Basic Hot Tub Water Maintenance
by CNY Hot Tubs
By following these spa water chemistry basics, you'll be assured a happy, healthy hot tubbing
experience.
Since you won’t be draining your tub after each use – like you do with the bath tub – you need to take
measures to keep the water in your tub sparkling clean. Think of your hot tub as a really small swimming
pool, with some specific chemical needs.
You will need to make sure your water has the proper balance of chemical properties, so that it is
neither too alkaline nor too acidic, as well as maintaining a sanitizing process to keep the water healthy
and free of harmful microorganisms.
1. Sanitizer: Purifies Spa Water
Always maintain your sanitizer. Warm water is an ideal breeding ground for potentially harmful
microorganisms. Without an effective sanitizer system in place, you might as well have a huge Petri dish
on your deck . Bacteria from our bodies, as well as airborne mold spores, algae, and even viruses can
find their way into the water and multiply like crazy. Make sure to invest in a quality sanitizer system
that will effectively manage (kill) these microorganisms and keep the spa water safe and healthy.
2. Shock: Oxidizes Contaminants
Shock that tub! A shock treatment is the process of adding a chemical - like non-chlorine MPS shock or
dichlor granular chlorine - to your spa water which breaks-down (oxidizes) any left-over organic material
from the sanitizer process (as well as any other floaties in the tub, like dirt, soap films, hair spray and
sweat).
If allowed to stay in the water, these contaminants provide a food source for bacteria and algae. Regular
shock treatments eliminate these food sources on which the bacteria feed. Regardless of which sanitizer
process you use, periodic shocking is essential for clean, clear hot tub water. Shocking will also permit
your sanitizer to perform at peak efficiency.
3. Balanced Water: Keeping the Alkalinity and pH Equal
What is this… 7th grade science class all over again? Alkalinity? pH? Don’t worry, it’s easy to control your
water balance. When the mineral components of spa water are correct proportion to one another, the
result is balanced water.
Balanced means that the water is neither too alkaline (high pH), which causes destructive scale buildup
on equipment, nor too acidic (low pH) which may erode plumbing and cause costly damage to spa
pumps, seals and heaters.
Balanced water also has a more pleasant feel to the skin, and allows your sanitizer to work more
effectively. To measure the balance of your tub’s water, take periodic measurements with test and add
chems as needed.
4. Total Alkalinity & pH
Total alkalinity is the measure of all the alkaline material in the water and is a good indicator of the
ability of the water to resist changes in pH. Too high TA is much less of a problem than too low. Always
adjust TA first, then check the pH level. Maintaining the proper TA will often bring the pH into line
automatically. Water chemistry is balanced by adjusting its TA and pH with compounds such as Alkalinity
Increaser, pH Decrease and pH Increase.
5. Water Hardness
Water hardness is measured by the amount of dissolved calcium in the spa water. Insufficient calcium
hardness can promote equipment corrosion and also result in water foaming problems. Although there
is no practical way to reduce extremely high hardness levels, it is easy to increase levels which are too
low by adding Increase Calcium.
6. Stain & Scale Prevention
To prevent problems with spa shell staining and scale formation, be sure to add mineral stain and scale
prevent chemicals when you change the spa’s water. Typically you should change your spa water every
2-4 months, depending usage.
7. Not All Spa Chems are Created Equal
Keep in mind that not all spa chemicals are made for all types of spas! Vinyl-lined tubs require a
different set of chemicals that acrylic (hard-sided) tubs. Make sure to consult with you local spa
technician to make sure you pick the right chemicals for your tub.
Congratulations, you now know the basics of spa water chemistry. By following these spa water
chemistry basics, you'll be assured a happy, healthy hot tub experience. If you have any questions,
please contact us. CNY Hot Tubs specializes in hot tub accessories and spa chemicals.
Hot Tub Energy Saving Tips
by CNY Hot Tubs
Follow these common sense tips to conserve heat in your hot tub and save on your energy bill:
A Quality Spa Cover is Crucial
In our homes, although walls are also insulated, up to 85% of heat loss is through the roof. The
same principle applies to your spa. Many modern spas have well-insulated sides, but having a
quality ‘roof’ helps a lot.
If your spa cover is in bad shape, heat leaks will occur at the hinge-fold and also on the spa rim,
so make sure the cover tie straps are snug and latched when the spa is not in use. This will
reduce heat leakage. More importantly, if your old cover has become very heavy, this indicates
water-logging of the foam-core insulation. A waterlogged cover will have almost no insulation
value.
So invest in a quality spa cover and keep it in good shape to save energy!
Block the Wind
Seems like a no-brainer, but creating a windbreak around your spa not only gives you more
privacy, it helps reduce heat loss. Shrubs, privacy panels, or fencing, as well as spa enclosures
can all be effective windbreaks.
Lower the Thermostat
This one is certainly common sense. Modern spas come from the factory with a high
temperature limit set at 104º F. By setting your temperature at 102ºF (or even a bit lower) you
can reduce overall energy consumption while still enjoying a nice toasty spa experience.
Vacation Mode
Turn down the thermostat when you are on vacation – or for any period of extended spa non-
use. If you will be gone for a week or more during warmer months, you can set your
thermostat to its lowest level or turn off the heater. In freezing weather, you need some heat
to keep the water from freezing and damaging the pipes and plumbing.
Off-Peak Heating
Put your spa on a timer and schedule as much heating as you can during off-peak hours –
typically after 11pm and before 7am. Check with your power company for hours and details.
If you have a well-insulated spa with a good cover, it will maintain its heat for several hours
after the heater is turned off.
