Water Chemistry – Basic Chemistry Tips For Everyone
Jan 17
Maintaining the water chemistry in your spa should be a simple thing to do so you can spend your time enjoying your spa rather than worrying about it. By using these basic water chemistry tips you should be able to do just that.
The two main components that will affect your water quality are sanitizer (bromine or chlorine) and your pH levels. When both of these are in an acceptable range your water will be comfortable and clear. The sanitizers and “shock” will work more efficiently as well. This also keeps spa surfaces, spa covers and equipment protected.
You will want to check your water every few days with test strips or a test kit. The sanitizer levels should range between 3-5 ppm (parts per million) The sanitizer is meant to kill bacteria so this is important to maintain. If your sanitizer levels become too high then add more water to the spa to dilute the levels or do a partial drain and refill. If the levels are too low then just add more sanitizer accordingly.
The PH is the other one you will need to watch for. Your pH levels should range between 7.2 -7.6. The reason for this is if your pH is too low than the water becomes acidic which isn’t comfortable to your skin and it isn’t good for the spa either. Use a PH increaser to raise your levels. If the pH is too high than scaling may form so by checking this with your strips or a test kit, that will be easy to maintain. If the pH is too high then use a pH decreaser to lower the levels.
Another part of maintaining your pH levels is the total Alkalinity level. This helps to keep your pH in range. Your total Alkalinity should range between 125-150ppm. This also can be checked with your test kit or strips. Keeping those ranges in level will lessen the need for pH balancing. You can check this before your do your pH as well because again this will help to keep your pH in line.
Next is your calcium hardness, this especially applies if you live in an area with “hard” or “soft” water. The preferred calcium hardness range is between 100-200ppm. If your levels are too low, add a calcium increaser. If the calcium levels are too high just add more water to the spa to dilute the levels or have your local spa dealer provide recommendations for the water in your area. By keeping your pH in range you will help with the calcium ranges.
About once a week depending on the amount you use your spa; you will want to shock your water. Shocking your spa water means you are removing the residues and organic matter from the spa water. This will help ensure water clarity and bather comfort. You will want to make sure the shock you are using is compatible with the spa water. Also when you shock your spa you want to make sure your hot tub cover is completely removed for 20-60 minutes or until the level has come down.
When you are doing your weekly maintenance (ex: shocking) you should also remove your filter and rinse it off. This washes away debris stuck to the filter and allows it to work properly. Once a month you should chemically clean the filter with a product meant for that. This will help prolong the life of your filter and allow it to work to its full potential.
About every 60-90 days depending on bather usage, your spa should be drained and refilled. If you take your water into your local spa retailer they can check the TDS (total dissolved solids) in your spa and will be able to tell you when your spa should be drained.
Now that you have learned the basics to keeping your water clear you can go enjoy your spa.
Remember these are guidelines and not all spas and spa users will use the same chemicals or set up in their spa.
Make sure you test your spa daily and keep up with the proper balances of your hot tub water, it protects your hot tub but more importantly protects your bathers.