Below you will find some definitions of some common terms defined to help beginners and seasoned Softuber's gain a better understaind of the science of your Softub Water. I have included products in some definitions to help you more.
Acid
Chemicals such as sodium bisulfate ( SoftDown ) or muriatic acid used to lower pH or alkalinity.
Algae
Microscopic aquatic plant life which can grow on spa surfaces or float in the water. Although harmless to bathers, algae discolors the water and indicates improper sanitization.
Alkalinity
See Total Alkalinity.
Bacteria
Microscopic organisms continuously entering the water via bathers, airborne dust, etc. Without proper sanitization Softub and hot tubs are the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, many of which can cause disease or infection.
Balanced Water
Water that is neither corrosive nor scale forming. Water with the proper relationships of pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness is said to be balanced.
Floating Bromine Dispensor
A floating device which holds bromine tablets and dispenses a metered amount of bromine sanitizer into the Softub water.
Bromine
A sanitizing agent for Softub spas that kills bacteria and algae. The tablet form (Soft Guard)of this product is dispensed using a floating brominator. The granular form is added upon spa startup (initial filling) to establish an immediate bromine reserve (Sodium Bromide).
Calcium Hardness
A measure of the amount of calcium dissolved in water. Water with low hardness can lead to corrosion of metal parts. Total Hardness Test Kits are available for checking hardness levels (AquaChek Gold Select).
Chlorine
A sanitizing agent that kills bacteria and algae.
Cover Protectant
A special formulation for vinyl spa covers which prevents deterioration caused by sunlight and weather. Products like 303 or SoftClean.
Disinfect
To kill and inhibit growth of harmful microorganisms spa water through the use of a sanitizer such as chlorine (softchlor) or bromine (soft guard).
Enzymes
Biodegradable proteins which break-down oils, films and digest scum in spa water (Spa Perfect Vinyl Formula).
Filter Media
A pleated, porous synthetic fabric in filter cartridges, used to trap foreign matter. Filter cartridges must be cleaned regularly with filter cleaning compounds to maintain spa water quality (Renew).
Free Chlorine
The amount of chlorine available to kill bacteria or algae.
Organic Wastes
Wastes such as body oils, perspiration and sun tan residues which bathers introduce into the spa. Most organic wastes will not filter out and must be broken-down by shocking with an oxidizer (SoftShock).
pH
A scale of the relative acidity/alkalinity of water. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral midpoint. A pH reading of less than 7 indicates water which is on the acid side of the scale. A pH of more than 7 is on the basic (alkaline) side. In spas, the acceptable range is between 7.2 and 7.8.
pH Decreaser
An acidic chemical used to lower pH or alkalinity (SoftDown).
pH Hold
A product which locks the pH of the softub water into perfect balance for up to 3 months or until the next water change (pH Lock). After setting initial pH, use of this product eliminates the need for continual pH adjustment.
pH Increaser
A base compound used to raise pH (SoftRise).
PPM
Parts per million
Sanitizer
A compound such as bromine (Soft Guard)or chlorine (SoftChlor) used to kill microorganisms in spa water.
Scale
Calcium crust or buildup caused by unbalanced water. These mineral deposits form on spa surfaces and clog filters, heaters and pumps. The regular use of stain prevention chemicals can prevent scale formation (Relieve)
Scale & Stain Preventer
A product which prevents the formation of calcium scale and stains on spa fittings caused from copper and iron plumbing (Relieve).
Scum Digester
An enzyme product which breaks down body oils, soap film and lotion residues in spa water
(Spa Perfect Vinyl Formula).
Soda Ash
Common term for sodium carbonate which is used to raise pH of spa water.
Soft Water
Water with very low levels of dissolved calcium. Can be corrected with calcium hardness increaser
(Calcium Up).
Spa Fragrance
Special perfumes designed to enhance the hot tub experience and overcome chemical odors. These are designed for spas, and will not alter water balance or clog filters (InSPArations and Spazazz Crystals).
Superchlorination
Application of large shock dosages of chlorine to destroy buildup of organic contaminates in water. The preferred alternative is to use a non-chlorine shock (SoftShock).
Test Strips
Easy-to-use dip strips for measuring the pH, total alkalinity and sanitizer levels of your Softub Hot Tub spa water. We also have strips also available for testing water hardness levels (AquaCheck Gold Select).
Total Alkalinity (TA)
The measure in PPM of all the dissolved base/alkaline material in the water. The acid-neutralizing capacity of water which indicates its buffering ability, or resistance to fluctuations in pH.
