Maintaining good water quality is a very important part of cleaning and using your spa or hot tub. Because the water is regularly heated and usually does not change for weeks or months, it is very important to use chemical or disinfectant methods to kill the algae and bacteria. Regular monitoring of chemical and pH levels should be part of a good spa or hot tub regimen, without which water will quickly become cloudy and unhealthy.
The most common method of reducing bacterial growth in spas and hot tubs is the use of chlorine or chlorine shocks. They work by starving bacteria and destroying organic matter by injecting natural oils into the skin and air of consumers. All residues are collected and removed by the filtration system. Good quality filters and disinfectant products are essential for maintaining water health, and shock treatment is usually recommended weekly depending on the frequency of use.
The use of chlorine in the world of pool and spa water
Treatment is highly controversial and there are other alternatives in the form of bromine help systems, without chlorine or minerals. Some systems, such as bigobenid Assainissement île de France, do not require shock therapy. They kill algae and bacteria by attacking cell walls using hydrogen peroxide-based oxygen. One of the advantages of this system is that it does not escape into the air at the running temperature of the hot tub and produces less odor. Below are details on some of the major water disinfection and treatment systems used in combination with spa and hot bath water. Please remember that it is important to always follow the chemical manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
Chlorine systems are used as the main disinfectant in swimming pools.
Tablets and granules use different concentrations of chlorine in baths and spas.
Bromine systems sometimes prefer chlorine because it is an effective disinfectant and does not evaporate at normal hot bath temperatures of 98F (37C). It also produces less odor than chlorine. Bromine acts at a wide range of pH levels and can be used to treat non-chlorine shock when activated by an oxidant such as chlorine or potassium monosulfate.
Biguanide disinfection systems do not contain bromine and chlorine. Hydrogen-based hydrogen peroxide is used to kill and disperse organic matter to keep the water clean by suppressing bacteria. This system produces less odor than chlorine or bromine.
Mineral systems can be used to help with other disinfectants to protect your spa or hot tub from contamination. Conventional mineral water treatment involves the use of salt systems. Cartridges are often used in a floating facility or placed in a filtration system. Some people prefer to use mineral disinfectants because they are low in chlorine or bromine.
Ozone is not a pesticide. It is mixed with spa or hot bath water using an ozonator, and pesticides are commonly used to help maintain good water quality and reduce the amount of chemicals needed. Ozone can be used in combination with chlorine, bromine, begonid and mineral water.