Air Jets, Lights and Blowers
Air induction jets are great to sooth sore and tired muscles, but you don’t need them on all of
the time, as they lower the water temperature by inducing the water with air. This heat will
have to be replaced by the spa heater.
The energy impact is minimal during actual tubbing sessions, but make sure to shut-off air and
water lights when the spa is not in use.
Monitoring Energy Consumption for Savings
Which appliances, lights, fixtures, or habits are making the electricity bill rise? How much is the
spa using? The only way to tell BEFORE getting the electric bill is to invest in a power
consumption monitor. A quality power monitor provides accurate, real-time electrical
consumption information that helps you make simple changes to your energy usage patterns.
This can save you a BUNDLE identifying electric waste and/or shifting use to off-peak rates.
Change Filters Regularly
Clogged or worn-out spa filters will reduce the circulation of your spa water, causing your pump
motor to work overtime, and your heater element to perform less efficiently – wasting
electricity and money! Clean your filters with every water change (every 3 to 4 months) and
replace your filter annually to maintain your spa's peak performance. The result is both energy
savings and cleaner water.
Floating Thermal Blanket
A floating thermal blanket reduces heat loss by insulating and reducing evaporation. It also
helps keep your spa cover in top shape by reducing the amount of condensation on the inside
of your (no water-logged spa cover). A floating thermal blanket is a small investment with a
high return.
Conserve Water
Again, no brainer stuff here folks. Avoid wasting water. Repair any leaks and adjust jets so that
you're not sending streams of hot water on to your deck. Only heat the water you are actually
using in your spa
Of course, if you would like more energy saving tips, or need hot tub accessories or spa
chemicals, just give us a shout. We are here to help!
Hot Tub & Spa Safety
by CNY Hot Tubs
Regularly have a professional check your spa or hot tub and make sure it is in good, safe working condition. Make sure
that drain covers are in place and not cracked or missing. Make sure you have a GFCI-protected power disconnect
device installed, and know where and how to use it in an emergency.
In addition, here are some helpful safety tips to ensure you and your family stay safe in your hot tub:
Spa Water Temperature
The bottom line is soaking in water that is too hot – or soaking for too long – can be unhealthy and even dangerous. Use
common sense and follow these basic guidelines:
104° F is the maximum safe water temperature for adults. (The National Spa and Pool Institute)
15-20 minutes is generally considered a safe soaking time for adults.
Consult with your family doctor before allowing children or infants in your tub.
Persons with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or any other serious illness should not enter a spa
without first consulting with a physician.
Keeping a floating thermometer in the water is a good idea, especially if your spa does not have a digital
temperature readout indicator.
Spa Water Balance & Sanitizing
Simple. Don’t go in a tub that looks funky. Chances are that the tub has not been regularly or properly sanitized, and
may be harboring harmful bacteria.
As for your own tub:
Make sure to keep the sanitizer level adequate to keep the water free of microorganisms.
Maintain the Total Alkalinity (TA) and pH for proper water balance.
Regularly shock the water.
Children and Infants
These should be common sense, but just in case…
NEVER allow children to use a spa without adult supervision!
NEVER, EVER leave children unattended in hot tubs, spas or pools!
NEVER EVER allow children to play underwater in a spa! If a child gets their hair tangled in a drain cover or jet,
they could easily drown – whether you are right there with them or not. Think about that.
Smaller children and infants should be introduced into the hot tub or spa slowly. Give them time to adjust to the
temperature change and to alleviate any tub fears they might have.
Pregnancy
Simple. Pregnant women should not enter a hot tub or spa without first consulting with their physician.
Chemicals & Spa Supplies
Keep your chems, test strips, cleaning supplies and related stuff in a cool, dry, and well ventilated location, away from
direct sunlight and out of the reach of children!
Do NOT mix dry chemicals prior to adding them to the water. Un-dissolved granules of chemical can damage your spa
shell/liner. Always mix chems in a bucket of clean water and then add them to the tub water.
Alcohol and Drugs
Hot water amplifies the effects of alcohol and certain drugs, and the result can be dangerous. Consult your doctor
regarding the use of prescription drugs, and take it easy on the booze while in the tub.
Power Cutoff Switch
The National Electrical Code requires the installation of an approved manual disconnect device for your hot tub be
located at least 5 ft. away, and within line of sight of the spa for safety. Make sure that your hot tub's electrical system is
properly wired, grounded, and protected by a GFCI.
Electrical Devices
More common sense stuff here folks…
NEVER handle any corded electrical device while you are in or around a spa or pool!
NEVER place electrical appliances on the spa edge. If an electrical appliance should fall into the water,
electrocution could result!!
Spa Cover
ALWAYS use a LOCKED safety cover when the spa is not in use.
Keep young children away from spas unless there is constant adult supervision.
Make sure that the spa cover straps are tight enough to prevent a child from slipping under .
Replace your spa cover if it is in poor condition.
Safety Rails & Steps
While not a necessity, a set of sturdy spa steps and/or a handrail make getting out of the tub (with wet, slippery
feet) much easier and safer. Consider adding one or both to your spa.
Keep dry towels handy for feet and hands by installing a towel bar.
Non-skid surfaces around the parameter of the spa are a good idea.
Serve snacks and drinks in PLASTIC containers to avoid the possibility of broken glass.
The More… The Merrier
Tubbing with more than one is always more fun.
If someone has a problem while in the tub, there is someone else there to help them.
ALWAYS have an adult in or next to the tub when children are in the tub.
Remember, our tips are only a start. Safety in the hot tub begins and ends with common sense. Be careful in and around
your spa – and happy tubbing!
If you have any spa related questions, or are looking for great deals on hot tub accessories and spa chemicals, please
visit the CNY Hot Tubs website. We would be glad to help!