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Whenever we think about pampering ourselves and relaxing, some of the things that cross our minds are hot tubs, spa and Jacuzzi. Jacuzzi, which has become synonymous with whirlpool tubs, uses water pumps that are placed strategically. It offers relaxation, may be used for hydrotherapy, or helps with soothing sore muscles.

These can be found installed indoors or outdoors of up scaled hotels, resorts, spa salons, hydrotherapy clinics, fitness centers or even in some private homes. Hotels with hot tubs make for marketable commodity, while private homes that feature built in tubs tend to bring in higher selling prices. Installing aJacuzzi or a spa is an expensive investment and not everyone can afford it in the comfort of their homes.  Proper maintenance is important to keep the unit at optimum performance and to save cost if you intend on using it for a long time.  Sad to say, some of the hot tub and spa owners neglect to perform routine maintenance. This results to having them exposed to germs and bacteria.

It is important to check if the water you are going to use on the tub is good and safe. This is so you know if the tub will experience scaling, build-up of minerals, and unpleasant-smelling water. If problems are encountered, chemicals may need to be added to the water to attain correct balance. Hot tubs that are newly bought usually come with testing strips. The strips will show levels of chlorine, acid, bromine, and other chemicals. Low chemical level on the hot tub can be dangerous as this might cause build up of bacteria and scum on the walls and in the water.

Pump and pump filters should also be often checked for clogs and debris. Read the instructions in the manual on how the pumps and filters are cleaned.  This is to make sure the tub is in perfect running condition. Cover the hot tub or spa every after using to prevent debris from getting into the water. Most of the Jacuzzis are installed outdoors. Use Jacuzzi covers to keep the water clean.  In the heating process, a lot of heat evaporation and water is lost. Hard cover is needed to help saving electricity.

Spa covers have evolved from the old style covers. The spa covers now are more durable, easier to operate and fold back into a roll so it wouldn’t be too difficult putting them on and off the spa.

Tip:To make efficient use of your swimming pool chemicals, managing good water balance is the main factor

Make sure that you understand the workings of your swimming pool or spa before adding any pool chemicals Having free flowing water circulation and good filtration is important to maintaining a clean and healthy pool or spa

Water balance is the first thing to establish when treating your pool or spa. This helps make sure the later stps like sanitation are effective and use the minimum chemicals required There are three major factors affecting water balance, they are pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness

Calcium hardness

Hardness is the measurement of calcium salts in the swimming pool or spa water and this will vary depending where you live. Low calcium hardness levels (soft water) can lead to corrosion of the materials of construction. Hard water (water high in calcium) can lead to limescale foriming in your pipes and equipment
Calcium Hardness Guide Measures
•    Ideal calcium hardness levels are between 100 – 200 ppm (mg/l).
•    If the measurement is below 75 ppm (mg/l), use Hardness Plus
•    When the level exceeds 200 ppm (mg/l), apply Scale Inhibitor.

pH Measures

pH can range from 1 to 14 where 1 is very acid and 14 very alkaline It is essential to maintain spa water within the 7.2 – 7.6 range which, being mildly alkaline, will protect equipment from corrosion and create the best environment for the swimmers using the pool or spa and also gives  maximum sanitiser efficiency.
•    Ideal pH level for spas is between 7.2 – 7.6.
•    When the level is below apply pH Plus
•    If the measurement is greater than 7.6 use pH Minus
Note
pH in Spas can be difficult to moderate because the water is pumped quickly and the temperature is higher. These things mean pH can vary more than with a pool

pH rises can be caused by this which causes chlorine products such as chlorine granules to lose effectiveness. Significantly greater doses of chlorine sanitiser are then needed avoid this problem by using Bromine. Bromine works effectively over a wider pH range than chlorine Bromine also remains in the spa for longer than chlorine so it reduces the quantity of spa chemicals you use.

Total Alkalinity

Total Alkalinity (TA) acts as a buffer to prevent pH change. The water pH varies drastically when Total Alkalinity levels are very low

•    optimum Total Alkalinity is 100 ppm (mg/l) When it drops below 80mg/l remedy it with Alkalinity Plus
•    When Total Alkalinity is greater than 140mg/l remedy it with pH Minus to reduce it
The balance of the water needs to be monitored regularly because it is essential to the effectiveness of your other treatments

Test Strips/kits are available for you to test the water regularly.