17
WATER TREATMENT
SANITIZERS
The importance of maintaining an adequate levels of sanitizer in your spa cannot be overemphasized.
Warm water presents a fertile environment for the growth of bacteria and viruses. This growth is
prevented when adequate sanitizer levels are continuously maintained.
WARNING – Sanitizers such as tri-chlor (tablets or sticks), calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite,
and any chemical that dissolves on or remains un-dissolved in contact with the spa surface will damage
your spa surface and will void the warranty completely.
BROMINE
Bromine is the most common sanitizer used in spas. Maintain a proper total bromine level of 3.0-5.0
ppm. If the reading is below the minimum, raise the level before using the spa. If the reading is above
5.0 ppm, allow ppm to drop to the proper range before using the spa. Brominating tablets are a
convenient and effective source of bromine for your spa. Do not drop bromine tablets directly into the
water as this may damage the spa surface. A chemical “floater” safely and properly dispenses the
tablets into the spa water. When used properly, brominating tablets will keep you water clean, clear,
and odor-free. To ensure maximum effectiveness, add ½ oz. of sodium bromide per 100 gallons of
water every time you fill your spa. This will establish a bromide reserve.
CHLORINE
Chlorine is a water sanitizer also; however it is more sensitive to pH than bromine. To be effective, you
must have a pH range of 7.2-7.6. Any reading outside this range will greatly reduce chlorine
effectiveness.
Use a chlorine test kit or test strip to maintain a reading of 2.0-3.0 ppm of free chlorine. If the reading is
below the minimum, raise the level before using the spa. If the reading is above 5.0 ppm, allow ppm to
drop to the proper range before using the spa. Read the instructions on your chlorine container
carefully, or consult your spa dealer if you are having difficulty adjusting your chlorine level.
The best chlorine for your spa is a granular “Dichlor” compound. It dissolves quickly in moving water
and has a nearly neutral pH. Add chlorine while jets are running and let the jets run for ½ hour.
Generally, heavily contaminated water can be disinfected using large chlorine doses, in the range of 8-
10 ppm, but a more practical method is to drain the spa and refill it with fresh water.
The effectiveness of chlorine is decreased when the cover is left off the water for two reasons: (1)
sunlight decays chlorine rapidly, and (2) organic debris is blown into the spa and taxes the effectiveness
of the chlorine. In addition, the higher the water temperature, the faster chlorine will decay.
NOTE: Two or more individuals in a spa may reduce the level of sanitizer rapidly.
SUPER CHLORINATION
Super chlorination quickly oxidizes the spa water to burn out wastes such as perspiration, hairspray,
lotions, etc. that cannot be removed by the spa filter. This waste build-up reduces the power of the
sanitizer, making the water dull and irritating to the eyes and skin. It may also produce an odor. When
this occurs, the free chlorines have become chloramines which are much less effective as a sanitizer.
This can be eliminated by super chlorination as needed. An application of 5 times the normal chlorine
dosage will act as an adequate treatment.
