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FAQ Hot Tubs

November 21, 2007

What is the purpose of shocking compounds?
Shocking the spa water is the process by which
suspended organic matter is oxidized or broken down. This
is necessary because this organic matter is the material on
which bacteria feed. Sanitizing alone does only half of the
process of maintaining clean water.

What is the importance of pH?
Maintaining proper pH level is essential for proper
operation of a hot tub spa, regardless of the sanitizing
method used. If the pH falls too low, resulting in water
that is too acidic, the sanitizer will dissipate rapidly,
pipes and motor seals will corrode, and bathers will notice
eye discomfort. If the pH rises too high, resulting in
water that is too basic or alkaline, damaging scale may
form, water may become cloudy, and eye discomfort may also
result.

What is the recommended pH range?
The National Spa & Pool Institute recommends a range of
7.2-7.8, with 7.4-7.6 being considered ideal.

How is pH measured?
It is recommend using test strips to measure pH.

How do I raise my pH level?
The pH level can be raised by the addition of a product
containing sodium carbonate This will also raise the Total
Alkalinity. Sodium bicarbonate can also be used, but will
have less of an effect on pH.

How do I lower my pH level?
The pH level can be lowered by the addition of a
product containing sodium bisulfate
(Although Muriatic Acid is an excellent pH reducer, it is
not recommended because its fumes and skin burning
properties.)

What is the importance of total alkalinity?
Maintaining the proper range of total alkalinity will
prevent wild fluctuations in pH, will reduce the tendency
toward corrosion of pipes and fixtures, and will reduce the
scale forming potential of the spa water.

What is the recommended total alkalinity level?
The National Spa & Pool Institute recommends a range of
60 to 180 parts-per-million (PPM) with an ideal range of
80-100 PPM. Generally speaking, between 80-120 PPM is
good.

How can I raise my total alkalinity level?
The total alkalinity level can be raised by the
addition of a product containing sodium bicarbonate.

What is the recommended calcium hardness of spa water?
The National Spa & Pool Institute recommends an ideal
range of 200-400 parts-per-million (PPM) with a minimum
level of 150 PPM, and a maximum of 500-1000+.

How can I measure calcium hardness?
Calcium hardness can be measured using Hardness Test
Strips.

How can I increase the calcium hardness of my water?
Add a calcium increaser containing calcium chloride to
boost calcium levels that are too low.

Is there a way to prevent algae formation?
Yes. Regular shock treatment and maintaining sanitizer
to proper levels will help greatly. If algae persists, add
a spa algaecide. Keep you spa at normal operating
temperature at all times to minimize the possibility of
algae formation, as it does not thrive as well in hot
water.

What is the cause of cloudy water?
Cloudy water can be caused by pH that is too high, but
the most common cause is excessive contaminants in the
water. Make sure your filter is clean and in good
condition. Add a water-clarifying agent.

What causes the musty odor I detect when I open my spa
cover?
A common cause is mold or mildew growth on the inside
of the spa cover itself. These organisms grow here because
they don't come in contact with the sanitizer. Condensation
forms on the inside ceiling of the cover, then rains back
down into the spa water, contaminating it as well. The
remedy is simple: clean the inside of your cover at least
once a month

White flakes occasionally collect on the bottom of my spa.
What causes them, and how can I get them out?
These are most likely calcium scale deposits which have
formed on heater parts, and then flaked off. The easiest
way to remove them from your spa is to vacuum them out with
a dry vac.

We use our spa in the summer (at reduced temperature) to
cool-off. Will that adversely affect the water chemistry?
It’s perfectly OK to enjoy your soak at a lower
temperature. Keep your water in balance, and it should be
fine. If you have kids, remember, a hot tub is not a small
swimming pool. If they use it as a play pool, with
frequent trips in and out (as most kids will do) you will
have to change your water often.

What can be done about the harsh, choking fumes my spa
emits when I operate the air jets?
It is important to let your spa breathe. When opening
the cover, be careful not to take in a lung-full of trapped
gasses (from ozonator, chlorine, or bromine) which have
accumulated there over time. Let it air-out. Make sure to
keep your water pH and TA balanced, and sanitizer at proper
level. Prior to each use, run the jets for a few minutes
with the cover open. This will release some of the
dissolved gasses in the water.

My water immediately turned green. What is going on?
Most colored water problems result from the presence
of metallic impurities such as iron (rusty color), copper
(green) or other minerals (black, brown, etc). These
discolorations may be present in the source water, or can
be the result of the acidic action of water with low pH on:
pipes, metal heater parts, and equipment.