UNDERSTANDING SPA CHEMICALS AND HOW THEY ARE USED
As a new spa owner, it is very important that you learn and understand how to keep your spa water, and your spa,
clean and healthy. This short guide was designed to give you a basic explanation of the most common chemicals
used in spas and when they are needed. This information was designed to give you a simple understanding of
spa chemicals and how, where, when and why they are used. It is recommended that you consult your spa dealer
for more detailed information or if you need further assistance.
FILLING YOUR SPA
Although most spa makers have recommended filling instructions, some important things to remember are;
1
It is not recommended to use soft water to fill your spa.
Soft water is aggressive and it can attack metal
fittings and heater elements.
2
If your water source has metals such as iron and/or copper, it is recommended that you use a pre filter on the
end of your garden hose. It will remove any precipitated metals from the water, before they have a chance to
enter your spa. This eliminates or minimizes the need for metal removal chemicals.
3
You should remove the spa’s filter cartridges and direct water into the plumbing lines. This will force air out of
the water lines and it makes it easier for your pump to prime and start.
CHEMICAL CATEGORIES AND USAGE*
1
Water Balance
-These chemicals protect your spa from being destroyed by aggressive water.
2
Sanitizing
-These chemicals protect bathers by destroying bacteria and viruses.
3
Specialty
-These chemicals are used for preventive maintenance and water clarification.
*When using any chemicals, always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for usage
.
WATER BALANCE CHEMICALS
Water balance chemicals are extremely important because they prevent your spa water from becoming
acidic/corrosive or alkaline/scale forming. This, in turn, prevents costly damage to your spa and its equipment.
There are four parameters that lend themselves to determining balanced water. They include alkalinity, ph,
calcium hardness and temperature. In a spa application, temperature is generally constant and as long as it is
initially in range, calcium hardness usually does not need adjusting. The two most important water balance
parameters are alkalinity and ph.
1
Alkalinity
- Alkalinity is the foundation of water balance. When in its proper range, it will help to keep the
water’s ph in range and to prevent erratic changes in the ph. The ideal range for alkalinity is 80ppm -
120ppm. Alkalinity should be checked and adjusted, initially, and then tested, and adjusted if needed, on a
weekly basis.
2
Ph -
ph is an extremely important water balance parameter. If ph is low, your water is acidic and it can attack
metal components and heater elements resulting in corrosion to these parts. If ph is high, your water is
alkaline or scale forming. As ph rises, calcium is less soluble in water. At a ph of 8.0, your water is
considered to be at the point of flocculation. Dissolved calcium will begin to precipitate from the water. This
can cause a sandpapery feeling on the seats and other spa surfaces. It can clog and damage equipment and
it can cause cloudy water. The ideal range for ph is 7.2-7.8. It should be checked and adjusted, initially, and
then tested, and adjusted if needed, on a weekly basis.
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