Maintaining a spa involves more than just occasionally hopping in for a relaxing soak. It requires consistent attention to water chemistry to ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of spa chemicals, their functions, and how to use them effectively.
Understanding the Basics of Spa Water Maintenance
Effective spa care revolves around three core areas:
- Balance: Maintaining proper water balance ensures comfort and prolongs the life of spa equipment.
- Hygiene: Good water hygiene practices keep the water safe by preventing the proliferation of germs and bacteria.
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning of spa surfaces and filters keeps the water looking great and the spa operating smoothly.
Haviland’s simple-to-use products are compatible with all spas. As with any chemical, it is important to read all container instructions before use.
Step 1: Determining Your Spa's Water Capacity
Knowing the size of your spa is important for accurate chemical dosing. If you are unsure of your spa's water capacity, use a spa volume calculator to get an approximate idea or consult a professional.
Step 2: Balancing Your Spa Water
Maintaining proper water balance is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of sanitizers and ensuring a comfortable spa experience. Water balance involves regularly testing and adjusting pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
Read also: Why Choose the Intex Pure Spa Cover?
Testing Frequency
Spa water should be tested at least once a week, as water balance may need weekly adjustments, especially with regular use.
pH
pH measures how acidic or basic your spa water is. The ideal pH range for spa water is typically between 7.2 and 7.6.
- pH Below 7.2: Add a pH increaser to raise the pH level. For instance, ProTeam Spa pH Increaser can be used for this purpose.
- pH Above 7.6: Add a pH decreaser to lower the pH level. ProTeam Spa pH Decreaser is an appropriate solution.
Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity refers to the water's ability to resist changes in pH. The ideal range for total alkalinity is between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm).
- Total Alkalinity Below 80 ppm: Use an alkalinity increaser to raise the total alkalinity. For example, ProTeam Spa Alkalinity Up can effectively increase alkalinity levels.
- Baking Soda: Many spa products that raise total alkalinity are sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Baking soda is used to raise the total alkalinity and it also raises the PH. Just add your baking soda and run the pump.
Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness refers to the amount of calcium dissolved in the water. Calcium hardness levels should be checked monthly, as this factor does not change as frequently as pH and total alkalinity. The ideal range for calcium hardness is between 200 and 400 ppm.
- Calcium Below 200 ppm: Add a calcium hardness increaser to raise the calcium level.
Step 3: Maintaining Water Hygiene
To keep spa water clear and safe, a trace amount of disinfectant must be present daily to destroy germs and bacteria.
Sanitizers
Sanitizers are essential for killing bacteria and other microorganisms in spa water. Common sanitizers include bromine and chlorine.
- Bromine Tablets: These tablets provide a steady release of bromine, ideal for continuous disinfection. ProTeam Spa Brominating Tabs automatically deliver a daily dose of disinfectant. Place the tablets in an appropriate tablet dispenser.
- Chlorine Granules: Chlorine granules, such as ProTeam Spa Di-Chlor, offer a concentrated form of chlorine for those who prefer manual application.
Shocking
People introduce personal care products, sweat, and body oils to spa water, which accumulate and interfere with the effectiveness of daily disinfectants. Shocking the spa removes these contaminants. A residential spa should be shocked at least once a week using a product like ProTeam Spa Oxidizing Shock. Resume spa use in 15 minutes after shocking.
Step 4: Regular Spa Cleaning
Filter Maintenance
A spa filter collects waste from bathers, which, if left uncleaned, can clog the filter. Lightly to moderately used spas should have their filters degreased monthly with ProTeam Spa Filter Clean.
- Avoiding Filter Cleaning: Regular additions of ProTeam Spa Natural Clean can prevent the need to clean the filter until it is time to drain and refill the spa. Natural Clean also prevents waterline rings.
- GLB Filter Fresh & Instant Cartridge Clear: Fast acting spray and cleaner that is specially developed acid based liquid cartridge cleaner removes debris.
Draining and Refilling
The natural breakdown of water additives and other substances in the water eventually makes the spa water less pleasant. It is advisable to drain and refill the spa every three months. Between refills, clean the spa surface with a spa cleaner.
Step 5: Fresh Fill Procedures
Follow these steps when refilling a new or existing spa:
- Add Gentle Spa: As the spa is filling, add ProTeam Gentle Spa to ease water care and maintain spectacular water quality. SpaPure Simply Soft to the spa.
- Add Metal Protection: Shortly afterward, add ProTeam Spa Metal Magic to prevent scaling and staining. SpaPure Stain & Scale Preventer to the spa.
- Balance the Water: Once the spa is filled and well circulated, balance the water.
- Add a Sanitizer:
- Bromine: Start by adding ProTeam Spa Brom Start. Follow with ProTeam Spa Brominating Tabs in a tablet dispenser.
- Chlorine: Add ProTeam Spa Di-Chlor directly to the spa to achieve appropriate sanitizer levels.
- Shock the Spa: Shock the spa with any ProTeam Spa Shock product.
Additional Spa Chemicals and Their Uses
- Renew - Non-Chlorine shock: Fast dissolving granular that rids spa water of residual soaps, deodorants, natural oils and organic materials that can build up in spa water.
- Reserve: This specially formulated mix of bromide salts becomes a powerful bromine sanitizer when combined with leisure time renew .
- Alkalinity Increaser: Critical to PH control, this granular formula effectively raises alkalinity levels which might otherwise cause equipment corrosion.
- Liquid Spa Up: Gently increases PH with “no mix” liquid.
- Cover Care & Conditioner: Cleans, restores and protects spa covers from weathering, fading and discoloration.
- Metal Gon: This concentrated formula prevents iron and other metals from building up in your spa.
- Enzyme: A blend of natural enzymes that breaks down oil, lotion, and organics that cause unsightly scum lines and odors in spa water. Helps reduce the need for maintenance of filters and spa surfaces.
Tips for Low-Maintenance Spa Care
- Regular Testing: Test the water regularly to catch imbalances early.
- Mineral Sticks: Consider using in-filter mineral sticks, replacing them every six months.
- Follow Instructions: Always follow the instructions on chemical containers for proper dosing and application.