Hot Tub Chemicals Help You Enjoy the Inviting Clear Water of a Home Spa

Hot tub and spas create an ideal environment for the things we really value in life - good health, family, time with friends and even the quietness of solitude. Spa maintenance is a necessary chore but it can be made easier with hot tub chemicals and a routine that keeps it fresh and inviting.

Before filling a home spa for the first time have the local water tested by a professional retailer to see which minerals and metals are present. They will recommend any chemical adjustments so the water isn't too hard or soft. Spa chemical treatments are required to prevent the build up of minerals that can damage the different components.

Just starting out

Make it easier with a start up hot tub chemical kit with products such as:
pH and alkaline balancers
clarifiers to get rid of scum - most are non toxic so natural varieties are not necessarily advised
foam reducers
special formulas that prevent scale deposits and stains from metal such as iron, copper, calcium or magnesium

Master the basics

The best way to prevent problems is to properly maintain pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness. A liquid test kit or strips let you know whether levels are within normal ranges.

Remove odors and irritants

Natural enzymes are a biodegradable solution to clarify cloudy water and restore its sparkle. It will improve the efficiency of the filter by removing contaminants that can clog it up.

Don't just buy a sales pitch

The most common shock treatments are potassium mono-per sulfate or potassium per-oxy-mono-sulfate. These two chemicals are very similar and give comparable results.

Easy to use tablets quickly dissolve to break down organic materials that contaminate the hot tub - such as soap, deodorant, natural oils and cosmetics. Compare tablets with powder forms since the price difference can be considerable.

Cleaner is better

Odor free brominating disinfectants are a concentrated source of active bromine that both kills and prevents bacteria growth. They are formulated to break down slowly and evenly in feeders and floaters as they disinfect the hottub. Check your hot tub regularly to make sure balances are maintained.

Read the fine print

The use of biguanide sanitizers with a hydrogen peroxide based shock may lead to the hot tub warranty being voided. It may cause a pinkish colored slime, and it can also be expensive. Not a good choice.

Affordable hot tub chemicals

Fast acting granular chlorine is a one step option that works alongside mineral purification systems. It has 2.5 times the oxidizing power of bromine and leaves little odor.

The irritating burning and smell often associated with chlorine are a result of organic material. A double dose of chlorine once a week is an effective shock treatment – but avoid liquid or tablets because they can lead to equipment damage and calcium buildup. They also make balancing pH more difficult. Overall costs are considerably lower than other chemicals.

CD or UV ozonators are a nonchemical way of treating a spa hot tub. When ozone is introduced to viruses, bacteria and fungus, they are burned up. In order to keep your hot tub at its best however, some chemicals are still needed, though in smaller amounts. Sanitizers, pH balancers and mineral control are still important.

More spa products

pH Increasers
Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate: bicarb increases alkalinity in a higher proportion
Potassium Carbonate: can be sold in liquid form which costs more than the powdered chemical; stronger but not necessary

pH decreasers

Sodium bisulphate: dry or liquid forms
Muratic acid: not recommended because of its potency

NSF-50: gives recommendations on chemical systems and alternatives for hot tub maintenance

The best source of reliable information about what spa chemicals work best is from friends that have hottubs. Ask them what they use, then talk to a dealer and make your own decision.