This is our recommended routine for hot tubs using traditional chemicals such as chlorine or bromine

Daily:

Check sanitiser level & dose as required
Check pH level & dose as required
Clean water line with Waterline Cleaning Paste

Weekly:

Oxidise spa with Non Chlorine Shock
Add Spa Sparkle to help obtain beautifully sparkling water
Add No Foam to control foaming
If in area of high calcium hardness add No Scale to prevent scale deposits

Monthly:

Clean filter cartridge using Cartridge Cleaner
Take water sample to check water balance

Periodically:

Due to the build up of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) the spa will need completely draining & refilling. There are no hard and fast rules as to when this should be done but the following formulation seems to work well in practice.

Spa litres divided by daily bathers divided by 12 = days between draining & refilling
Example : 1200 litres divided by 2 divided by 12 = 50 days.

Water Balance

By balancing the water you are creating the right conditions for bather comfort, chemical efficiency and equipment protection.

A number of factors are involved in balancing the water but the main areas are : Calcium Hardness, Total Alkalinity & pH

Calcium Hardness

This will vary depending on where you live and where your water supply comes from and it is very important that the correct level is established. As a guide soft water tends to be low in Calcium Hardness and hard water more obviously is high. The level should be checked each time you top-up or refill the hot tubs with fresh water. The ideal Calcium Hardness level for spas is between 100 - 200mg/l.

When it is below this level the water could be corrosive which could lead to damage of plant equipment such as the heater. If this is the case apply Hardness Plus to achieve the correct level.

When it is above this level the water has a tendency to appear cloudy and also calcium can precipitate out and deposit itself on the spa shell finish, heater element, cartridge element & within pipework. If this is the case apply No Scale to achieve the correct level.

Total Alkalinity

This will again vary depending upon your water source so must be checked each time fresh water is added. It acts as a buffer to prevent pH change and if the level is too low the pH will fluctuate widely, if too high pH adjustment will be difficult to effect.

The ideal Total Alkalinity for spas is between 125 - 150mg/l. When it is below this level not only will pH fluctuate but the water could be corrosive, cause damage to equipment and be uncomfortable to bathers. Use pH Plus to raise levels. When it is above this level not only is pH difficult to adjust but also the water could be scale forming and clarity impaired. Use pH Minus to reduce levels.

pH Levels

Regular pH checks are an essential part of your spa maintenance routine using Test Strips.

The pH scale has a range of 0 - 14 with 0 being very acidic, 7 being neutral & 14 being very alkali. For spas the ideal range is between 7.4 - 7.6, this being slightly alkaline to protect the spa and prevent equipment corrosion. This also provides the most comfortable conditions for bathers and good sanitiser efficiency.

If the level is below 7.4 use pH Plus to raise the level - If the level is above 7.6 use pH Minus to reduce the level.

Sanitising & Oxidising

Chlorine & Bromine

Sanitising

The sanitising of your hot tubs water is necessary to kill bacteria and help in the prevention of algae growth. The level should be checked regularly using Test Strips and can be in the form of Chlorine or Bromine.

Bromine

This is an effective hot water sanitiser and ideally suited to spas over a wide pH range and has little odour. It comes in tablet form making it easy to apply and avoids having to dose everyday. The ideal Bromine level is between 3 - 6mg/l.

Chlorine

Chlorine is available in granule form which are rapid dissolving & therefore a good sanitiser. It has little effect on the pH levels and the ideal Chlorine level is between 3 - 5mg/l.

Oxidising

It is necessary to oxidise your spa weekly using Non Chlor Shock as it destroys odours and wastes such as perspiration, cosmetics & body oils. It will also restore sparkle and increases bather comfort.

Spa Safety Tips

Safety is paramount where water & chemicals are concerned

• Never allow the water temperature to exceed 40°C
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages before or during the use of the hot tub
• Before children use the spa ensure the water temperature does not exceed 30°C
• Do not allow children to use the spa without supervision
• If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, any cardiovascular condition or on medication consult your doctor before using the spa
• Read and follow all label directions
• NEVER mix chemical products
• Accurately measure chemicals and other products
• Always add products into water, never the reverse
• Store all chemicals and speciality products in a cool, dry place
• Never store chemicals or other products in direct sunlight
• Always handle chemicals and spa products with great care
• Keep all spa chemical containers sealed and out of reach of childre