brought into ideal levels this will also bring the pH into its ideal range. If the pH is still not where it should be once the alkalinity is balanced, that is when the pH increaser or decreaser would come in.

  

Sanitizers (Chlorine/Bromine)

There are 2 sanitizers used when it comes to spas. Those sanitizers are chlorine and bromine and which one you will need will depend on your spa. The main role of a spa sanitizer is to control the contaminants, bacteria and the formation of algae in your hot tub. Each bottle of sanitizer will come with directions for use depending on water volume and bather load.

  

Spa Shock

Shocking (oxidizing) your spa water helps to remove contaminants and particles that are not visible to the eye. Shocking your spa also helps to ensure your sanitizer is working at its best. You should shock your spa on a weekly basis and also after higher than average use.

  

Calcium Hardness Increaser

Calcium hardness refers to the amount of calcium in your spa water. The ideal level of calcium is between 150 ppm and 200 ppm. Low calcium hardness (reading below 150 ppm) may cause corrosion and damage to components such as jets, heaters, headrests and parts of the circulation and filtration systems. If your spa has low calcium hardness, you will want to use a calcium hardness increaser to bring it back into the ideal range. Each bottle will have instructions to follow.

  

Filter Cleaner

Filters should be removed from the spa and rinsed with a hose once a week to remove large particles and debris. Once a month the filter should be removed and cleaned using a filter cleaner to remove the smaller particles that build up over time. Simply put the filter in a bucket filled with water and add the filter cleaner. Allow the filter to soak in the bucket for the specified amount of time depending on the particular product you are using. There are several different filter cleaners, some being one-time use packets or pucks and others being containers that have multiple doses. Allow the filter to completely dry before installing it back into the spa.Making these regular filter cleanings apart of your spa maintenance schedule will extend the life of your filter and help ensure your spa water is clean and clear.

  

Additional Chemicals

The chemicals listed above are the essentials needed for regular spa maintenance. There are additional chemicals available for more specific situations that may occur throughout your spa’s life. Some of those chemicals are listed bellow:

  

Water Clarifier

Water clarifier helps to clear cloudy water by gathering small particles together to form bigger particles so they are more easily caught by the filter. Spa clarifiers can be used if and when needed or on a regular basis as a preventative measure.

  

Stain and Scale Control

Stain and scale control does exactly as its name states, it helps control and prevent the formation of stain and scale in your spa from dissolved minerals. If you find that your spa frequently has stain and scale then this product will be something you may want to consider making apart of your spa maintenance routine.

  

Spa Defoamer

Spa defoamers help to quickly resolve the formation of foam in your spa. Though a spa defoamer is a quick and easy way to resolve the issue of foamy water, it is not usually a permanent solution. There are typically 3 causes when your spa water becomes foamy: low calcium hardness, personal care products, and unbalanced pH. Spa water should always be tested and balanced whenever foamy water occurs but if you are looking for a quick fix then a spa defoamer will do the trick.

  

Pipe Cleaner

Pipe cleaner does exactly as its name implies, it cleans your spa’s pipes and clears them of scum, body oils, lotions, mould, dirt and any other particles that may build up over time. Pipe cleaner should be used if you are experiencing clogs or blockage in your circulation system and jets. Blocked pipes may also result in heater inefficiency. Be sure to remove the filter cartridge before adding this product to your spa. Add 8oz. to your spa (or as per directions on bottle) and allow the pump to run on high speed for 1 hour with air controls closed. Once the pump has been running for 1 hour, drain your spa and continue with normal maintenance.

  

Spa Invigorate

Spa Invigorate is intended to help reduce the need for maintenance on your spa water. This product helps to control and prevent odours and scum line buildup and should be used on a weekly bases. Please note that Spa Invigorate is an enzyme based product and is not compatible with monopersulfate based spa shocks.

  

Spa Soft

Spa Soft is used to soften the spa water and improve the comfort of the bather. This product is ideal for users who have sensitive skin as it helps to make the water feel smooth on the skin. Spa Soft also helps provide protection against corrosion and improves the effectiveness of other chemicals in the spa.