chemicals

What Chemicals Should I Use to Wipe Down My Acrylic Spa/hot Tub Before Filling It Back Up with Water?

Oct 12th, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
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Question from AZ Foodie: What chemicals should I use to wipe down my acrylic spa/hot tub before filling it back up with water?

Best Answers:

Answer by isc_alli
a solution of chlorine and water

Answer by frankrizoo
Fastball, it gets everything off. let it sit 5 miinutes and your golden.

Answer by bareftnga
No matter how dirty the tub may be, use clean towels, & always use a spray on that has no granules or abrasives-they will mess with your filter & did clog a jet on mine. I use mean green super strength. Scrub every inch, then toss the towel & get another clean one. Then use something like a window cleaner-windex, altho I stopped altogether using liquid spray on windex when I discovered the most fabulous results by using the spray on foam window cleaner. Found at your dollar general & family dollar stores for $ 1.00. No streaks & no second cleaning-it gets it the 1st time.

Answer by Scott EThe anode rod inyour hwh
Use acetone to clean it and wax it with fiberglass boat wax.

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Hot Tub Chemicals – Which Do We Really Need?

Sep 18th, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
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Question from kerrellai: Hot tub chemicals – which do we really need?
Just got a new tub, it seems the dealer wants to sell a lot of chemicals (chlorine, bromine, alkalinity, ph+-) but the tub has an “ozonator” for disinfection so we are unsure which of the treatments we really need — help!
Just got a new tub, it seems the dealer wants to sell a lot of chemicals (chlorine, bromine, alkalinity, ph+-) but the tub has an “ozonator” for disinfection so we are unsure which of the treatments we really need — help!

We want minimal chemical treatments, which is why we bought the model with the “ozonator” box – supposedly a new disinfectant technology — is anyone familiar with this?

Best Answers:

Answer by farahwonderland2005
You need the same chemicals that are used in swimming pools to disinfect body bacteria and to keep algae from growing in the tub.

Answer by missourim43
Daily (before use): Time: 2 minute.

Test chlorine levels to see if they fall between 3-5 mg/l (ppm) and dose according to the attached instructions on the Hot Tub Chorine container.

Test Hot tub PH levels to see if they fall between 7.2 and 7.6. If not within these parameters use Hot Tub pH Plus or Minis according to instructions.

If water is foaming use Hot Tub Anti Foam. (TIP – Dilute no foam according to instructions into spray bottle and spray onto surface of water [do not use bottle for any other purposes])

Weekly: Time: 10 minute.

Shock Hot tub with suitable oxidising agent such as Non chlorine shock or Calcium Hypochlorite.

Clean Filter using Hot Tub Filter Cleaner and swap with spare. (you should always have a spare filter as filters have to be allowed to dry first so that the fibres can bind together after cleaning).

Monthly: Time: 5 minutes.

If you live in an area with hard water (high Calcium) add Hot Tub Scale Remover.

Periodically (Once every 2 months): Time: 90 minutes.

Clean hot tub cover with week solution of chlorine (3-5mg/litre)

Replace hot tub filters (6 months – 1 year)

Change water

It is important to maintain the correct water balance to create the perfect conditions for you to relax in. We recommend that you follow the guide below in order to achieve this.

Calcium Hardness

It is important to achieve the correct level of calcium in your water, the levels of which will vary depending on where you live and where your water supply comes from. Soft water tends to be low in calcium and hard water tends to be higher. Every time you top up or refill your hot tub with fresh water you need to check levels of calcium.

The ideal calcium hardness level for a hot tub is between 100 -200mg/lIf the level in your hot tub is below this it could lead to corrosion damage. If you do find the level is low, then use Hot Tubs Hardness Plus to bring it up to the correct level. If the level in your hot tub is above this it can lead to the water appearing cloudy. As a result, calcium can be deposited on the tub shell, heater element, filter cartridge element and the pipe work within. To reduce this use Hot Tub No Scale to correct the level.

