When becoming a first time hot tub owner, knowing what chemicals to have on hand can be a daunting and overwhelming task. There are a large variety of various spa chemicals: balancers, sanitizers, cleaners and other specialty chemicals, and a wide range of factors that play a role in what products are needed. Knowing your core products to have optimal water chemistry is important. These are the products that are used most often and will be required for all hot tub maintenance regardless of other outside factors. Every hot tub will vary somewhat in what is needed to maintain crystal clear, clean water. Things like spa use, number of bathers, filter size, pump run times, fill water quality and elements like wind, rain and sun can all require different spa chemicals at different times. Knowing which spa chemicals to always have in stock and which are only needed occasionally will make water care maintenance easier and stress free.
Whether you are using a Chlorine or Bromine based sanitizer you will need something to control bacteria, contaminants and algae in your spa. The sanitizer kills unwanted microorganisms in the water so they can be removed and don’t overwhelm the filtration system. When using the sanitizer, you want to have a consistent level dissolved in the water to keep the water safe and clean. The amount of sanitizer required is based on bather load and water volume of your spa. Read the instructions of your sanitizer of choice to ensure the correct ratio is added to the hot tub.
pH Decreaser /Increaser
Depending on your initial water quality and frequency of use, you will at some point need to adjust the pH in your spa. Though most people find that they suffer from high pH, having low pH will also affect the performance of your spa. The two chemicals that are available to correct a pH imbalance are a pH increaser or pH decreaser. The ideal pH in the water is pH neutral or in 7.2-7.6 range. If pH becomes too high, your sanitizer becomes less effective and minerals and scum can form more easily. If the pH is on the low side this can cause corrosion of hot tub parts and staining of jets and the interior of shell. Both a high and low pH can cause irritation to skin and eyes, making a relaxing soak not so relaxing.
Alkalinity Increaser
Alkalinity and pH work in tandem within your hot tub water. The total alkalinity is the measurement used to determine the buffering capacity within the water. This helps to regulate the pH levels and keep fluctuations relatively minor and more constant over longer periods of time. The Alkalinity of the water buffers best when within the range of 80-120ppm. If you test the water and see a dip in alkalinity you can then add the increaser to correct the balance.
Spa shock chemicals are known as oxidizers, because they use oxygen to remove organic and inorganic impurities from your water, filter and plumbing. Even though the water may be crystal clear, there will be particles and contaminants that reduce sanitizer and filter performance. The shock products are designed to be used every week or after higher than normal hot tub use, to kill high bacteria counts and reduce build up of oil and other byproducts that can enter your backyard haven.
Spa clarifiers work by clumping the very tiny particles in your water, making them large enough that they are caught in the filter. This will help to increase the efficiency of your sanitizer and shock treatments and in turn extend the life of your water between fresh fills. Spa clarifiers can also include additives that help with mineral build-up or enzymes that help to break down oils and soaps from the water. Each manufacturer will have their own special blend when it comes to clarifier, and depending on your water needs will determine which is right for you.
Removing your filter once a week and hosing it down with fresh water will help to remove large debris, but it doesn’t get right into the pleats and remove oil and mineral build up. The smaller, harder to remove particles clog the pleats of the cartridge and give a great environment for bacteria growth and impede water flow. Using a hot tub filter cleaner gently cleans oil and mineral accumulation, and can extend the life of your filter.
Though test strips are not a chemical, they are a product that will be used frequently, and are a good idea to have on hand. They are used to test the chemical balance in the water, to determine that the chemistry ratio of pH, sanitizer and alkalinity are in perfect balance. Make sure they are within their expiration date and they will need to be kept away from moisture and humidity to ensure they give an accurate reading.
Extras
Some complimentary chemicals that you may need or want depending on water quality are a calcium increaser, borate water conditioner, a mineral buildup reducer or pipe cleaner. All of these chemicals compliment your core chemicals or help to resolve a unique water condition from your area.
Keeping a good stock of essential chemicals will allow you to maintain you hot tub water whenever it needs to be tweaked, or refilled. Giving you peace of mind that any time you want a bubbly relaxing soak all you have to worry about is what music and snacks to enjoy.