Waterstone - Arctic Spas, softub hot tubs, watercare

Owning a spa requires periodic maintenance and upkeep. While there are many products to help reduce the amount of chemical use and maintenance time, NOTHING will make your spa totally maintenance and chemical free. Without a doubt, the most important aspect of spa care is the chemical balance of the water. A spa is very different from a swimming pool (four people in a spa is the equivalent to having 300 people in an average size pool). For this reason you should use products that are especially formulated for spa and hot tub use. Spa water testing is much easier and painless than you may imagine. Regular spa water testing and adjusting will increase the life of your spa and it's equipment.

Here you will find a list of the different sanitizer methods to treat your hot tub or spa and the pros and cons of each. While nearly everyone has their "best method", this information will hopefully help you decide which method will work best for you.

Bromination-granular or tablet

Like chlorine, bromine is a chemical element of the halogen family. When added to spa or pool water, its active form (hypobromous acid or free available bromine) kills bacteria and algae. It is available in a tablet form which consists of a combination of chlorine and bromine or as a two part system.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Can be used with ozone Does not have "chlorine smell" No difference between the effectiveness of free vs. combined bromine Readily available	Has low pH (aprox. 3.5 - 4.5)...pH levels need to be adjusted frequently to prevent equipment damage. More expensive than chlorine Bromine odor is more difficult to shower off Requires the use of 'sodium bromide' when water is changed to establish a bromine reserve

Chlorination-granular or tablet

Chlorine has been used the longest in the spa industry. It comes in granular form which ideally should be dissolved in water before adding to your spa or tablet form which can be used in a dispenser. The chlorine tablet floater is not recommended for Softubs. There are numerous types of chlorine available but only sodium di-chlor should be used in spas because it is stabilized .

Advantages	Disadvantages
More neutral pH...sodium di-chlor has a pH of 7.0 Readily available Less expensive than bromine Can be used as sanitizer and also as "shock"	the granular form is less convenient...needs to be added manually several times a week. Combined chlorines cause the "odor" but has no sanitizing ability

Ozone - CD or UV

Ozone has become a very popular sanitizer in the last few years. UV ozone generators use ultraviolet light to create ozone while CD models use a corona discharge process. The better and more expensive ozone systems use a mixing chamber to limit the amount of unwanted off-gassing in the spa.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Reduces required amount of bromine or chlorine Most new spas come "ozone ready" for easy installation Easily connected to most spas Can be used with bromine and chlorine Natural by-products oxygen and carbon dioxide	Needs to be supplemented with chlorine or bromine Can be expensive...$150 - $1500 depending on type and application Bulb needs replacing in UV system every 2-4 years

Ionizers

Advantages	Disadvantages
Uses copper and silver for sanitizing...similar to the space shuttle. No chemical odors Can be used on indoor spas Has no effect on pH levels	Copper and Silver rods need to be replaced every year or two Very expensive Kills organic matter, but doesn't oxidize them Spa still needs to be shocked

Using SALT

Whether or not its considered an "alternative" method, this technology is based on electrolysis breaking apart sodium chloride or bromine (salt) compounds and forming active chlorine or bromine sanitizer molecules.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Recycles itself-after the active sanitizer does its job it reverts to a salt compound No chemical odors Can be used on indoor spas Has no effect on pH levels	Very expensive Spa still needs to be shocked

Spa Water Testing Tips

Test Strips

Test strips deteriorate over time and will eventually give you false results. Always check the expiration dates and follow the manufacturer's instructions for usage and storage.
Circulate the water before testing and take the water sample from at least 12 inches below the surface.
Do not put your fingers inside the container to remove strips (oils from your skin can contaminate the remaining test strips).
Keep container tightly closed. Allowing moisture into the container can ruin the test strips.