How to Fill a Spa With Water and Chemicals
The warm bubbling water of a spa is inviting and relaxing, yet those same conditions are a perfect environment for viruses, bacteria, fungi and algae. Maintaining your hot tub's chemical levels makes all the difference. The prime directive in adjusting your spa's water chemistry is to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. These guidelines will familiarize you with what's required. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Run water through your hose for several minutes before filling the spa to flush out any organisms that might be growing in the hose. Allow the water temperature in the spa to reach 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit with filters in place and the pump and heater running before adding chemicals.
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Add preconditioners as recommended by the manufacturer. These chemicals protect the interior finish of the spa as well as the plumbing.
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Adjust the water's pH to 7.2 to 7.8 using pH balancers. Verify the reading with test strips, let the pump run for 15 minutes, and test again.
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Check that the total alkalinity is within the range of 80 to 120 parts per million (ppm). Adjust it with alkalinity increaser or decreaser, as required.
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Check the water's calcium hardness and adjust it if needed. Calcium levels may be very low if you've added softened water. The ideal range is 150 to 400 ppm.
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Add chlorine or bromine sanitizer and verify the level to be 3 to 5 ppm. Oxidize or "shock" the spa water only if recommended by the manufacturer.
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Run the hot tub's filter cycle for three to six hours daily and check the chemical levels every three to four days, or before each use. Add flocculants to improve filtration and water clarity and antifoam agents to eliminate foaming when needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Drain and inspect your spa every three to six months. Keep filters clean by flushing them with cool water and bleach. Replace them twice a year or as directed by the manufacturer. Wait 30 minutes before entering the tub after shocking or adding bromine or chlorine sanitizers.
Keep water temperatures at or below 104 degrees.
