Hot Tub Self Help  
 

Hydrotherapy, the union of heat, buoyancy and massage, is the reason why you want a spa. It's also the reason why you should choose a spa.  Spas deliver an incredible hydrotherapeutic massage experience, giving you more choices in the variety and quality of massage than any other therapy. Many systems integrate jets, seating, and controls in ways that bring out the magic of hydrotherapy; namely, relaxation, healing and the flow of positive energy.
Warm water increases blood flow and stimulates endorphins, providing a natural feeling of well-being. By dilating blood vessels, heat also speeds the flow of blood to sore muscles or damaged tissue.
Buoyancy lifts pressure from muscles and joints, reducing your body weight. This pleasant sensation of weightlessness makes it easier to move around during your hydrotherapy session and afterwards.
Massage, the rhythmic pressure of jet-driven water, soothes away tension and muscle soreness. It increases circulation and accelerates your body's natural healing process.

Since the time of the ancient Greeks, people have found natural healing powers in bubbling pools of hot water. Now studies tell us that hydrotherapy can ease the pain of sprains and muscle-related injuries, and speed the repair process after a strenuous workout. It can also alleviate the pain of arthritis and ease certain symptoms of diabetes. Simply relaxing in a spa can lessen stress and promote a good night's sleep.  Do you feel calmer during the day because you're looking forward to relaxing in your spa, or does the soothing magic of hydrotherapy last all day? Maybe both.

What does hydrotherapy really feel like?  Hot tubs, combined with hydrotherapy jets, produce a massage that is both stimulating and relaxing.

Maintenance of your spa/hot tub

Spas provide the perfect environment to relax at the end of a hard day, somewhere to unwind and spend quality time with a partner or friends & family, a place where everyday stresses can be left behind.

This guide is designed to provide basic information on the water treatment of hot tubs so that your hot tub is always ready for use. Use the links below to navigate to the section you wish to read up on :
Recommended Hot Tub Care Maintenance Routine
Water Balance
Sanitizing
Oxidizing
Hot Tub Specialty Products
Hot Tub & Chemical Safety Tips

Recommended Hot Tub Care Maintenance Routine
Daily :
Check sanitizer level & dose as required
Check pH level & dose as required
Clean water line with Waterline Cleaning Paste
Weekly :
Oxidize hot tub with Non Chlorine Shock
Add Spa Sparkle to help obtain beautifully sparkling water
Add No Foam to control foaming
If in area of high calcium hardness add No Scale to prevent scale deposits
Monthly :
Clean filter cartridge using Cartridge Cleaner
Take water sample to check water balance
Periodically :
Due to the build up of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) the hot tub will need completely draining & refilling. There are no hard and fast rules as to when this should be done but the following formulation seems to work well in practice.
Hot Tub liters divided by daily bathers divided by 12 = days between draining & refilling
Example : 1200 liters divided by 2 divided by 12 = 50 days.

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Water Balance

By balancing the water you are creating the right conditions for bather comfort, chemical efficiency & equipment protection. A number of factors are involved in balancing the water but the main areas are : Calcium Hardness, Total Alkalinity & pH
Calcium Hardness
This will vary depending on where you live and where your water supply comes from and it is very important that the correct level is established. As a guide soft water tends to be low in Calcium Hardness and hard water more obviously is high. The level should be checked each time you top-up or refill the hot tub with fresh water. The ideal Calcium Hardness level for hot tubs is between 100 - 200mg/l.
When it is below this level the water could be corrosive which could lead to damage of plant equipment such as the heater. If this is the case apply Hardness Plus to achieve the correct level.
When it is above this level the water has a tendency to appear cloudy and also calcium can precipitate out and deposit itself on the tub shell finish, heater element, cartridge element & within pipe work. If this is the case apply No Scale to achieve the correct level.
Total Alkalinity
This will again vary depending upon your water source so must be checked each time fresh water is added. It acts as a buffer to prevent pH change and if the level is too low the pH will fluctuate widely, if too high pH adjustment will be difficult to effect.
The ideal Total Alkalinity for hot tubs is between 125 - 150mg/l.
When it is below this level not only will pH fluctuate but the water could be corrosive, cause damage to equipment and be uncomfortable to bathers. Use pH Plus to raise levels.
When it is above this level not only is pH difficult to adjust but also the water could be scale forming and clarity impaired. Use pH Minus to reduce levels.
pH Levels
Regular pH checks are an essential part of your tub maintenance routine using Test Strips.
The pH scale has a range of 0 - 14 with 0 being very acidic, 7 being neutral & 14 being very alkali. For tubs the ideal range is between 7.4 - 7.6, this being slightly alkaline to protect the hot tub and prevent equipment corrosion. This also provides the most comfortable conditions for bathers and good sanitizer efficiency.
If the level is below 7.4 use pH Plus to raise the level.
If the level is above 7.6 use pH Minus to reduce the level.