Total Alkalinity

This also depends on your water source and should be checked every time fresh water is added. The ideal Total Alkalinity for your hot tub is between 125 – 150mg/l If it stays between this it will prevent the pH of the water fluctuating. If the level falls below the recommend amount the water can become corrosive causing damage to the hot tub equipment. This being the case, we suggest using Hot Tub pH Plus to raise levels.

If the level is too high, the water can become poor in clarity and scale will form. To reduce this use Hot Tubs pH Minus.

pH Levels

It is essential you regularly check the pH of your hot tub water using Hot Tub Test Strips. The ideal pH range is between 7.4 -7.6, this is slightly alkaline which protects the hot tub and equipment. It also provides the most comfortable condition for hot tub users and has a good sanitising efficiency. If the pH level is below 7.4 use Hot Tub pH Plus to raise the level and if the pH level is above 7.6 use Hot Tubs pH Minus to reduce the level.

Sanitising

Sanitising of your hot tubs water is vital to kill bacteria and prevent algae growth. Levels should be checked regularly using Hot Tub Test Strips. You can use either Chlorine or Bromine to adjust the levels. Most people use Chlorine, preferring the smell to Bromine.

Bromine
Using Hot Tubs Bromine is a very effective hot tub sanitizer. It comes in tablet forms making it easy to apply to the water.
The ideal Bromine level is between 3 – 6mg/l

Chlorine
Using Hot Tubs Chlorine is another effective hot tub sanitizer. It comes in granule forms which dissolve very quickly in the hot tubs.
The ideal Chlorine level is between 3 – 5mg/l

Oxidising

We recommend that you oxidise your hot tubs monthly using Hot Tub Non Chlorine Shock. This destroys odours and other undesirable additions such as perspiration, cosmetics and body oils.
By doing this monthly it improves the comfort and hygiene for hot tubs users.

Hot Tub Speciality Products

Other products also help keep your hot tub clean, clear and enhance your bathing pleasure.

Control of Foam – Due to the circulation and aeration of hot tub water, foam can appear on the water surface which looks unsightly; this is caused by oils and lotions within the water. To reduce the foam use Hot Tub No Foam regularly to prevent and control foaming. If the problem of foam continues after using Hot Tub No Foam we recommend that you drain and refill with fresh water.
Cleaning your Hot Tub – At the waterline, grease and rubbish can build up that creates a line around the tub which provides an ideal ground for bacteria and algae to breed. To remove these lines easily and prevent them appearing use Hot Tub Water Line Cleaning Paste daily.

Hot Tub Water Line Cleaning Paste should also be used every time prior to refilling.

Cleaning the Filter Cartridge – You will be able to tell when the filter needs cleaning as the circulation within the hot tub will be reduced and the water cleanliness will change. To avoid the inconvenience of the filter not working we recommend that it should be cleaned at monthly intervals or more if you use your hot tub heavily. Hot Tub Cartridge Cleaner helps clean and restores filters to their full efficiency.

Fragrances
It always a nice touch to add a fragrance to your hot tub water but never use bath fragrance as this will create foam which is not good for your tub. Only ever use Hot Tub Fragrances that have been designed for use in Hot Tubs. Our Online shop sells a wide range of fragrance.

Hot Tub & Chemical Safety Tips

• Never allows the water temperature to exceed 40°C.

• Do not Drink Alcoholic beverages before or during using the hot tub.

• Before children use the hot tub ensure water temperature does not exceed 30°C.

• If you are pregnant, suffer from high blood pressure, any cardiovascular condition or on medication always consult your doctor before using the hot tub.

• Keep all chemical containers sealed and out of reach of children.

• Always read and follow the instructions on the labels.

• NEVER mix Chemicals.

• Always add chemical into water, never add chemicals before water.

• Accurately measure chemicals.

• Store chemicals in a cool and dry place.

• Never keep chemical in direct sunlight.

• Always handle chemicals with great care.

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Answer by percylenain
Ask your dealer for the 2 part bromine system, it consists of a liquid bromine and a crystal energiser, it is ALL you will need.

