The Chemistry of softub, splashtub and
hot tub Water Care

The Basics :

SANITIZE: A disinfectant level of 3-5 parts per million (PPM) bromine or chlorine is necessary to continuously kill bacteria. Bromine (soft guard) , unlike chlorine (softchlor), is effective even after disinfecting. It has a less offensive odor and causes less irritation than chlorine. It's more pH stable, and easier to maintain in the proper level by using tablets in a convenient floating dispenser. However, being more stable than chlorine it can be more difficult to remove the odor from your skin.

SHOCK: Shock treatment is best accomplished by the addition of an oxidizer to the water to break down organic contaminates. These contaminants include: dirt, soap films, oils and perspiration. Filters do not always trap these and other very small particles. If they are allowed to remain in the water, they can provide a food source for bacteria and algae. Regular shock treatments will eliminate them. It is best to use a Non-Chlorine Ozidizing Agent (softshock)

pH:  When the mineral components of spa water are in correct proportion to one another, the result is "balanced" water. When balanced the water is neither too alkaline (pH above 7.8) which causes destructive scale buildup on equipment, or too acidic (pH below 7.2) which will corrode metals and cause costly damage to spa pumps, seals and heaters. Balanced water has a more pleasant feel to the skin, and allows your sanitizer to work more effectively.

TOTAL ALKALINITY: Total alkalinity (TA) is also important. It is the measure of all the alkaline material in the water. It is really an indicator of the ability of the water to resist changes in pH. This is known as the water's buffering capacity. The ideal range for TA is 80-100 PPM.

CALCIUM HARDNESS: Depending upon where you live, you may have what is commonly referred to as "hard" water: water with high levels of dissolved calcium, or "soft" water with relatively low levels. There is some latitude in acceptable ranges for dissolved calcium. Generally, a range of 150 to 300 PPM (or even somewhat higher) is acceptable.

Adjusting your softub water for proper pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness is very important, but really not that difficult! Remember what works for your Softub may not work for other Softubs. If you find a process that works stick with it and don't change it!

Balancing Your Water:

If you are new to this subject, please refer below to the "The Definitions of Water Terms" first, for a basic understanding.

For testing and adjusting your hot tub spa water, you should have these basic supplies on hand:

• 3-way test strips or Gold Select test strips
• SoftRise (pH & alkalinity increaser)
• SoftDown (pH & alkalinity decreaser)
• Liquid Hardness Increaser (Calcium Up)
• pH Lock (this is optional)

STEP 1 - TOTAL ALKALINITY

Always test for total alkalinity (TA) first, using test strips or kit. The acceptable range is 60-180 PPM. If below 60 PPM, add easycare softrise until a reading of about 100-120 PPM is reached. If above 180, add easycare softdown until a reading of about 120-140 PPM is attained.

STEP 2 - pH

Now check for proper pH level. The acceptable range is 7.2 to 7.8 . If below 7.2, add essentials softrise until a reading of about 7.4 is reached. But keep in mind that Soft rise will also raise the total alkalinity, so if the TA is already high, you might want to use Soda Ash. If the pH is above 7.8, add essentials softdown until a reading of about 7.6 is reached.

Once pH adjustments have been made, you can lock pH into balance by adding essentials ph lock and there will be no need for further adjustments for at least 3 months! Note: pH holding products are not recommended in areas with high water hardness (above 500 PPM).

CALCIUM HARDNESS

The ideal calcium hardness level for softtub spas is 200-400 PPM. If your level is below about 150 PPM, some erosion of equipment parts can occur. Low hardness can be corrected with Calcium Up .

Note: Use of Calcium Up is not recommended if you are using pH Lock or other pH holding products.

Weekly Reminders

In addition to regular water testing and necessary adjustments to pH, alkalinity and sanitizer, the following three products should be used in a weekly regimen to encourage the clearest, freshest water possible:

1. SoftShock (2 ounces a week)
When sanitizer combines with bacteria it becomes ineffective, can cause cloudy water, and create an unpleasant chemical odor. SoftShock oxidizes used sanitizer and eliminates the potential for these problems. Always remove the softub cover for at least 15 minuets after adding SoftShock to allow proper oxidation.

During periods of heavy use, you may need to shock more often if you experience cloudy water or a chemical odor.

2. Refresh (1 ounce a week)
Microscopic particles can create cloudy water because they are so tiny they pass right through the filter. Refresh helps combine these particles into larger, filterable particles that can then be eliminated in the filtration process.

3. Spa Perfect (Vinyl Formula for Soft Tubs) 1 capful per week

Spa Perfect is a natural enzyme that biodegrades oils and body lotions that can create scum lines at the water line and clog your spa filter. Used regularly, Spa Perfect breaks down oils and lotions before they create a mess in the softub.