Your Hot Tub Chemistry
Hot Tub Chemistry
Even fluorinated and chlorinated water left unattended will become infested with bacteria, algae, mold, and other pathogens. Sweat and other body fluids cause to sanitizer to deteriorate and become ineffective faster.
Some questions you should ask yourself are: how often should I check the sanitizer in the How DO I check the hot tub water? What should I add to the water? How much should I add to the water?
Hot tubs need consistent amounts of certain chemicals and sanitizers to keep the water clean and haze free. It is a good idea to occasionally add fresh water to account for the loss from evaporation and spillage. We also advise you to drain and refill your hot tub at least every 6 months.
The chemistry of your hot tub is unique to your tub. Its always changing as different chemicals are used to prevent organisms from growing. The mineral content and bacteria count of the water vary widely from spa to spa . In hot tubs with high air temperature, the hot tub water will evaporate faster, and therefore will require chemicals more frequently. The proper amount of chemicals for your hot tub will likely vary from time to time.
There are 3 major factors which affect the chemicals required for your hot tub. The number of gallons (or liters) of water, the amount of people using the hot tub, and the amount of time people spend in the hot tub. The chemicals in the water are further affected by heat sunlight and filter efficiency
Hot Tub Sanitizing Systems – Biguanide and Bromine
The main sanitizing systems for hot tubs are biguanide, bromine, chlorine, mineral, ozone, and ionizers.
Brands of Chemicals
Not all brands are the same . Your local pool company can recommend the best brands for your specific hot tub. There are several different formulas of chlorine, and they may not be labeled as different. Just because they say chlorine does not mean they are compatible with each other.
Biguanide Systems
Biguanides, pronounced BY-GWAN-EYEDS, are a system which has to active agents, sanitizer and shock.
Biguanides are a non-chlorine sanitizer which is unaffected by excessive heat or sunlight. This means that they do not disintegrate any faster in hot weather or water. It is recommended that biguanide be kept at 30 to 50ppm, or parts per million.
Biguanides are a long-chain polymer which cuts off nutrients to organic matter so it dies. The resulting organic waste is burned off by using a type of shock called hydrogen peroxide. Higher levels of hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. We advise you to check the levels of the chemicals before every use and at least twice per week.
Bromine Systems
Bromine is a relatively common sanitizer used in hot tubs. They are commonly used in tablet form. Tablets should always be placed in a dispenser to dissolve the bromine evenly throughout the hot tub. Bromine is milder than chlorine, and it requires about twice as much to properly sanitize. One advantage bromine has over chlorine is that bromine continues to sanitize after it has been combined with ammonia, such as perspiration, to form bromamines. Bromamines can be removed by shocking the water with fast dissolving chlorine.