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Chemistry
Miscellaneous
Questions
Spa
Cover Cleaning
Spa Care While On Vacation
How Frequently Should Spa Water Be Changed?
Spas And Bather Load
Difference Between Spas & Hot Tubs
Deteriorating Spa Cover
Cloudy Film / Rusting Near Hot Tub
Bad Odor From Spa
Odd Wisps Floating In Hot Tub
Is Maintaining A Spa The Same As A Pool?
Proper Spa Temperature
Cleaning A Spa
Ozonators
Cost To Heat An Outdoor Spa
Indoor Spa Condensation
Spa
Cover Cleaning
Q:
What suggestions could you make regarding cleaning spa covers. Our
spa cover builds an odor similar to that when your spa water needs
treated. It appears to be a thick vinyl covered cover with insulation
and a mesh backing. Any suggestions on how to or chemicals required
would be appreciated.
A:
Sometimes spa covers pick up moisture, over time, and become heavier.
This is a possible source of the odor.
Depending upon the construction, it may be possible to remove the
foam insert and allow it to dry out. Cleaning with a dilute chlorine
solution, approx. 1%, could help. The outside part should be cleaned
with a cover cleaner or suitable non abrasive mild detergent and then
with a dilute chlorine solution. That is about all that I can recommend.
Good luck.
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Spa
Care While On Vacation
Q:
We are about to go on a two week vacation and don't know how to care
for our spa during this time.
A:
Shut off the heat. Allow the filter to remain in operation as normal.
If you are using bromine: shock and leave a floater with some bromine
tablets in the water. If you have an ozonator: leave a floater with
some bromine tablets in the water. If you have an ionizer: shock the
spa as normal. Make sure that the water chemistry is optimized.
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How Frequently Should Spa Water Be Changed?
Q:
I have a 350 gallon spa with three filters (approx. 75 sqft. of filter
area) that the manufacturer recommends the water be changed three
to four times per year. An ozonator and a silver ion cartridge with
a daily activate added and weekly shock of chlorine are used to maintain
water quality. Water is added every two weeks or so to maintain an
acceptable water level. Two adults and two children use the spa at
least five times per week. The water, after four months, is clear
and feels clean with no foaming or odor problem and the spa surface,
below and above the waterline, is free from residue. The filters are
cleaned in a dishwasher every four weeks. I would like to conserve
water, yet maintain a safe and healthy spa.
Questions:
1. Based on the above, is it necessary to change the water this frequently?
2. Can you recommend a less frequent water change policy?
3. Is there a way to test for unacceptable levels of residual chemical
in the water that would allow less frequent water changes?
A:
The effectiveness of spa sanitizers can diminish as the concentration
of total dissolved solids increase due to chemical addition or bather
usage.
It sounds like you are maintaining a proper spa environment, but I
suggest that you be safe rather than sorry. Changing the water every
3-4 months, based on your usage, is not excessive.
Most knowledgeable people would advise changing the water even more
frequently. I would not advise you to stretch the water changing:
bacteria can become resistant and you want to avoid this.
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Spas
And Bather Load
Q:
When I read recommendations for chemical treatment, there is usually
some disclaimer that you may need to increase the frequency of application
if the spa/hot tub is used more heavily. What is considered an average
bather load for a residential hot tub? I realize it has a lot to do
with the size of the individuals and the cleanliness of the individuals,
I am just looking for the norm.
A:
Good question!!!
The topic is very subjective and it is virtually impossible to quantify
"bather load."
I would consider 2-4 people, for periods up to 20 minutes per day
to be a reasonable measure of average bather load. But it is more
complicated: bather activity, size, water temperature, water volume,
sanitizer types and water chemistry all exert an effect.
The bottom line there is no safe substitute for testing the sanitizer
level. If, for instance, you are using bromine, you must test to make
sure that a proper level is present for at least 1/2 hour prior to
use. After each use, the sanitizer level should be replenished. If
you try and get by with a fixed amount, it will be inevitable that
the level will be too high or too low at various times.
Test the sanitizer level and make adjustments, as necessary.
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Difference Between Spas & Hot Tubs
Q:
What is the difference between a Spa and a Hot Tub ?