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Sanitizing

The sanitizing of your hot tub water is necessary to kill bacteria and help in the prevention of algae growth. The level should be checked regularly using Test Strips and can be in the form of Chlorine or Bromine
Bromine
This is an effective hot water sanitizer and ideally suited to hot tubs.
It is effective over a wide pH range and has little odor.
Comes in tablet form making it easy to apply and avoids having to dose everyday.
The ideal Bromine level is between 3 - 6mg/l.
Chlorine
This is available in granule form which are rapid dissolving and therefore a good sanitizer.
It has little effect on the pH levels.
The ideal Chlorine level is between 3 - 5mg/l.

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Oxidizing
It is necessary to oxidize your hot tub weekly using Non Chlorine Shock.
It destroys odors and wastes such as perspiration, cosmetics and body oils.
Restores sparkle.
Increases bather comfort.

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Hot Tub Specialty Products

Other products also help keep your hot tub clean, clear and enhance your bathing pleasure.
Control of Foam
The rapid circulation & aeration of hot tub water can cause unsightly foam to appear on the waters surface especially when oils and lotions are within the water.
No Foam used regularly will prevent and control excess foaming.
If excessive foaming is a continuous problem drain the tub and refill with fresh water.
Ensuring Water Clarity
Discoloration or cloudiness of the water is often caused by minute particles suspended in the hot tub water which are too small for the filtration system to remove.
Soaps, cosmetics, body oils and greases can all cause dull, cloudy water.
Encourage hot tub users to shower before getting into the hot tub to minimize these problems.
Spa Sparkle used once a week will assist in the removal of suspended matter via the filtration system thus restoring and maintaining the water clarity.
Cleaning your Hot Tub
At water line level, grease and debris can accumulate creating an unattractive 'tide mark' and providing an ideal breeding ground for bacteria & algae.
These can be easily removed and prevented by using Waterline Cleaning Paste daily or when the hot tub is in regular use.
Waterline Cleaning Paste should also be used to clean all tub surfaces every time the hot tub is emptied prior to refilling.
Cleaning the Filter Cartridge
When the filter cartridge is dirty the circulation in the hot tub may be reduced and water cleanliness will be affected.
To avoid interference in the optimum working of the filter, the cartridge should be cleaned at monthly intervals, or more regularly after heavy usage.
Cartridge Cleaner makes cleaning the filter cartridge easy and readily restores the filtration system to full efficiency.
Fragrances
Normal bath fragrances will only create a foam on the water surface so use specific hot tub fragrances that are hot tub water compatible.
Choose between Spring Rain, Herbal, Alpine Forest & Musk
Adds a touch of luxury and enhanced aesthetic benefit

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Hot Tub & Chemical Safety Tips

Never allow the water temperature to exceed 40°C/ 104°F
Do not drink alcoholic beverages before or during the use of the hot tub.
Before children use the hot tub ensure the water temperature does not exceed 36°C/ 98°F
Do not allow children to use the hot tub without supervision.
If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, any cardiovascular condition or on medication consult your doctor before using the tub.
Keep all chemical containers sealed and out of reach of children.
Read and follow all label directions.
NEVER mix chemicals.
Accurately measure chemicals.
Always add chemicals into water, never the reverse.
Store chemicals in a cool, dry place.
Never store chemicals in direct sunlight.
Always handle chemicals with great care.

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