Relaxation and hydrotherapy can be easily achieved when you have a hot tub. It can be soothing to the senses, and not only it’s healthy to soak into the bubbly waves, but you can also significantly reduce your muscle pains when you’re a proud owner of this kind of spa. See more about a hot tub when you click here.
However, you need to make sure that you know how to do proper maintenance because the water can get dirty because of dirt, sweat, and body oil. Fortunately, with the help of the right chemicals, you can prevent the growth of algae and make sure that the water is clean and clear. Below is some information about this.
The Importance of Properly Maintaining Your Hot Tub
As a luxurious addition to your home, this is something that can provide you with therapeutic benefits, but you should never overlook various problems, including dirty water that can make everyone sick. Without regular upkeep, bacteria and other harmful organisms can thrive in the warm water environment, and this can put you at risk of skin infections or respiratory issues when using your spa.
Proper maintenance also extends the lifespan of your hot tub. Regularly cleaning filters, balancing chemicals, and sanitizing the water helps prevent clogged pipes or damaged equipment due to excessive debris or mineral buildup.
A well-maintained hot tub operates efficiently by using less electricity to heat the water and run its components, and this can significantly reduce the amount on your energy bill at the end of the month. If you’re wondering, what chemicals do I need for my hot tub when it’s not in use, then below are some of them.
Common Hot Tub Chemicals and their Purposes
Chlorine
An absolute must-have sanitizer out there is chlorine, and it’s very popular for many owners, because it acts as a sanitizer, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms that can thrive in warm water environments. Its primary purpose is to keep the water safe for soaking by preventing the growth of algae and eliminating any potential pathogens. It helps maintain crystal-clear water that not only looks inviting but also ensures your spa remains a healthy place to relax.
These solutions work by releasing free available chlorine into the water, which attacks and destroys any organic matter present. Contaminants like body oils, sweat, lotions, and other impurities that can accumulate over time can be oxidized and removed from the water.
Maintaining proper pH balance is crucial because if it drifts too low or too high, the effectiveness of the chlorine may be compromised. Always follow manufacturer instructions when adding chlorine to your hot tub and store it safely out of reach from children or pets.
Bromine
This chemical is a go-to option for many people because it offers several benefits. Bromine can be relatively stable in the face of higher temperatures, and it’s ideal for hot tubs. Its odor is also milder and can be an ideal option for those who tend to find the smell of chlorine irritating and unpleasant. Get a more pleasant experience with a less noticeable presence of chemicals when you use this in your spa.
Considered to be slightly reactive, this can be enough to kill the germs that cause dermatitis. Mists can have fatal microorganisms on them, such as Legionella pneumophila, and this is where the dynamic disinfectants come into play. Just make sure that you use the formulations set by the EPA and remain in the maximum range of parts per million when applying bromine.
Bromine salts can be put into the water, and they can be activated by potassium monopersulfate. They can be an effective pollutant fighter, and they can handle sweat, urine, and other leaks that have found their way into the water.
Other Chemicals for Water Balance and Cleanliness
Maintaining proper water balance and cleanliness in your hot tub is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. While chlorine or bromine are the primary sanitizers used, other chemicals play an important role in achieving optimal water conditions.
One such chemical is pH increaser or decreaser. The pH level of your hot tub should ideally be between 7.2 and 7.8, as this range promotes effective sanitizer performance and prevents scaling or corrosion. To adjust the pH level accordingly, you can use a pH increaser if it’s too low or a pH decreaser if it’s too high.
Another essential chemical is an alkalinity enhancer, which helps stabilize the pH level of the water by controlling its ability to resist changes when acids or bases are added. Maintaining proper alkalinity levels (between 80-120 ppm) ensures that your sanitizer works efficiently without causing any damage to the hot tub components.
In addition to these chemicals, you may also need calcium hardness increasers or reducers depending on the mineral content of your water source. Proper calcium hardness levels prevent etching on surfaces and equipment while avoiding cloudiness caused by excessive minerals.