OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR HOT TUB

Sanitizers, Oxidizers, pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness.

Vision (Ionizers)- Mineral systems use silver, zinc, alumina, or copper ions.  Must be used with an oxidizer. Ionizer systems cannot be measured as of yet, you you must remember to change as prescribed. You nose and eyes are your best gauge for sensing if it is working properly. If it looks good and smells good...

Chlorine- a good cold water sanitizer of choice, but very sensitive to pH fluctuations. DO NOT use chlorine tabs in your hot tub floater. Chlorine tabs have a very high acidity. Basically dripping acid onto the bottom of the tub and voiding your warranty.

Bromine- Bromine is the spa sanitizer, because it is not pH sensitive and still works well at a high pH and temperature. It is not as odorous as chlorine. Recommended Bromine Level: Between 3 and 6 ppm.

Note- Many sanitizer systems are incompatible with each other. Here are a few to look out for.

• Mineral/Vision NOT compatible with Bromine. Results in Silver Bromide forming in your tub.
• Biguanide (aka Baquaspa) NOT compatible with Chlorine, Bromine or Monopersulfate. Results in a sticky ring-around-the-tub and gums up the equipment.
• Do not us any Mineral systems without a 24hr circulation pump. Otherwise your water is only being sanitized while you are running the pumps. This is bad!

Ozonators- Considered a supplemental oxidizer and must be used in conjunction with an EPA approved disinfectant/sanitizer. Aids in partially oxidizing organics and minerals. This helps bind the particles togerther, so the filter can remove the contaminates. 

Potassium Monopersulfate- Sometimes refered to as shock. A Non-Chlorine Oxidizer used to reduce contaminants and activate bromine ions. A very similar method to Ozone. Does not contain disinfecting properties. So, be aware of potential risks if not used in conjunction with a good sanitizer. 

Shock Treatment- Not to be confused with Monopersulfate. This may be done with one of many products, either granular Brominating concentrate, chlorine concentrate or Spa Shock.  This heavy oxidation/disinfection is used to destroy the residual body oils, hairsprays, cosmetics, bacteria, algae and other non-filterable junk to bring back the sparkle to the water and boost the sanitizer level. If you are using bromine, DO NOT try to boost a zero reading by cranking your floater full open.  Simply shock or boost with Brominating Concentrate to increase bromine level.  *If you are on an ionizer system DO NOT use Bromine.  If the Bromine drops, it is now to time to shock the spa again!  

Recommended Treatment: After every 6-10 uses(people), weekly or if the water looks funky; shock the spa.

pH- measures how acidic or alkaline your water is, pH 7 is neutral.  The further from 7 be it up or down, the stronger the solution. pH can be confusing and intimidating so that's the reason for the use of Gentle Spa- so you don't have to worry about it. The only time you have to react to your pH reading is if it is below 7.4.  You should have little or no need for pH increasers or decreasers when you are on the Gentle Spa system.
Correct pH Level: Anything above 7.4

Alkalinity- This is a measurement of a group of minerals dissolved in your water namely carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxyl ions. Don't get confused.  Basically this is the Shock Absorbers in your water balance.  Therefore, with the Gentle Spa System, we allow this level to be high.

DON'T LET THE ALKALINITY LEVEL DROP BELOW     200 PPM!  THE CORRECT LEVEL IS ANYTHING BETWEEN 200 - 400. IF THE T.A. DROPS BELOW 200, EVERYTHING ELSE STARTS TO FALL APART ON YOU, YOUR CHEMISTRY, YOUR EQUIPMENT....

* Low T.A. also causes excessive foaming and strong chemical odors. 

Calcium Hardness- A portion of the total hardness of water is measured by levels of calcium in the water. Only Hot Tubs which are made of cement, plaster or concrete need be diligent about hardness levels. Gentle Spa will tie up calcium in your water or replace calcium in soft water spas. Calcium level may be ZERO...so don't try and raise it.  

Do Not use Household cleaners on your spa.  They are not compatible with spa chemistry or most spa finishes. 

Do Not (we repeat), Do Not use Clorox, bath oils, or baking soda to the spa, despite your neighbor's advice...  If these were good for it, we'd be selling it, and have you doing it!

Other products you may wish to use in your spa include: anti-foam, various spa scents, clarifiers, filter cleaners, spa polish, etc... all products sold at Poolmart and Spa.  They are to be used following the instructions on the various containers.    

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL POOLMART OR STOP BY AND SEE US.

©2007 Poolmart & Spas
5738 South Main Street
Clarkston, Michigan 48346
phone: (248) 625.0729 fax: (248) 625-7079
e-mail: poolmartinfo@poolmartspas.com