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Keeping your hot tub or spa sanitized is vital for preventing bacterial growth. Three main types of sanitizers used to accomplish this are chlorine, bromine, and ozone.

Chlorine: It is well-known that this is used in swimming pools. This chemical comes in both tablets and granules appropriate for cleaning hot tubs. Chlorine is both an effective cleaner and antibacterial agent.

Bromine: This is a combination of chlorine and sodium bromide. Bromine is an alternative to chlorine that is less pungent and more gentle on skin.

Ozone: This is actually a device that produces ozone and can be installed aftermarket into the motor if your system doesn’t already contain one. This comes in the form of a UV light or disposable cartridges. Ozone has a short lifespan of approximately 15 minutes, but is very effective at keeping your water sanitized when used in conjunction with bromine or chlorine.

It’s important to keep in mind that hot tubs should be shocked weekly and drained every 2-3 months even with the regular use of sanitizers and cleaning agents.

Hot tubs are a welcome addition to any home. They provide the utmost in relaxation and recreation. These days hot tubs come with all the components needed to ensure they run smoothly. The filters catches dirt and debris, the pump keeps the water churning and the motor power everything. A working hot tub allows the owner to enjoy the hot tub experience with no worries.

However, that isn’t to say hot tubs don’t require maintenance. Keeping all of the components of the hot tub in tip top shape ensures no problems and long-lasting life for the unit. This goes for the water as well. It’s a common occurrence to remove hot tub covers only to find dirty or smelly water. This can be confusing for tub owners, especially when other components, like the filter and pump, are in perfect working order. Problems with spa water are likely due to the PH balance being off.

Because a hot tub operates at high temperatures, its water is at higher risk of developing bacteria than the water in a swimming pool. The temperatures can affect the PH levels and alkalinity. All of these things together make up the delicate water chemistry of a typical hot tub, and it’s important they are always in balance.

The good news is that you don’t have to be scientist in order to check PH levels and alkalinity in a hot tub. The preferred method of testing hot tub water is by using test strips. There are many of these strips on the market and they are very inexpensive. These test strips come with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions and the whole process only takes a few minutes.

Using the average test strip goes like this: the user removes a single strip from the bottle. It’s always good to test for alkalinity first, because it’s this chemical that actually controls the PH balance. The user then dips the strip in a glass of hot tub water and removes it. The strip will produce a reading which is then compared to a chart on the strip box or bottle. The user can then adjust the water and chemicals accordingly.

It’s recommended that those using test strips never touch a dry strip with wet fingers, as it could compromise the test results. Test strips should also be stored at room temperature. Following these rules ensures accurate testing every time. And accurate testing means the user is provided with the proper data in order to make water and chemical changes.

As stated above, water testing is a quick and inexpensive procedure that should be performed by all hot tub owners about once a week. Doing so ensures the spa is filled with clean, harmless water that flows effortlessly through the system’s components.

Investing in a hot tub is a wise decision. Years of research has shown that hot tubs reduce stress and provide substantial pain relief for people who suffer from diseases like arthritis. You’ve already purchased your hot tub and it’s working fine. However, changing the filter is very important and many owners overlook this simple procedure.

Most experts feel that a hot tub filter should be changed at least once a year. Not changing the filter endangers your health, as the water you’re enjoying is dirty. Some people go years without changing the filter, and this can be detrimental to the health of the hot tub and everyone that steps in your hot tub.

To keep your hot tub safe and relaxing, check your filters once or twice a month to see if it is dirty. If it is, it’s time to head to an online hot tub site and buy a quality filter for your hot tub. Your health and your friends’ health will thank you, and everyone can be free to step into a clean, relaxing hot tub adventure every night.

Most hot tub owners know that they must keep their water balanced so that it does not become too alkaline or too acidic, for the purpose of personal and equipment protection, and keeps the spa sanitizer working at its fullest potential to wipe out harmful microorganisms, like bacteria. What some people may not know is that they may be testing their water incorrectly. Following the correct testing procedure is absolutely crucial to performing the water balance check.

First of all, you must allow the spa to run for a few minutes, and then take the sample. So many people make the mistake of just dipping into the spa water without letting it circulate first, which is a terrible mistake. When you place the test strip in the water, it needs to be barely deep enough to get the test pad wet, and when you look at the results, you must hold it horizontally for good results.

If you follow through with these tips, your results become far more accurate and help manage your spa better.