Getting a hot tub is perhaps one of the best investments you can ever make. After all, relaxing in a spa with the jet muscles massaging your tired body is bound to take all the stresses of life away.
There’s no doubt that spas are great, but like everything else, they also require regular maintenance and upkeep.
We’re here to tell you what hot tub chemicals you need, how often to use them, and what to look out for so you can get the most out of your spa.
Which Hot Tub Chemicals Do You Need?
The sanitizer is by far the most important hot tub chemical you need. Chlorine is most commonly used, although if you prefer something without a strong odor, we recommend using bromine or biguanide-based sanitizer.
Bromine is gentler on the skin, while biguanide can make the water smoother, although it’s best to check with the manufacturer or the dealership where you purchased the spa first to ensure the sanitizer doesn’t damage any important parts of your hot tub.
For your safety, it’s extremely important that you never combine chlorine and bromine. They should never be mixed in the water, while in their dry form or even stored near one another. Even sharing the same feeder can put you in harm’s way.
When combined, bromine and chlorine can be dangerous hot tub chemicals that may cause a serious chemical reaction. If you wish to switch from one to the other to keep your hot tub clean, we highly recommend scheduling a service appointment with your local hot tub service center.
In addition, you should also use shock at least once a week to super-sanitize your spa and also to prevent the water from getting cloudy. The type you’ll need to buy depends on the type of sanitizer you use.
In addition, you can also buy a water clarifier if you’re in a pinch and want to make sure your spa is relatively clean.
Whether your spa is indoors or outdoors, it’s always a good idea to use a hot tub cover. Not only can a hot tub cover help to maintain clean water by keeping dirt, insects, and rainwater out, but it can also help to regulate and retain water temperature, resulting in lower operational costs.
In summary, the list of hot tub chemicals you will need can include:
- Chlorine, Bromine, or Biguanide-Based Sanitizer
- Clarifier
- Shock
- Alkaline Up / Alkaline Down
- pH Up / pH Down
- Test Strips or Kit
- Calcium Hardness Increaser
- Hot Tub Enzyme
- Spa Vaccum or Skimmer Net
- Filter Cleaning Solution and Filter Flosser
- Cover Cleaner
The Importance of Hot Tub Chemistry
Before using any of these hot tub chemicals, it’s extremely important to check the chemistry of the water. There are three things to look out for:
- alkalinity,
- pH levels, and
- calcium hardness.
Alkalinity is perhaps the most important measurement, and it should be between 100 ppm and 150 ppm. Luckily, you can buy an alkalinity increaser or a pH decreaser if you’re having trouble finding that perfect balance.
With regards to calcium hardness, the hardness should be slightly on the higher side when compared to tap water. Once again, it’s really important to maintain balance and a hardness increaser can come in handy.
Most importantly, you should own test strips so you can regularly test the pH and alkalinity levels of your water. In addition, creating a maintenance schedule can help you stay on top of maintenance.
There’s no doubt that hot tubs are fun. However, a poorly maintained spa can cause anything from rashes to more severe illnesses.
That’s why it is really important to hire a professional who can thoroughly check your spa and get to the root cause of the problem.
Hot Tub Chemicals in West Virginia
At Koval Building Supply, we have the best spas in West Virginia and are conveniently located in Morgantown, Granville, and Uniontown.
Furthermore, we are pleased to offer the best hot tub sale prices to help you get the best deals on your own hot tub and spa.
Whether you require hot tub maintenance or you’re simply needing the right hot tub chemicals or accessories to make the most out of your backyard retreat, our dedicated team of friendly experts is more than happy to help you with all of your hot tub needs. Please contact or visit us today!
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