Water care and maintenance are some of the most important parts of owning a hot tub.
Improper care has the potential to affect people in the tub negatively.
This could mean skin irritation or off odors.
Debris and bacteria could also start to affect the appearance of the tub and the performance of the equipment in the spa.
Owners should understand the different reasons to keep the water as clean and clear as possible.
Cleanliness Spa chemicals and water care systems keep spas balanced and clean by controlling bacteria levels.
Bacteria enter a spa every time someone steps into the basin.
It occurs naturally on the skin and on organic debris carried in the air.
Rain also deposits some when covers are not present.
This causes conditions that might irritate sensitive skin or trigger the development of rashes after use.
Basic chlorine and bromine kill a certain amount of bacteria that floats freely in the spa.
They do not penetrate the protective organic layer known as the biofilm that harbors bacteria on surfaces within the pipes and basin.
Removing the biofilm requires specialized products, such as Aqua Finesse, that target the film when used with other standard chemicals.
Comfort Water that does not receive the correct type of treatment will eventually become uncomfortable to sit in for any length of time.
The incorrect balance of chemicals and the buildup of minerals can cause noticeable skin issues.
This includes dry skin after leaving the water and burning in the eyes or nose while sitting in the spa.
Owners need to check the chemical balance regularly and adjust treatments as necessary.
It also helps to use products such as Silk Balance that contain a proprietary mixture of ingredients that will thin the water and make sitting in the basin more comfortable.
Adding these types of products is most effective at the end of a treatment cycle that involves standard steps, such as shocking or oxidizing.
Clarity Modern spas have attractive outer shells and covers that make them decorative elements in many homes.
Cloudy or unclear water takes away from the pleasing appearance of the hot tub.
Cloudiness occurs because of debris, bacteria and even minerals and has the potential to generate noticeable odors that become distracting and undesirable over time.
General cleaners, like chlorine for example, will help to reduce this problem.
Another treatment method is to use non-chlorine Hot Spring chemicals that specifically address clouded water.
The chemicals attack chloramines and particles of ammonia that generate the odors.
They also help to break down any oils left because of soap residue or aromatherapy treatments.