Answer by adrien t
I too just got a hot tub about two weeks ago and have an ozonator. My sales person has me using a mineral sanitizer from Zodiac that I just lay across my filter tray. With only a few of us using the hot tub all appears to be well. He did suggest that if I am going to have a lot of people to add a little chlorine, but said that the ozonator alone is not sufficient.

I have not used any chlorine and all appears to be well. I do use half a cap of a shock twice a week and have had to add some alkaline builder once.

Have fun with it….

Answer by fluffernut
We use just a smidgen of chlorine (less than a capful) after use, relying on the bromine and ozonator most of the time. Beware, the ozonator can burn out and you won’t know it, so keep an eye out for it’s light.

Another thing, eventually your tub’s pipes can build up icky stuff that the chemicals can’t get to. Every year or so put in a cleaner…I’m thinking it’s Swirl Away for jetted tubs and hottubs, run it for about 15 minutes thru the pipes and then drain and clean the tub.

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Q&a: Is It Ok to Use Pool Chemicals in a or Hot Tub or Spa?

Sep 16th, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
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Question from dski76: Is it ok to use pool chemicals in a or hot tub or spa?
They seem to be similar and much cheaper than the one’s labeled for spa’s only.

Best Answers:

Answer by Jim S
I would. My spa’s part of the pool, and gunite, so I don’t worry about it. The biggest issue is not to use too much chemical. Take a water sample to a reputable pool or spa store and they will analyze the water for free and tell you what you need to balance the chemicals.

Answer by staticbrain.com
NO it isn’t. The pool chlorine shock treatment will interact with the bromine. The two each negate the other and this makes them not work right. You need chlorine free shock treatment. I found this out the hard way when the hot tub at the house I just moved into kept getting cloudier and cloudier. When we questioned the guy at the spa place he told us that you need chlorine free shock treatment. He said we were causing the cloudiness because of the interaction between the bromine and the chlorine. Also besides bromine and the chlorine free shock treatment you also will need rust and scale remover as well as chemicals to raise and lower the PH. You can get a test kit, and test the water yourself, but don’t use a pool test kit because they don’t measure bromine.

Answer by Melissa
Sure can they are all the same!

Answer by D R
NO NO !!!! if your spa is separate from your pool . the spa would be lots smaller and you would probably be heating it
. the chemical you should use to sanitize the water in a 5 to 6 hundred gallon spa is called sodium dichlor ! 2 oz 1 time a week. then you need to treat the water for what you take into the spa on your body like sweat and all of the other stuff that might be on you. after 2 to 3 uses check your p.h. if it is over 7.5 use a non chlorine shock as per label instructions. if your p.h. is 7.2 to 7.5 after 2 to 3 uses then you need a chemical called spa perfect. again use as per label instructions. the chemicals i am talking about are all lots less acidic than average pool chemicals . lots less harsh on you and the spa equipment !

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Do You Use Chemicals in Your Outdoor Hot Tub or Just Change the Water Periodically?

Aug 31st, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
1 comment

Question from OU812: Do you use chemicals in your outdoor hot tub or just change the water periodically?
I used to have a lot of trouble maintaining the water with chemicals and just gave up one day. Now, the water seems to do well on it’s own; stays clear, no bad smells, minimal growth on tub walls, …

Best Answers:

Answer by Gary S
The bad part with not using chemicals, is the bacteria grows. The water is unhealthy rather or not you can smell it, or if it is clear or not. Havent had much problem maintaining my water balance. During the winter with the cooler weather and with less usage, you dont require as much chlorine. I dont measure, and usually put about a large capful in once a week.

Answer by african_queen
chemicals ! no everything but not that

Answer by Winter
You could contract with a service or get a dispenser but you really do need to treat a spa regularly to keep the water from becoming a health hazard.

Answer by Redsoxgurl
I let my parents do that stuff

Answer by macncletus
Go to your local spa dealership, or even a good hardware store, and get the hot tub maintenance kit. You definitely don’t chage the water out that often! You would have a very large water bill. It is fairly easy to keep it claen and healthy. It all depends on the amount of useage as to how often you will use the chemical treatment. You do change the water, just not weekly like you do for maintaning a healthy hot tub.
Good Luck!
And have fun Hot Tubbin’!