A:
Years ago the phrase "hot tub" referred to a round wooden
tub, hooked up with filter, heater and pump, that was used for hot
water bathing. These units faded in popularity as the molded acrylic
units, known as "spas" grew in popularity. Today, the terms
are used more or less interchangeably.
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Deteriorating Spa Cover
Q:
Hi I am searching for an independent and honest answer to an issue
concerning me. We have a name brand hot spa. It is in a converted
garage off the house and is not exposed to sun UV etc. The vinyl cover
which is fitted over polystyrene slabs has deteriorated very badly
in two years. The outside is OK nylon handles also underneath exposed
to the water have fallen apart. I suspect the ozone but wonder if
it could be due to over clorination on my part (dealer is blaming
me). In the two years we have had it the foam vinyl headpads have
been replaced twice after deteriorating and absorbing water.
A:
There is nothing remarkable about your spa, the ozonator, the location
or the accessory items. There is no reason to think that you alone
would have such a problem. I do not have an easy answer.
Millions of spas are similarly equipped and do not have these problems.
So the question is why? Ozone and chlorine could be corrosive to certain
threads used to sew the parts together. On the other hand mildew could
destroy the threads.
If there are other readers, who have had a similar problem, perhaps
they could write me so that I might be able to provide a more definitive
answer.
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Cloudy
Film / Rusting Near Hot Tub
Q:
For about a year now, I have had a problem with a fine cloudy film
on my leather furniture, windows, light fixtures, and now rusting
of certain metals in my house. I have talked to the furnace man, it's
not the furnace.
I have a hot tub in my great room and it's been around for 10 years.
I also have it hooked up to an ozonator. I run this unit at 4 hour
intervals for a total of 12 hours a day. The unit is kept in the basement
directly next to the furnace.
I have asked everyone for help including the health department. This
film clings to everything and can only be removed with a detergent.
Could it be from the ozonator? I can't seem to get anyone to give
me a direct answer. I'm tired of cleaning my windows and all my glass
tables. Now it has totally rusted the legs of a chrome table which
the ozonator is sitting on, and is beginning to rust the legs of my
dining room table, the gas pipes, my lamps, and even the hands of
my clock.
A:
The rusting of the metals is probably being caused by the effects
of the humidity and the ozone. The film could be the result of microbial
growth on the various surfaces that are subject to condensation.
If your ozonator is overproducing (depends on the type) that could
be a problem. Ozone is considered an air pollutant.
I would make two recommendations. Get a dehumidifier to remove all
the moisture the spa adds to the room and use an exhaust fan to vent
the room during use. Consider using alternatives sanitizers, in order
to reduce the ozonating period to two hours daily.
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Bad
Odor From Spa
Q:
We have had our spa for about 4 years. We use bath oils, shampoo,
soap etc in the tub. It is located in our bathroom. However, there
is a smell that smells like standing water but our tub empties out
with out a problem. Is there a chemical we should have been using?
No one ever told us to use ANYTHING EXCEPT normal cleaning items.
A:
I don't know whether you have a jetted tub or a spa.
One major difference being that a spa is not drained after each use.
Units that are drained after each use possibly can allow some water
to remain in the air and/or jetted lines. This may be the case in
your situation.
The water remaining in the lines can foster microbial growth, producing
odors. Even if now water remains in these lines, it is possible that
an accumulation of bather and cosmetic wastes has accumulated. This
could lead to microbial growth and odors.
Add enough water to the tub to begin circulation and add about 1 quart
of household bleach. This should begin decomposition of the organic
matter in the lines. It is probably necessary to leave soaking for
several hours. Recirculate water at least every 15 minutes. Drain
and rinse. Refill and Recirculate and repeat if necessary until the
water is clear and free of debris.
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Odd
Wisps Floating In Hot Tub
Q:
I have a recurring problem with material resembling wisps of tissue
paper from 1mm to 5mm floating around in hot tub. All chemistry is
in range. Has a slight smell to it and is a little bit slimy. Most
of it goes away after I drain tub. Filter is not too effective with
it. Tub is Watkins, 220 gallon, outdoors on elevated deck, about 25
feet from edge of wooded area. I keep it at 103 F. Shocking with bromine
doesn't help.
