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How & Why to use Hot Tub Chemicals
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Published: March 01, 2010 07:43 PM
For health and safety in hot tubs, chemicals are used. The most common types of hot tub chemicals are sanitizers, oxidizers, minerals, shocks and pH balancers.
Biguanide, chlorine, and bromine are all sanitizers, which are used to kill bacteria common to warm water.
There are chlorine granules created especially for use in hot tubs, and they are considered safe.
Bromine is also available and comes in granule, nugget, or tablet form. If using sodium bromide, it needs a catalyst to activate it, like chlorine or non-chlorine shock. And then there is BCDMH, which is a combination of chlorine and bromine that is self-activating.
Bromine has a different odor than chlorine and does not "gas off" at temperatures over 98 degrees. The smell can be just as unpleasant, however. It is usually dispersed through the water via a cartridge system or a floating feeder.
Biguanide is both non-chlorine and non-bromine. It destroys bacteria by assaulting the cell walls of the bacteria. Biguanide emanates less odor than either chlorine or bromine and does not "gas off" in high temperatures found in hot tubs.
Ozone, although not a sanitizer per se, causes sanitizers to work more effectively and adds to the cost effectiveness of sanitizers. In order to use ozone, a tub has to have an ozonator. Still, even with an ozonator, the water will still need to be supplemented with some level of sanitizer. And ozone does well with minerals, biguanide, chlorine, and bromine.
Mineral systems can contribute to keeping tub units free from contamination. Dispersed through a floating dispenser, and sometimes via the filter cartridge, they are released slowly and allow less use of chlorine or bromine.
Shock oxidizers work to eliminate organic matter like dead skin, skin oils, cosmetics, and lotions. Using shock once a week kills bacteria and helps prevent cloudy water and a clogged system. Shocks can be chlorine or non-chlorine, and both work well to oxidize tubs. It is recommended to use the chlorine type first to establish a residue of the chemical, and then the non-chlorine type the next time, which allows hot tub use soon after treatment. Product labels should always be consulted for instructions as to exact use.
One thing about shocks: Neither kind is compatible with a biguanide, which calls for a hydrogen peroxide oxidizer to eliminate organics, and so shocking is unnecessary to maximize sanitizer efficiency.
As to pH balancers, the water should be tested first by employing a test strip. PH balancers need to be added gradually then to achieve the right balance of alkalinity. Too much alkaline causes scaling. When changing the water, a pH product can be added that will help prevent having to use any pH balancing agents until the next time the water is changed.
Chemicals should be tested and adjusted weekly. Hot tubs commonly have a problem with no or low heat, caused by corrosion on the heater coil. This can be avoided by regular testing and adjusting. Be sure all chemical levels are within the proper ranges.
Biguanide, chlorine, and bromine are all sanitizers, which are used to kill bacteria common to warm water.
There are chlorine granules created especially for use in hot tubs, and they are considered safe.
Bromine is also available and comes in granule, nugget, or tablet form. If using sodium bromide, it needs a catalyst to activate it, like chlorine or non-chlorine shock. And then there is BCDMH, which is a combination of chlorine and bromine that is self-activating.
Bromine has a different odor than chlorine and does not "gas off" at temperatures over 98 degrees. The smell can be just as unpleasant, however. It is usually dispersed through the water via a cartridge system or a floating feeder.
Biguanide is both non-chlorine and non-bromine. It destroys bacteria by assaulting the cell walls of the bacteria. Biguanide emanates less odor than either chlorine or bromine and does not "gas off" in high temperatures found in hot tubs.
Ozone, although not a sanitizer per se, causes sanitizers to work more effectively and adds to the cost effectiveness of sanitizers. In order to use ozone, a tub has to have an ozonator. Still, even with an ozonator, the water will still need to be supplemented with some level of sanitizer. And ozone does well with minerals, biguanide, chlorine, and bromine.
Mineral systems can contribute to keeping tub units free from contamination. Dispersed through a floating dispenser, and sometimes via the filter cartridge, they are released slowly and allow less use of chlorine or bromine.
Shock oxidizers work to eliminate organic matter like dead skin, skin oils, cosmetics, and lotions. Using shock once a week kills bacteria and helps prevent cloudy water and a clogged system. Shocks can be chlorine or non-chlorine, and both work well to oxidize tubs. It is recommended to use the chlorine type first to establish a residue of the chemical, and then the non-chlorine type the next time, which allows hot tub use soon after treatment. Product labels should always be consulted for instructions as to exact use.
One thing about shocks: Neither kind is compatible with a biguanide, which calls for a hydrogen peroxide oxidizer to eliminate organics, and so shocking is unnecessary to maximize sanitizer efficiency.
As to pH balancers, the water should be tested first by employing a test strip. PH balancers need to be added gradually then to achieve the right balance of alkalinity. Too much alkaline causes scaling. When changing the water, a pH product can be added that will help prevent having to use any pH balancing agents until the next time the water is changed.
Chemicals should be tested and adjusted weekly. Hot tubs commonly have a problem with no or low heat, caused by corrosion on the heater coil. This can be avoided by regular testing and adjusting. Be sure all chemical levels are within the proper ranges.
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