Answer by bigg_dogg44
we just use a floating bromine cartridge and change the water about once a month…..the real trick is to change and clean the filter(s) often…..another great help is if the people getting in would shower off before getting in it will remove the body oil and that is the big problems with spas……

Answer by Jerry & Bonnie Daytona
We use bromide in our hot-tub. It is set at 100-101. When the outside temperture drops below 50 we raise the hot tub to 103-104. We have now had the hotub for 2 years and have “topped off” the water every 3 months. we have never changed it completely.

Answer by Jim N
You are simply looking for trouble by not using chemicals. If it is important not to use chemicals then get an ozonator and you only have to do a little shock after you get out. We all carry bacteria, and the hot tub is a perfect incubation chamber. Like a giant petri dish. I have little trouble. I basically use two chemicals, OxyShock and Iso Chlorine. Everytime I get out, I throw in a capful of each and rarely have trouble. Of course, it is good to change your water, but, if you get a bacterial culture or growth in your pipes and plumbing, you will have a hard time getting rid of it. Also, you are begging for uninary infections or bladder infections for any or from any guests. Go to a different spa supplier, take a water sample and they will cheerfull help you on treatment. I use test strips which work quite well and are easy. Good Luck.

Answer by cowboydoc
Well what you talking about is bacteria and algae, along with acids and things you don’t want to know about.

Answer by zen522
You do need to have chemicals in a hot tub. The needed range of chlorine / bromine levels need to be 3 to 5 ppm to be ideal. It can swing up as for as 10 ppm total free cholrine and the combined chlorine can not be over .5 ppm.
The PH range need to be with in 7.8 to 7.2 ppm but the ideal range for PH is 7.4 to 7.6 ppm.
Hot tubs / Spas are the hardest to care for due to the temp the water is at it makes it a breeding ground for bacteria.
As for draining and refilling your spa this as well is a must depending on the traffic use it sees. I run a spa that I have to drain and refill about once or twice a week.
If you do not know how to balance the chemicals in your spa please go to your spa supplier and find out what you will need.

In reply to the next post the smeel is NOT from under treating your spa It is due to the combined chlorine being high. The burning smell most people think is from high chlorine is really from another chemical called chloramines. AS I said IF YOU DO NOT KNOW FIND A CERTIFIED POOL-SPA OPERATOR

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What Kind of Chemicals Does a Hot Tub Need?

Jul 24th, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
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Question from bradleycny: What kind of chemicals does a hot tub need?
And how much do they cost on a monthly basis? I don’t need a real detailed answer, just trying to make a monthly cost estimate. Thanks.

Best Answers:

Answer by Casey
Granular chlorine has been used in spa water maintenance for years, this in combination with an ozone generator is what I use on my own spa. Chlorine is a fast acting short-lived chemical when used in hot water. It has 2.5 times the oxidizing potential of Bromine, and can be used as its own shock. When used properly it leaves very little odor in the water.

The method I use is to add one tablespoon of high quality (99% active ingredient) granular chlorine after each use. Then I check my pH three times per week, usually only having to adjust it once. I add a small amount of scale control chemical whenever I add water. I also add a double dose of Chlorine once a week as a shock treatment. I would estimate my annual chemical costs at $ 70 per year. About one half to one quarter the average. And my water is crystal clear.

Good Luck,
Casey

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What Is the Best Brand of Chemicals for a Hot Tub?

Jul 22nd, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
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Question from James R. Reed, II: What is the best brand of chemicals for a hot tub?
Some brands only require one or two additives while other brands have a half dozen or more speciality chemicals.

Whatever brand Home Depot sells consists of three different things you add to the water and even comes in kit form at a reduced cost.

Lowe’s carries Dupont chemicals. No kits and at least a dozen different powders, liquids, etc. and little or no guidance as to which ones to buy.

Best Answers:

Answer by Just me
I brought my water in to a pool place to have it analyzed. They help me. For a long time I just used chlorine and baking soda. The baking soda was for PH. But, my water didn’t feel right. I do know that you DO NOT want to use the tablets. get the powder. The tablets will eat the acrylic off the sides.

