Understand Chemicals in Hot Tubs and Spas

Water test strips for spas and hot tubs

Test strips are the most common and popular option for testing spa water. Most are very easy to use and provide results in as little as 15 seconds. Generally, testing only requires dipping an individual strip into the water, holding it level, then matching colors to a provided chart on the back of the bottle. It would be best if you replaced test strips yearly.

Water reagent test kits for spas and hot tubs

Liquid Reagents and test vial(s) allow the user a highly accurate method of testing chemicals. Available in simple PH/Sanitizer models and more advanced kits, liquid reagents will enable the testing of 4 or more different aspects of chemical balancing. Reagent testing is more accurate but requires greater attention to detail. You must replace reagent liquids yearly. This type of test kit is typically more costly than test strips.

Alkalinity Increaser (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Alkalinity increaser is a base chemical. Alkalinity should be tested and balanced before PH and Sanitizer. Balancing this chemical will help keep the PH from drifting as often or as drastically.

PH Increase (PH+) (Sodium Carbonate)

Used to increase the PH level in the water. Different bodies of water experience PH drift in different ways. Hot tubs and spas built with fiberglass and pools with vinyl liners tend to become acidic and require the user to raise the PH to accomplish the target range. Balanced PH will help keep the sanitizer in the water active and free.

PH Decrease (PH-) (Dry Acid) (Sodium Hydrogen Sulphate) 

Used to decrease the PH level in the water. Concrete pools and spas tend to go alkaline, resulting in the PH needing to be lowered with an acid product. PH Minus packaged for hot tubs tend to be in granular form (Dry Acid). However, you can use muriatic acid and even vinegar to lower PH. Granular solutions store better and are safer to use.

Sanitizer (Disinfectant) (Chlorine) (Bromine) 

Whether Bromine or Chlorine, a sanitizer is essential for your safety. It's the only chemical in the tub that cleans the water and makes it safe to use. All other chemicals that are tested and added are in support of sanitizer.

Oxidizing Shock (Potassium Monopersulfate)

Oxidizing Shock is a non-sanitizing chemical that does not disinfect the water. However, it burns away organic matter and, most importantly, chloramines. Removing the accumulated chloramines in the water will help eliminate the chlorine or bromine smell and keep the water sparkling. It can also convert some of the chloramines back to chlorine helping raise the free chlorine levels in your water without adding additional sanitizer to accomplish the same goal. Oxidizing Shock can be beneficial in lowering the overall amount of sanitizer needed in general.

Metal Remover (Metal Out) (Stain & Scale)

Used to increase the PH level in the water. Different bodies of water experience PH drift in different ways. Hot tubs and spas built with fiberglass and pools with vinyl liners tend to become acidic and require the user to raise the PH to accomplish the target range. Balanced PH will help keep the sanitizer in the water active and free.

Enzymes for your spa and hot tub water 

Enzymes are natural chemicals consisting of proteins that carry a positive charge and will bind with oils and other contaminants in the water, allowing them to be filtered out. Most pollutants entering your spa water come from the bathers. Products such as body oils, lotions, cosmetics, deodorants, etc., can compound in the water over time, make water dull, cloudy, and produce scum lines. Enzymes must be added no sooner than 3 hours from a stain/scale or metal out product, as they can counteract each other.

Foam Remover (Foam Away) (“Fix It Chemical”)

Occasionally, your spa can accumulate an excess of foam on the surface between scheduled water changes. Running jets during this time can turn the entire hot tub into one large bubble bath. If the chemicals are in balance and the tub is not entirely due for its following water change, using a small amount of foam out can get the water back to normal. If you find yourself needing to use foam off too often, it could be an indication of a more significant problem. Detergents used on swimming suits, better hygiene practices before entering the spa, or even draining and refilling the spa might be what’s needed to correct the issue. We call it a “Fix it Chemical” since it temporarily helps with the symptoms of what is often a deeper underlying water quality issue.

Filter wash products for your spa and hot tub filter cartridges 

 Filter wash products are cleaning solutions used to deep clean filter cartridges. They are available in spray bottles and open-mouth containers. After debris are removed from pleats, the product can be sprayed on and then rinsed off. Filter wash can also be added to a large container and used to submerge and soak a filter cartridge thoroughly.

Acrylic cleaners and brighteners

Cleaning solutions are specially made for acrylic surfaces often found in portable hot tubs and spas. This product is non-etching and non-corrosive. When used correctly, it can remove hazing, dirt, and grime from surfaces leaving a vibrant polished surface.

Most spas and hot tubs have cleaning cycles that will turn all the pumps on high speed and get that water moving around. This short cycle is meant to pick up any debris, sand, or grit from the seating and floor, bringing it up into suspension so your cartridge can filter it out. In some spas, this cycle cannot always get all the debris up, and additional manual cleaning may be necessary. There are many options to choose from.

Scum balls for your spa and hot tub water 

 Scum Balls are foam-type items used to catch and hold scum that becomes present in your spa before it can adhere to the waterline or other areas. Generally, these items are kept either in the skimmer or floating around the body of water. As with different types of water quality issues, an excess of scum in your spa may be an indication of a more significant problem in the water or simply just time for a good and thorough cleaning and refill.