Because hot tubs and spas are not drained after each use, having an awareness of the basic ABCs of water chemistry is a must for ensuring both a pleasant and sanitary hot tubbing experience for everyone to enjoy.

Balancing the chemical properties of spa water so that it is neither too alkaline nor too acidic is one aspect of spa management. The other component to keeping the water healthy and free of harmful microorganisms is maintaining a suitable sanitizing system.

A – Always maintain your sanitizer

Because bacteria from our bodies, as well as airborne mold spores, algae, even viruses can be introduced into the spa water, an effective sanitizer system is required to control these organisms from multiplying. Fortunately, there are several EPA-registered spa purifier systems that meet stringent standards for effectiveness in hot tubs, including bromine, Nature2 and Cleanwater Blue®.

B – Be certain to shock treat

No matter which sanitizer system is chosen to control microorganisms in the spa water, periodically adding a shock treatment to oxidize and break-down dead organic material, as well as dirt, soap film, hair spray and perspiration is essential for clear, clean hot tub water. Shocking the water also allows the sanitizer to perform at peak efficiency. Although dichlor granular chlorine is a good shock to use at startup and to correct occasional water problems if they occur, a non-chlorine MPS shock is recommended for routine use.

C – Control your water balance

Water is balanced when the mineral components of spa water are in correct proportion to one another. Balanced water is neither too alkaline (high pH) which causes destructive scale buildup on equipment, nor too acidic (low pH) which can be corrosive to plumbing, spa pumps, seals and heaters. When water is properly balanced, it feels better to the skin, and also allows the sanitizer to work more effectively.

Total Alkalinity (TA) and pH

Measuring the alkaline material in the water (Total Alkalinity) is a way to gauge the water’s ability to resist changes in pH – the water’s buffering capacity. Too high TA is less a problem than too low. It is best to always adjust the TA first, then go ahead and check the pH level. By maintaining a proper TA, the pH will often automatically adjust to the desired level. Balance the water chemistry by adjusting TA and pH with compounds such as Alkalinity Increaser, pH Decrease and pH Increase.
Water Hardness

The amount of dissolved calcium in the spa water indicates its hardness level. Inadequate calcium hardness can result in water foaming problems and can sometimes promote equipment corrosion. A low hardness level is easy to remedy by adding Hardness Increaser. Increasing calcium levels is not recommended or necessary if using the Cleanwater Blue bactericide-algicide.