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How Soon Can I Swim in My Hot Tub After Adding Chemicals?

Jul 16th, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
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Question from : How soon can I swim in my hot tub after adding chemicals?
Just added the recommended chemicals, the chlorine substitute and such. How soon should I wait before getting in?

Best Answers:

Answer by jennifer s
The back of the bottle should tell you. There are some chemical that you add where you only have to wait 15 mins and others require several hours. I have a pool and I am so guilty of not following those rules LOL. I can’t wait. If you read the caution part it should tell you. If it doesn’t you could call a pool/sauna store and tell them what you added and they should be able to tell you.

Answer by Tommy Flamm
Who cares, let’s git bukkid nekkid and get in and listen to Pat and Ron.

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What Chemical(s) or Cleaning Agent(s) Work Best When Cleaning the Tub Portion of a Hot Tub?

Jun 25th, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
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Question from James R. Reed, II: What chemical(s) or cleaning agent(s) work best when cleaning the tub portion of a hot tub?
I figure there isn’t much I can’t or shouldn’t use seeing as the thing is routinely filled with chlorinated water.

Just curious if anyone has recommendations for better-than-the-other cleaners ..

Thanks.

The tub color is white and not especially dirty to begin with. The tub has not been used for 2-3 years but was covered most of that time.

Best Answers:

Answer by bubbles
Hay, If you have not tried a soap scum remover for bathtubs, you may want to try that! The works is pretty good, or check with Lowe’s or Home Depot for one! Also the Dollar General Store sell Awesome, and it is Awesome! Hope this helps for You!

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What Chemicals Do I Need for My Hot Tub?

May 19th, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
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Question from fdriep: what chemicals do i need for my hot tub?
i have a 6 person hot springs hot tub 2003 model and would like to know what chemicals i need to keep it goin? I got a starter kit from the place i bought it off of and really dnt know how to put in and what all 5 of those spots are on the test strip…..they were going to charge us extra for them to tell us how to do it so i said f off and figured someone on here could help me.

Best Answers:

Answer by eskie lover
A lot depends on the system you are using to maintain your spa. We use bacquacil on our hot springs spa, but there is bromide, natural enzyme and chlorine chemical systems too.

http://www.spadepot.com/hot-tub-spa-information.htm

This is a handy guide to spa maintenance and chemistry to help you with the system you are using.

Answer by Seth
You need a tester which will tell you what you need according to the balance of the water. You can also take in a sample of the water to the local hot tub dealer in your area who will help you select the exact products you need to balance the water based on the system you are using. I use the Bacqua spa system and add sanitizer only as needed and that depends on how often we are using the spa. You also need filters, but our spa manufacturer recommends changing them annually. It would help you to ask the distributor for their website or a manual for your specific spa and model. They have great information on maintenance, troubleshooting problems and care issues.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.angelfire.com%2Fmi2%2Fhottubs%2F&ei=4NgWSrTcEoPNlQeLxJT2Cw&usg=AFQjCNGt8OGXpS7oJk9ihnUAO556ID5I_A

Seth ➤➤

Answer by Ya
if you do not like chlorine. . .

there are systems you can buy with half copper sulfate bb’s and half silver nitrate bb’s . . . .one kills all bacteria from the body and germs and other kills everything organic. (algae et cetera)

not expensive

Answer by hantav1
First things first, I really hope that this is not an actual pool/spa store that is going to charge you to show you how to use there chemicals. You need to find a reputable pool/spa store by contacting your local Better Business Bureau.

Most spa treatment regimens will want you to add a bunch of different chemicals in to the tub. As a crash course in spa chemistry and keeping in mind that people are inherently… well… lazy… there are 2 chemicals that YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST ADD (something to adjust the pH/acidity and a sanitizer of some sort), the rest is either maintenance or cosmetic.

