Hot Tub Chemicals – Keeping It Clean
Oftentimes, the hardest part about owning spas and hot tubs is dealing with all the hot tub chemicals that are required for a hot tub to be well maintained and keep its the water clean. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but you do not need a degree in chemistry to figure it all out. This article will act as a guide to help clarify what you should do and the things you need in order to enjoy your hot tub in a healthy and safe manner.
Sanitizers
The most important step in maintaining a hot tub is sanitizing the water. Sanitizers kill bacteria that grow in the breeding ground of warm water. There are different types of sanitizers, so read the following carefully in order to make an informed decision on which type will suit your needs the best.
Chlorine is probably the most familiar to you as it is the primary chemical used to sanitize pools. It can be used for hot tubs, but in different concentrations. There are specific chlorine granules and tablets designed specifically for hot tubs.
Another hot tub chemical that can be added in the form of nuggets, tablets, or granules is Bromine. A form of bromine, sodium bromide, needs activating with an oxidizer like chlorine to work. It can also work with a non-chlorine shock like potassium monopersulfate. BCDMH is another bromine product that is self-activating because it is a combination of chlorine bromine. Many hot tub owners choose bromine instead of chlorine because it is effective as a sanitizer, it does not “gas off” at temperatures over 98 degrees, produces fewer odors than chlorine, and works in a wider range of PH levels. Bromine is usually dispersed through a cartridge arrangement or floating feeder.
Biguanide sanitizers are another form of non-chlorine hot tub chemicals. Biguanide is also non-bromine and it eliminates bacteria by destroying the cell wall. This allows the water to remain clear by burning off the organic matter. Again, Biguanide does not “gas off” at high temperatures and produces fewer odors than chlorine or even bromine.
It is important to note that before adding any sanitizer to your hot tub that you must first test the levels of hot tub chemicals by using a test strip. These strips are formulated to measure the amounts of chlorine, bromine, or Biguanide in the water as well as pH and calcium levels in the hot tub water. Depending on the sanitizer you use, add sanitizing agents as directed by the test strip as well as by the instructions on your chosen sanitizer.
Cleaning The Hot Tub
The cleaning of your hot tub will involve several steps that should be undergone at different times. The following information is provided for the benefit of hot tubs everywhere. Please read all manufacturer instructions before proceeding with the following steps.
Change the Water
It is imperative that you change your water every sixty to ninety days, depending on how much your hot tub is used. No amount of sanitizing agents or hot tub chemicals can protect you against dirty, old water. Changing the water is a simple, yet essential task that will keep your friends and family healthy while using your hot tub.
Clean the Filter
It is essential that you keep your hot tub filter clean and this task should be performed on a monthly basis. Use a filter cleaner designed specifically for hot tub filters. You should be able to clean your filter a few times before it needs replacing, so utilize the filter cleaner to save money.
Preventing the Scum Ring
Changing your water regularly and properly sanitizing your hot tub is the first line of defense in preventing scum ring. There are also scum prevention products available the can help prevent the build-up of greases and oils that remain on the surface of the water. If you are reading this because it is too late and you already have a ring of scum, and then use a mutli-purpose spa cleaner and a non-abrasive cleaning pad to scrub your tub.
Cleaning the Cover
Your hot tub cover is important for protecting your hot tub from the elements, both indoor and outdoor. Once a month you should use a product that is designed specifically for cover care. The best product will provide UV protection and is good for cleaning as well as conditioning your cover.
Other Hot Tub Chemicals – Shocks
Shocks are important hot tub chemicals, just slightly less important than sanitizers are. Shocks are useful maintenance products that help to maintain sanitizer efficiency. However, it should be noted that they cannot be used with Biguanide systems, as these systems do not require shocking because they eliminate organic material by using a hydrogen peroxide oxidizer.
As you can see, keeping your hot tub clean and healthy requires the use of many different hot tub chemicals from sanitizers to shocks to filter cleaners, but if maintained properly, your hot tub will remain a source of pleasure for many years. Be sure to review all instructions before using any chemicals.
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cleaning the spa, cleaning your hot tub, featured, hot ub chemicals, sanitizing hot tub
