Q: What is the proper level for Bromine and Chlorine?

A: Bromine should be 5 ppm, Chlorine 3 ppm.

Q: What is the correct range for Ph?

A: Ph level should be between 7.4 and 7.8 ppm

Q: What is the ideal range for Alkalinity?

A: Alkalinity should be from 100 – 150 ppm

Q: Can I switch from a Chlorine disinfectant to Bromine?

A: Yes. You can switch from chlorine to bromine without draining your spa. (Consult your spa dealer for the correct procedure.)

You may also switch from Bromine to chlorine but the process is a little more intricate. (Again, please consult your spa dealer for details.)

Q: How accurate are Test Strips?

A: Test Strips are more than adequate for your backyard pool or spa.  However, it is important to remember that all test strips are not created equal, some are much better than others.  When in doubt purchase a quality brand name test strip. We have sophisticated water testing equipment at our store.  We will test your hot tub water FREE of charge and you will receive a comprehensive computerized print out of your water test results, complete with step by step instructions on how to correct any problems your water may have. Please note: Commercial spas may require a greater need for accuracy and test strips may not be enough in which case DPD testing should be used.

Q: Should I stabilize Bromine in a Pool or Spa?

A: No. Bromine cannot be stabilized.

Q: When should a SPA be drained?

A: Most spas require the water to be changed every 60 – 90 days.  This time frame will vary depending on how often you use your spa and how well you keep your spa water balanced and sanitized. It is strongly recommended that you bring a fresh sample of your hot tub water into the store for testing every a minimum of every 30 days The general formula is 1/3 X Gallons divided by number of bathers per day. i.e.: 1/3 X 300 divided by 2 = 50 days.
If persistent problems exist, drain the SPA and start again. The store will measure the Total Dissolved Solids that exist in your spa water and advise you when your water needs to be changed.  Fresh spa water is generally 200 – 300 ppm.  It is time to change your water when the TDS is approximately 1600 ppm.  There may exceptions to this for those who are using lake or very hard well water.  Please ask for assistance.

Q: Can I use a non-chlorine pool shock in my spa?

A: A non-chlorine spa shock is buffered as to not affect the ph or total alkalinity.  The non-chlorine pool shock will lower the pH and alkalinity if used.  DO NOT mix chlorine and bromine together.

Q: When I used pH Stable my water became cloudy. Why?

A: The pH Stable reacts to reduce calcium hardness.  The calcium cloud will be filtered out and the filter should be cleaned.  Ideally, pH Stable should be used when calcium hardness is less than 150ppm.

Q: If I have and ozonator do I need a sanitizer (bromine/chlorine)?

A: Yes!  An ozonator is an effective oxidizer but there must be a chlorine residual of 1-2 ppm or a bromine residual of 3-5 ppm.  An ozonator will make your chlorine/bromine last longer. It is also important to know what type/quality of ozone system you have, some are much better than others.  A Corona Discharge Ozone System will produce more ozone for a longer period of time than a UV Ozone system.

Q: When I open the cover of my spa, I tend to cough.  Why?

A: You will usually detect the fumes of the disinfectant when removing the cover.  If the residual of the disinfectant is high, fumes will build-up under the cover.  If inhaled, the fumes could cause you to cough.  We stock a product named “X-it” that with proper use will reduce the disinfectant level. Additionally, a strong odour may occur without the regular use of an oxidizing agent.  We recommend you use Spa Shock or Energize after every use. Whenever you add any chemical to your hot tub water, it is recommended that you leave the spa cover open for ten to twenty minutes and allow any gas to escape.

Q: What sanitizer should I use in my spa, bromine or chlorine?

A: It is up to the bathers' preference.  Stabilized Chlorine has a stronger odour but it is a very effective sanitizer. Chlorine will cause colours to fade Bromine will not. Bromine is less irritating to the skin, eyes and nose.  Bromine is also an effective sanitizer when properly administered in a combined two-part form.

Q: How often should I shock my spa water?

A: A spa should be shocked after each use with either Spa Shock or Energize and a sanitizer level of 5 pmm should be present 3-4 hours later.  Remember when testing your spa with test strips that it takes several hours for anything you have added to the water to properly mix with the entire body of water.  We suggest you test 3-4 hours after you have added any product to your spas water.

Q: Is it OK to add a scent to my hot tub water?

A: Yes, but it MUST be a water based product or scented beads.  You should NOT add anything that is oil based to the water.

Q: How much spa scent should I use?

A: Approximately 1-2 tablespoon's per use.

Q: How often should I clean my filters?

A: Pleated Hot tub filters should be thoroughly rinsed 1X/week.  It is not necessary and not recommended that a high-pressure water source be used.  Your filters should then be submersed in a filter cleaning solution 1X/month (see instructions on bottle or ask us for assistance).  Be sure to rinse the filter thoroughly before installing it back into your spa.

Q: I have foam on top of my water, what causes this?

A: Foam is generally present for one or both of two reasons. 

1.       Bacteria – discontinue use of spa immediately.

2.       Residual laundry soap – add de-foamer

Bacteria can cause foam in your hot tub water.  Bring a sample of your spa water (as is) to the store for analysis ASAP.

Jamie Doyle