1. Sanitizers: there are a whole bunch of different types and this will make things very confusing because each has their own sales pitch attached to it. The tried and true are bromine or chlorine, which are best added as pucks placed within floating dispensers. You will need to play with how open the dispenser needs to be to get the right amount of sanitizer in your tub (test with test kit). You will also need to “shock” the water at least once a week. “Shocking” is just a chemical method of removing the “left overs” that the bromine/chlorine have killed. You have a choice of either chlorine or non-chlorine based shock, add one or the other because both will work equally well.

There are exotic sanitation systems available including copper/silver ion systems, ozone in combination with bromine/chlorine, salt water generators that make bleach, the list goes on. Many of the exotic systems will CLAIM THAT YOU CAN GO CHLORINE/BROMINE FREE. The reality is that government sets very strict standards as to what can and can’t be called a sanitizer. I recommend sticking with the tried and true bromine or chlorine because they work. Many of the exotic systems require constant fiddling that will eventually make things expensive. At the end of the day, USE WHATEVER SYSTEM THAT IS EASIEST FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND AND USE!!!!

2. pH/acidity: Generally, most tap water in North America is acidic. Therefore, you’ll be adding more of the pH up chemicals in the long run. The easiest way to raise the pH is to add sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda) when needed. Periodically, you may need to lower the pH by adding an acid, any brand that has the description “lowers pH” will work. Don’t add vinegar to lower the pH because it will make your tub stink.

Everything other chemical (natural enzyme this, stain preventer that, anti-foaming here, clarifier there) are either cosmetic or maintenance related. If you maintain your sanitizer and pH levels you shouldn’t have any problems with smelly, foamy or cloudy water. Just remember to clean your filters regularly and drain the tub (regardless of use) every 3 months.

Regarding your test strips, just pay attention to the spots that correspond to the sanitizer (bromine or chlorine that is normally the purple colour) and the pH (which is the yellow to red colour). Make sure they’re within the ideal range on the products colour chart. For the sanitizer, a nice purple is good. For the pH, a nice orange is good.

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Can I Use Bleach Instead of Hot Tub Chemicals?

May 6th, 2012
by Hot Tub Help Guy.
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Question from : can i use bleach instead of hot tub chemicals?
my friends ran out of hot tub chemicals, and i read on a few sites that just regular bleach can be used instead of chlorine, for pools. so i was wondering if its the same for hot tubs?

also how long do you have to wait for the water to warm up after you’ve filled it?

Best Answers:

Answer by grapejuice
There’s another type of chlorine that seems to work better for the heat in spas.

You’re going to have to wait long enough for the water to feel comfortable. I seem to remember that it takes at least 4 hours. Use a thermometer.

PS-those websites that say that ‘just regular bleach can be used’ are doing a disservice to the readers. Yes, it is essentially the same bleach, but the stuff from the pool company is much higher concentrated, so your cost per ounce needed is much less with the better chlorine.

Answer by GTB
As one with an undergrad degree in Chemistry and a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering please understand that:

1. Bleach is NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) at 4 – 5 % w/v in water.

2. Pool shock and similar chlorine solutions are NaOCl at 10% in water.

Both are the same chemical dissolved in water at different concentrations.

The critical reaction, assuming HCl is present is

NaOCl + HCl ==> NaOH + Cl2

The Cl2 is the chlorine.

Now the specific answers to your questions:

1. Bleach is a diluted form of the pool shock solution

2. You use a whole lot more bleach to do the same thing pool shock does and because it is less concentrated, the needed reaction is slower.

3. You need to add HCl to bleach or pool shock as the NaOH produced would raise the pH to an unacceptable alkaline level – which makes it unacceptable for human use.

4. It is in fact a lot more expensive to use bleach to do the job. Do you really think the makers have not determined this beforehand??

Answer by Jonathan
YOU may also want to try hydrogen peroxide there is a photo of the most powerful version I have found (35%) on this page towards bottom: http://www.swimming-pool-information.com/chlorine-free-pool-systems.html

Answer by Jessica
You can you bleach, but it might be cheaper to just replace the pool chemicals. You will have to use much more liquid bleach than you would pool chlorine. Since you can buy pool chemicals online in bulk for a discounted price, it will not save you any money to use chlorine bleach.

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