Spa water treatment is about maintaining the proper chemical balance (pH, alkalinity), disinfection (chlorine/salt electrolysis), and regular cleaning (filters, pipes) to keep the water clean, safe and clear, with systems like traditional chemistry or saltwater systems, and requires testing and water changes to prevent buildup of dissolved substances.
What should you watch out for?
Testing & Balance:
- pH value: Ideally between 7.2-7.8; too low (acidic) or too high (alkaline) can cause skin irritation and inefficient disinfection.
- Alkalinity (TA): Stabilizes pH; must also be balanced (typically 80-120 ppm).
- Don't use test strips or drops but a good measuring method (e.g. water-id) and test water regularly (several times a week) and adjust with pH increasers (pH-plus) or decreasers (pH-minus).
Disinfection (sanitation):
- Chlorine & Bromine: Widely used disinfectants; chlorine is popular, bromine is banned in many countries.
- Shocking: Weekly or after use add 'shock' (e.g. with granules) to break down organic contaminants (sweat, oils) and kill bacteria.
Only necessary if you don't have automatic water treatment. - Don't use slow-dissolving pH tablets in a Spa
- Your current disinfection device must be suitable for a Spa, specifically the dosing rate must not exceed 100 ml/hour.
Filtration:
- Clean Filters: Spa filters catch dirt; clean them weekly and replace periodically for clear water.
Water change & cleaning:
- Regular Draining: Refill spas every 3-4 months (or more often with heavy use), longer with saltwater systems (up to a year).
- Pipe Cleaning: Use a pipe cleaner (degreaser) before draining to remove baked-on residues from the pipes.
Troubleshooting (cloudy water):
- First check filters and pH/alkalinity.
- Use a flocculant (clarifier) to combine small particles.
- Shock the spa.
Better to prevent than cure. Is that possible?
Of course.
Invest in one of our automatic spa treatment systems, and your efforts are limited to 1 annual check and maintenance.
We are happy to help you further via chat or email contact.