Spa Chemicals For Beginners!
You would not get into a bathtub after someone else has used it! And it can be even worse in a spa! It’s not safe to soak in a spa without chemicals, a spa without chemicals or the wrong balance is a perfect breeding environment for bacteria, algae, and contaminants. Just like a swimming pool, you’ll need to keep your spa water sanitised and balanced. Having the right chemicals in your spa will help you keep your spa water balanced and avoid major problems like the algae, bacteria, and biofilm build-up. You can discuss with your local swimming pool store, but generally you’ll need to have chemicals like chlorine, ‘shock’, alkalinity increaser, pH increaser, pH decreaser, calcium hardness increaser, line flush cleaner, water clarifier, metal sequestrant, filter cleaner (optional). It sounds like a lot, so let’s simplify the process.
Spa Chemicals: The Basics
Before adding any chemicals to your spa, you’ll need to test your water. You’ll want a good supply of test strips, and for more accurate results, you can use a liquid test kit. Once you have your baseline readings, you can start adding your chemicals. (If you need to, you can always take a water sample to your local pool store if you want to test your water source for metals or other minerals.)
Adding the right chemicals in the right order can prevent cloudy water, slimy surfaces, and nasty spa smells. If it’s the first time you’re starting up your spa, it will be extra important to add your chemicals in the correct sequence.How To Add Chemicals To Your Spa
- Firstly- be safe, by using gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling chemicals
- Measure out your chemicals, then add them one at a time (separately), directly to the surface of your spa water
- Wait at least 20 minutes before adding the next chemical. Keep your jets running and your air valves off to help your chemicals evenly and quickly disperse. You’ll also want to make sure each chemical is completely dissolved before adding the next one
- Keep your cover off. You’ll want your spa cover removed so chemicals like chlorine can “off-gas.”
- Wait 20 minutes after ALL chemicals have dissolved before swimming
- Store your chemicals in a dry and safe location
The Step-By-Step Sequence We Recommend For Adding Chemicals To Your Spa:
Your pH helps your sanitiser work more effectively, and the alkalinity helps prevent fluctuations in pH. So it is important to adjust this level first. Alkalinity and pH go hand-in-hand, so adjusting one can affect the other. That’s why it’s important to add your chemicals one at a time, wait for them to dissolve, then retest your water. And remember, you can always add more, so don’t overdo it. Start with a few tablespoons if your levels are only a bit off.
Step 1
Add Metal Sequestrant Or Stain Preventer If Necessary
If you need to add this to your water, do so before adding any other chemicals. This neutralises metals in the water before they can stain your spa or harm your equipment.
Step 2
Adjust Alkalinity And pH
Your pH helps your sanitiser work more effectively, and the alkalinity helps prevent fluctuations in pH. So it is important to adjust this level first. Alkalinity and pH go hand-in-hand, so adjusting one can affect the other. That’s why it’s important to add your chemicals one at a time, wait for them to dissolve, then retest your water. And remember, you can always add more, so don’t overdo it. Start with a few tablespoons if your levels are only a bit off.
Troubleshooting
If both pH and alkalinity are low: Add alkalinity increaser first. Then test the pH again to see if it needs a pH increaser.
If you have Low pH: Add a pH increaser. If your pH is too high, add a pH decreaser. If you have low alkalinity: Add an alkalinity increaser.
If either pH or alkalinity are high: Use pH decreaser to drop them back to the right level. And after adding each chemical, let them circulate for at least 20 minutes, then retest your water.
Step 3
Adjust Sanitiser Levels (Chlorine Or Bromine)
Now’s the time to add your chlorine granules or liquid bromine directly to the water. You can also use bromine tablets in a floating dispenser system. As always, start with a smaller amount of sanitiser, test your water, and then you can add more if necessary.
Bromine does not dissolve as quickly as chlorine, so you’ll need to wait a bit longer before you can retest these levels. If you are using bromine tablets in a floater, this can take several days to disperse in your water before you get a proper reading.
Many spa owners choose bromine over chlorine. It can cost a little more, but it lasts longer in your water and is very effective at killing bacteria at high temperatures. You’ll also avoid that chlorine-like smell caused by chloramines.
Step 4
Adjust Calcium Hardness Levels
These levels do more damage in the long run, like eroding parts in your spa. So you can wait until your water is sanitised and balanced before adjusting your calcium hardness. Your calcium hardness levels should be between 175 and 250 ppm. If you need to raise your levels, add a calcium hardness increaser. If your calcium hardness levels are too high, the best solution is to drain your hot tub, scrub it, and start over with fresh, filtered water.
Do You Need To 'Shock' A Spa?
You can use a chlorine shock if you’re experiencing issues with your water, like cloudy water or algae, or if your spa is in high use. You can also add a non-chlorine shock once a week when your spa is in use. This will help refresh your sanitiser levels. Remember to wait 8-12 hours before using your spa after shocking it!
For any further questions or advice about your spa and what chemicals to use, please reach out to our friendly team at Barrier Reef Pools, as suppliers of fibreglass spas we will be more than happy to help!