A:
It could be a reaction product between the chemicals added, minerals
in the water and the wastes contributed by the bathers.
See if the problem coincides with a chemical addition or activity.
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Is Maintaining A Spa The Same As A Pool?
Q:
I just recently bought a used spa. Unfortunately, there was no owners
manual. I have an above ground pool, do I treat the spa in the same
manner as the pool, as far as ph and chlorine go?
A:
Pools and spas are not maintained in a similar manner.
Two people in a spa is equivalent to perhaps a hundred in your pool.
Your pool may use chlorine, but you may not be able to use the same
chlorine product in the spa. The water temperature will cause chlorine
to dissolve much faster. The only popular form of chlorine used in
spas is dichlor. With chlorine the recommended pH range is 7.2-7.6.
I suggest that you use specific "SPA" chemicals in your
spa. This will assure their suitability.
Obtaining a manual from the manufacturer might be a good idea.
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Proper Spa Temperature
Q:
I just purchased a used hot tub and have been surfing for care and
maintenance info. Your web site is very, very nice and informative.
The only thing I have not found is what the ideal temperature range
for a spa is. Could you let me know?
A:
The maximum recommended temperature is 104 F.
The maximum immersion time is a recommended 20 minutes at that temperature.
Persons with hypertension should consult their doctor for special
recommendations. You are free to maintain the temperature below 104F
to suit your tastes and needs.
Many people shut off the heat or lower the temperature in the summer.
Do what makes you happy!
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Cleaning A Spa
Q:
I am buying another home. It has a spa bath tub. Please advise me
how to clean it prior to using it for the first time. The previous
owners lived there for 10 years. The tub looks clean, but the property
inspector that I hired recently cautioned me not to use the tub prior
to my sanitizing it first. Please help!
A:
The product that you are referring to can exist in two forms. Either
it is a tub that is filled and drained with each use or it is a filled
and chemically maintained and not drained after each use.
In the former case, Fill the tub and add 1 quart of household bleach
and leave to soak for 2-4 hours. It won't smell great, but it will
sanitize. Rinse and drain to remove all traces of chlorine. Thereafter
use as any ordinary tub. If there is water remaining in the air or
water jet lines, you might want to repeat this periodically.
In the latter case, fill the tub and chemically treat with the sanitizer
of your choice. My guess is that your tub is of the fill and drain
type.
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Ozonators
Q:
What's the story with these Ozonators? Are they recommended? What
problems do they cause?
A:
Ozonators make a great deal of sense in a spa. They greatly reduce
the quantity of chemicals, bromine or chlorine, that is required to
maintain proper sanitation, when used properly.
The only negative that comes to mind is what happens in an indoor
spa, if the ozonator generates too much ozone. This is generally not
a problem with most ozonators, but I believe it can occur with corona-discharge
units.
In a pool an ozonator can help to a limited degree, but the water
must be maintained on chlorine or bromine as would a pool without
the ozonator.
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Cost To Heat An Outdoor Spa
Q:
How much does it cost to heat the average outdoor hot tub/spa? Is
it better to get 220v vs. 115v unit?
A:
How much does an average outdoor spa cost to heat? Depends on the
gallonage of the spa, your outdoor temperature and the utility rate.
Today's spa are well insulated to keep heat loss down. 220V would
be more efficient.
Your local utility should be able to give an estimate of operating
costs.
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Indoor Spa Condensation
Q:
This isn't a chemical question but maybe with your experience you
can help me. We just bought a house with an indoor spa. We just filled
it and turned the heater on a few days ago and I see a few problems.
(The spa is located in a small room lined with cedar by the way).
The ceiling and large window in the room are dripping with condensate
after a few days and also the heat seems to heat the whole back of
the house some.
I have absolutely no experience with this and was wondering if a cover
(if made) would help this problem. It seems to be impractical to fill
and heat it each time. I don't want any rot problems not to mention
the AC costs. We have considered even jerking the spa out and moving
it somewhere.
A:
COVERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SPAS. I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO GET ONE.
I had a similar setup in my previous residence.
The spa had a cover and the room was not connected to the central
ac or heating systems. The room had an exhaust fan connected to a
humidistat.
If not kept separate you will have humidity and odor problems and
all that that entails.
Custom covers are available, if necessary.
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