OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR HOT TUB

Sanitizers, Oxidizers, pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness.

Vision - Mineral systems use silver, zinc, alumina, or copper ions.  Kills bacteria and reduces sanitizer use.  You need to remember to change the mineral system as directed.  Your nose and eyes are one of the best gauges for sensing if it is working properly.  If it looks good and smells good...enjoy!

Chlorine - a good cold water sanitizer of choice, but very sensitive to pH fluctuations.  DO NOT use chlorine tablets in your hot tub.  Chlorine tablets are very acidic and will lower pH and alkalinity. 

Bromine - Bromine is the spa sanitizer, because it is not pH sensitive and still works well at temperature or with a high pH.  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) is NOT compatible with Chlorine, Bromine or Monopersulfate.  Results in a sticky ring-around-the-tub and gums up the equipment.

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 together, so the filter can remove the contaminates. 

Potassium Monopersulfate - Sometimes referred to as an oxidizing shock.  A Non-Chlorine Oxidizer used to reduce contaminants and activate bromine ions.  Designed to be used in conjunction with a good sanitizer. 

Shock Treatment - This may be done with one of many products...Brominating Concentrate, granular chlorine concentrate or Spa Di-Chlor 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 boost with Brominating Concentrate to increase bromine level.

Recommended Treatment: After every 6-10 uses (people) or if the water looks funky; shock the spa.  Usually once a week.

pH - measures how acidic or alkaline your water is; pH of 7 is neutral.  The further from 7 (up or down) the stronger the solution.  pH can be confusing and intimidating so be sure to use Gentle Spa - you won'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 degreasers 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.  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 TOTAL ALKALINITY DROPS BELOW 200, EVERYTHING ELSE STARTS TO FALL APART ON YOU...YOUR WATER CHEMISTRY, YOUR EQUIPMENT, ETC.

* 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 water chemistry or most spa finishes. 

Do Not use Clorox, bath oils, or baking soda to the spa...despite your neighbor's advice.

Other products you may wish to use in your spa include: anti-foam, various spa scents, clarifiers, filter cleaners, spa polish, etc... all products are sold at Poolmart and Spas.     

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

©2010 Poolmart & Spas
5738 South Main Street
Clarkston, Michigan 48346
phone: (248) 625-0729 fax: (248) 625-7079
e-mail: poolmartinfo@poolmartspas.com