Guide to Spa Water Chemistry
Cleaning your hot tub
1. Drain your spa water every 3 to 4 months, depending on use.
2. The filter should be cleaned every month or more frequently for high bather loads. Soak overnight in filter
cartridge cleaner and rinse well before replacing in spa.
3. Refill spa with fresh water to the recommended level. The water line should cover all the upper jets in the
spa.
Initial treatment to fresh water
Once the temperature of your hot tub reaches about 80º Fahrenheit (30º Celsius), you can start adding
chemicals. Warm water will allow any granular chemicals to dissolve properly.
Test and adjust the pH of the water to 7.6 - 8.2 by adding either a capful of pH-up or pH-down (add pH up if the
pH tests low and vice versa). Allow the water to filter for 30 minutes before retesting the pH.
Add 1 capful of a stain and scale control and 1 capful of spa water clarifier. Adding 2 ounces of an enzyme
based product will clarify the water and also reduce scum-lines and odors caused by body oils and cosmetic
products.
Test and adjust the alkalinity of the water to 100. Add alkalinity increaser to raise the alkalinity of the water or
add de-creaser to lower the alkalinity.
Sanitizing the spa water -
Use an appropriate amount of Bromine/Chlorine (See instructions on the container
or consult with your pool supply professional).
***If you are new to water maintenance, test your spa water with test strips daily to ensure you have a proper
sanitizer level. If you are using an Ozone device, you can keep the bromine/chlorine level at the low end of
'ideal' on your test kit scale. You will find that your spa will use less of your sanitizer because the ozone is
killing some of the bacteria.
Weekly maintenance
1. Test water for bromine/chlorine, pH and alkalinity.
2. Adjust pH to 7.6 - 8.2 and alkalinity to 100.
3. Add 1 capful of stain and scale control and 1 ounce of a spa clarifier
4. Repeat sanitation as in the "initial treatment" (add bromine/chlorine as needed).
5. Rinse off the filter cartridge with fresh water. Soak the filter in cartridge cleaner monthly or more frequently
if you have a large bather load.
