Easy Portable Spa Water Chemistry

From Initial Set up to Weekly Chemical Maintenance

Your new spa will be your backyard oasis, the place to escape and relax any day of the week and any time of day. As long as you take care of your spa, it’ll be there to take care of you. Fortunately, hot tubs don’t require much care. The biggest responsibility you have will be keeping the spa water clean. Chlorine is a standard hot tub water purification method. Chlorine remains a tried and true method of keeping hot tub water clean for all spas, from entry-level to high end hot tubs. Why? Because it works. In order to eliminate water bacteria in your new spa, you’ll need to maintain specific alkalinity, pH, water hardness, and chlorine levels. Fortunately, doing so isn’t rocket science. All you’ll have to do is test your spa water regularly and adjust as necessary. Here we will review initial spa water set up, daily operations and weekly chemical maintenance to maintain your American Spa in tip top shape.

Initial Hot Tub Spa Set Up

1.Drain spa water every 2 – 3 months, depending on use.
2.Clean spa shell with an acrylic spa cleaner like Spray Away  (do not use a soap based cleaner !)
3.Wax spa shell with  Highlight aerosol acrylic spa wax (do not use car wax on an acrylic spa !).
4.Soak filter cartridge overnight in Filter Cleaner solution and rinse off thoroughly with water. If it does not come clean, replace the Filter.
5.Squeeze out any surface oil removers such as Scumballs or Scumbugs and rinse  them off with fresh water. Replace if damaged or used up.
6.Refill spa with fresh water to recommended level.

Water Chemical Set Up

1.If using a pH balancing product, like Ph Balance, add the entire bottle to the spa water. Run the spa on high speed (jets) for 15 minutes, then proceed with Step # 2. If you are not using a pH balancing product, go directly to Step # 2.
2.Add 2 bottle caps of concentrated Demineralizer or Metal Out to the water. Some brands require that you must add the entire bottle. Read the instructions on your bottle to be sure.
3.Add 2 bottle caps of Spa Shock  to the water. Do not use Non-Chlorine Spa Shock the first time when refilling tub with fresh water.
4.Add 2 bottle caps of Water Clarifier to the water. (Do not use clarifier if using pH balancing products)
5.Add 2 ounces of enzyme based oil-eating product to the water. (Optional)
6.Test and adjust the pH of the water to 7.6 – 8.2 by adding either pH Plus or pH Minus (Don’t do this if using  a pH balancing product).
7.Test and adjust the Alkalinity of the water to between 100 – 120 by adding Alkalinity Plus (Don’t do this if using a pH balancing product.).
8.Add 4 – 6 Bromine Tablets to the Bromine Floater and put the floater in the spa water. ( unless your spa has a bromine generator)
9.Run spa on low speed (heat) for at least 6 hours to heat up, properly mix all the chemicals and completely filter the water.

Daily Operation

1.Spa water should filter on low speed for at least 3 hours per day.
2.Bromine Floater should have Bromine Tablets in it and should remain in the spa at all times, except when you are using it.
3.Scumballs or Scumbugs should remain in spa at all times, except when you are using it. They absorb surface oils and reduce “ring around the spa” at the water line.
4.Ozonator (if equipped) should operate on low speed at least 3 hours for every 12 hours. If using an Ozonator, you should also use at least 2 – 3 Bromine Tablets in a Bromine Floater as well.

Weekly Maintenance

1.Test water for Bromine, pH and Alkalinity.
2.Add 4 – 6 new Bromine Tablets to the  Floater if necessary. Try to maintain an average Bromine level of between 1.0 – 1.5.
3.Adjust the Alkalinity to between 100 – 120 and the pH to 7.6 – 8.2 (Don’t manually adjust the pH or Alkalinity if using a pH balancing product).
4.Rinse off the cartridge filter with fresh water.
5.Squeeze out Scumballs or Scumbugs and rinse them off with fresh water.
6.Add 2 bottle caps of Water Clarifier. (Do not use Clarifier if using Perfect pH)
7.Add 2 bottle caps of Spa Shock, Spa Chlor or Non-Chlorine Spa Shock.
8.Add 2 ounces of Scumdigester or any other enzyme based oil-eating product to the water. (Optional)
9.Clean water line and lip of spa with Spray Away  (do not use a soap based cleaner !)

Keeping your new American Spa in pristine condition comes down to testing your water regularly and adjusting it as necessary. Just a few minutes of light work each week is all it will take to enjoy the benefits of your spa whenever the mood hits you. Test strips and adjustment products are available at Quick Spa Parts, also always on hand to answer any questions you have about your spa is our knowledgeable Tech Support, which you can Email or Call (909) 623-8781 Ext. 312. Available Monday-Friday 9am to 4pm Pacific time For assistance

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