Understanding Spa Water Balance

Understanding Spa Water Balance: The 5 Key Factors

DECEMBER 2ND, 2024

You’re hot tub’s water balance plays a vital role in ensuring both the longevity of your spa equipment and the quality of your soaking experience. A balanced spa not only looks great but also feels great to use. So, what exactly makes up your spa water balance?

There are five key factors that determine the overall balance of your spa water:

pH

pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of your water. In a spa, maintaining the pH within the range of 7.2 to 7.8 is crucial. If the pH is too high or low, it can cause skin irritation, eye discomfort, or even damage your spa equipment. You can adjust the pH with products like Spa Life pH Up to raise pH, or Spa Pure pH Minus to lower it.

Total Alkalinity (TA)

Total Alkalinity (TA) measures the water’s ability to resist changes in pH. It acts as a buffer, helping to keep the pH stable. For spa water, the ideal range for TA is between 100 and 150 ppm. If TA is too high, it can make pH adjustments difficult; if it’s too low, the pH can fluctuate dramatically. Use Spa Pure Buffer to adjust alkalinity, raising it by 20 ppm per 2400 liters of water.

Calcium Hardness (CH)

Calcium Hardness (CH) refers to the concentration of calcium in the water. Maintaining CH between 150 and 300 ppm helps prevent corrosion and scaling. Low CH can lead to corrosion of equipment, while high CH can cause cloudy water and staining. If your CH is too high, you can lower it by draining part of the water and refilling with fresh tap water. To raise CH, add Spa Pure Cal, which increases hardness by 50 ppm per 2000 liters of water.

Temperature

Keeping the spa temperature between 35°C and 40°C ensures a safe and comfortable experience. Higher temperatures can stress your equipment and lead to potential overheating, while lower temperatures might reduce the spa’s effectiveness in sanitizing.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

TDS measures the total concentration of dissolved materials, including salts and minerals. Keeping the TDS level below 1500 ppm is important to ensure clear water and proper chemical effectiveness. High TDS levels can indicate that it’s time to drain and refill your spa to maintain water clarity and balance.

Maintaining Sanitation: Bromine vs. Chlorine

Sanitation is key to ensuring your spa water remains safe and free of harmful organisms. You can use either Bromine or Chlorine as sanitizers, but each comes with its own benefits:

  • Bromine: More effective in higher pH ranges and forms bromamines when it reacts with nitrogenous waste (like body oils). Bromamines are good disinfectants, unlike chloramines (formed by chlorine), which lose their effectiveness.
  • Chlorine: A great option and comes in various forms, such as Spa Pure Mini Pucks, which dissolve slowly and maintain a consistent chlorine level.

Both sanitizers require regular shock treatments to break down oils, dirt, and organic contaminants that accumulate in the spa water, especially after heavy use. Use Spa Pure Shock for periodic maintenance.

Troubleshooting Common Spa Water Issues

Cloudy Water

Cloudy water can be caused by suspended particles, high alkalinity, or imbalanced pH. To keep your water sparkling clear:

  • Regularly use PUR Mineral Treatment with the system running on low jets.
  • If the cloudiness persists, check and adjust your TA, CH, and pH levels.
Foaming

Foam can occur from shampoo, soap residues, hair sprays, or even soft water. If foaming happens:

  • Use Spa Pure Defoamer to treat the foam.
  • If soft water is the issue, increase your CH levels with Spa Pure Cal Up.
Coloured Water

A green or brown tint in the water is often caused by dissolved metals like copper or iron. To remove the color and prevent staining:

  • Use Spa Pure Stain and Scale to treat the metals.
  • If algae is the culprit, perform a shock treatment with PUR Mineral Treatment.
Scale Formation

White, chalky, or hard residues on your spa’s surface are often due to calcium carbonate scale formation. To prevent and remove scale:

  • Use Spa Pure Stain and Scale.
  • Ensure your pH is within the ideal range (7.2–7.8) and TA is balanced (100–150 ppm).

Maintaining Your Spa Filter

Over time, your spa filter will accumulate dirt and debris. Clean your filter regularly using Spa Pure Filter Cleaner, especially if your spa sees heavy use. A well-maintained filter ensures efficient water circulation and prevents clogs that could affect water quality.

Tips for Safe Spa Use

  • Temperature: Never allow the water to exceed 40ºC (104ºF).
  • Soak Time: Limit your soak time to 15 minutes at a time to prevent overheating.
  • Supervision: Always supervise children when using the spa.
  • Consult a Doctor: If you’re pregnant or have cardiovascular conditions, consult a doctor before using the spa.

Chemical Safety & Storage

  • Keep all chemicals sealed and out of reach of children.
  • Always read and follow the label instructions.
  • Never mix chemicals, and always add chemicals into the water (never the reverse).
  • Store chemicals in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

By regularly monitoring these five key factors and maintaining proper water balance, you can enjoy a safe, clean, and relaxing spa experience for years to come. Happy soaking!