By Andy Go
A majority of hot water tubs incur chemistry problems because of the improper diagnosis with test strips. Some people think that just by dipping them into the water, they will get an accurate prognosis of what's wrong with the water in the hot tub or spa.
There is some truth to that. You can actually troubleshoot hot tub or spa problems on your own. The important thing you should be aware of is how to diagnose these properly and the steps you must take in order to fix the water problem.
For future resources, here is a run through of the possible solutions to water chemistry problems in the hot tub or spa.
1. You should always make sure that the water in your hot tub is safe. You may get a lot of tips online claiming that the safest hot tub water is less stringent. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended that the water be reduced to a low point in order for your family and yourself to enjoy your hut tub safely.
2. Purchase the chemicals you will need for your hot tub from the best store. Get them in pristine condition. Just make sure that you read the details of each chemical before you actually put it in your hot tub.
3. You have to test the chlorine levels and make sure that they fall in the range of 3 to 5 mg for every liter. This is the required dosage for every hot tub. Test the pH levels and check whether they are between the range of 7.2 to 7.6. If it doesn't, then you have to toggle the hot tub pH content and meet these figures. If the water foams, then use the anti-foam. You can also go for the diluted form which comes in spray bottles. Spray them on the surface of the water.
4. You should put oxidizing agents like Calcium Hypochlorite or Non chlorine in your hot tub once every week. These clean the filter. You should also have spare filters which you use whenever you dry one. Notice that the fibers of the filter are bound together after you clean them.
Things to Remember if you have a Hot Tub :
1. Calcium Hardness
You have to get the right calcium level in the water. The calcium levels depend on the source of water, where you get your supply and where you live. Soft water has low calcium while hard water has higher calcium. Each time you refill the tub with water, you have to check the calcium level.
Ideally, the calcium level that is appropriate for a tub ranges between 100 up to 200 mg for every liter. If the calcium level for the tub is less than this, then it might result in damage or corrosion. If you find that the level of calcium is lower than the range mentioned, then use products such as the Hot Tub Hardness Plus in order to increase the calcium level up to the ideal.
If the level of your hot tub is way above than the ideal, then the results will be cloudy water. You can deposit the excess calcium on the heater element, tub shell, filter cartridge or in the pipe. You can also use the product No Scale in order to bring it to the calcium level you prefer.
2. Alkalinity
This depends on where you get your water. You should always check whether fresh water has been added. Ideally, Alkalinity for the hot tub ranges between 125 up to 500 mg per liter. If this stays in this range, then the water doesn't fluctuate. If it drops, then the water becomes corrosive and causes damage on the equipment. We therefore suggest you use the product pH plus in order to increase the alkaline level.
However, if the alkaline level is higher than the ideal, then the water is not that clear and scales slowly form. In order to reduce this, we recommend pH Minus.
3. pH Levels
It's important that you check the hot tub ph level on a regular basis. Use the Test Strips that you can buy over the counter at your local drug stores. Ideally, the pH range equates 7.4 up to 7.6. The alkaline protects the equipment and provides an ideal condition for the users because of its sanitizing effect.
