Spa sanitation

Even tubs and spas with advanced filtration systems require regular chemical treatments for sanitation. The hot water that people soak in is a breeding ground for germs, so without proper maintenance your hot tub can turn into an “oversized Petri dish” and pose serious health risks. Your exact sanitation needs will vary quite a bit based on “bather load”—the number of bodies in the tub over a period of time.

You’ll need to monitor the pH level of your tub water and add chemicals regularly to keep it in balance. The chemicals most often used for sanitation are chlorine and bromine.

Occasionally, you’ll also have to perform a “shock” treatment by using a large amount of chemicals to restore the proper chemical balance. Hot tubs and spas are not safe for use for several days after a shock treatment. In addition, you’ll have to drain the tub completely a couple of times per year.

Besides chemicals, there are a few other water management components to consider:

• Filtration systems: Help maintain a clean tub by filtering out debris and forcing in clean water.

• Ozonators/ozone purification systems: Use ultraviolet light to create ozone, a natural antimicrobial.
• Ionization systems: Add zinc, copper, or silver ions to the water to remove impurities and inhibit growth of bacteria or algae.

Keep in mind that these types of water management features help reduce the amount of chemicals you have to use—by as much as 70% in some cases—not eliminate their use. True “chemical-free” hot tubs are not yet a feasible option.

The dealer who sells you your tub or spa should be able to walk you through the steps of proper sanitation, as well as supply you with a chemical kit that contain all the substances you’ll need to keep your hot tub clean.

The dealer should also offer a service plan—free basic testing on a regular basis or more thorough ongoing maintenance programs with a subscription fee. The key is to find a system that works for you and stick with it.