Cleaning your spa or hot tub is an entirely different ball game from cleaning your bathtub. This is because, in bathtubs, you drain the water after use. However, this is not the case for hot tubs where the same water remains inside for weeks.
To clean your spa and ensure it is safe, you need to use the right spa chemicals. However, choosing one to use might be tricky as several options are available online and in stores. But, you can search for hot tub chemicals for sale online to see some options.
Removing leaves and dirt from the water is not enough. Doing this alone can cause some illnesses and lead to equipment failure. However, this article will highlight some chemicals for cleaning your spa and how to do it.
Spa Cleaning Chemicals
Several chemicals are necessary for keeping our hot tub clean. However, you should test the water first to determine the chemicals and quantity to use. And you can do this using a test strip. Also, you can take samples of the water to a spa store for testing.
Once you get a baseline reading, you can begin measurements and apply the necessary chemicals. Below are some of the chemicals used for treatments.
Sanitizers
Sanitizers are a necessary cleaning agent for hot tubs. However, there are several sanitizers, so you have to choose what suits your purpose. Some include bromine, salt system, chlorine, minerals, and biguanide sanitizers.
Shock
As shocking as this might sound, your spa will appreciate regular shocks irrespective of the sanitizer levels. This is because shocks help remove some organisms growing in our tubs, like algae. Though other processes are necessary for such conditions, shock is a fast and effective remedy for killing water organisms.
Alkalinity
Your water requires proper alkaline levels for sanitizers to work effectively. Therefore, you need to balance it.
Alkaline levels act as a buffer for the water pH. In other words, they help to prevent the pH from drastic changes while balancing it. But, you will need to get the alkaline levels right; this is a delicate process.
You should ensure that the alkalinity levels do not get below 100 ppm as it can directly reduce the pH levels. And when this happens, the water becomes acidic. Therefore, you should have an alkaline increaser chemical like sodium bicarbonate in your storage cabinet. You can watch this video to learn more about increasing alkalinity.
pH
After ensuring proper alkaline levels, you should check the pH level. If you have experienced cloudy water in your hot tub, it is most likely because of a high pH. In this case, it is best to use pH decreasers to reduce it back to normal – 7.6.
When the pH levels are down, you can use a pH increaser. But, keep in mind that increasing pH will directly increase alkaline levels. So, ensure you balance them during the process.
In addition, while adjusting the pH and alkalinity, you should test the hot tub water. So, ensure that you have a test strip by your side at such times
How to Apply Spa Chemicals
If you have not done this before, you might find it a bit tasking. However, the following steps below will guide you.
Keep the Water Running
The chemicals are to mix with the water. So, it is best to keep the water flowing. Also, ensure that the water source is not stagnant.
Keep the Hot Tub Open
Though it might seem right to cover the tub after adding chemicals to prevent them from evaporating, keeping it open is a better practice. This is because chemicals usually give up gases during chemical reactions and breakdowns. And closing the tub will keep the smell in, which can be very discomforting.
It is not ideal to breathe in those gases, so if your spa is indoors, you should open your windows to allow the gases to leave. However, if there are outside, the gases can easily escape into the atmosphere.
Close Pressure Air Valves
As much as we need the chemicals in gas form to leave, we still need some to stay in the tub. But, excess air and chemical will create an off-gas which can cause them to evaporate. Therefore, it is best to close air valves in the hot tubs while cleaning them.
Make Use of a Test Strip
Ensure that you have a test strip around at all times because you will need it often. A test strip provides details of components the water lacks and the quantity it needs.
There are three levels of concern during testing. They are sanitizer, pH, and alkalinity. So, ensure that they are all in their right proportions. You can click on https://en.wikipedia.org/ to read more about water treatment.
Follow Instructions and Measure
Before adding the chemicals, ensure that you have read and understood the instructions and guide as stated by the manufacturer. Typically, it will contain the quantity of each chemical best for the situation.
After that, you can proceed to measure them. Remember that the process is delicate and requires precision. Therefore, you can measure twice before pouring.
Conclusion
Frequently cleaning your spa can prevent you from infections and preserve the machine. Though the process might be tasking, you can find your way around it if you know the right chemicals. In addition, ensure that you maintain the pH and alkalinity levels of the water to prevent damage.
