Hot Tub – Spa advice on Water conditions PH and such?

Posted by on . 2 comments.


OK so I'm the new pool boy here and have the little Spa to tend to. Just 400 gallons of water to babysit. Test strip came up
FCI = 0 ALK = 80 PH = 7.8 CH = 100
Have Ozone and trying to do a Nature 2 enzyme system.
So what Chemical Balance do I need to know.
And any hot links?



Comments

  1. hantav1 says:
    June 29, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    The short answer:
    Uh, you kinda posted a very open ended question. pH and sanitizer levels are by far the most important factors in your tub. As long as they're where they should be and the tub is at the temperature that you want… jump in. The Canadian National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI), the US has a similar organization, website http://www.nspi.ca/ has a bunch legit resources for you to browse.

    The longer answer:
    Keep your sanitizer levels (bromine or chlorine) to at least 1.0-2.0ppm for chlorine and 2-4ppm for bromine. An ozone system will allow you keep a lower level of sanitizer, though.

    You will may notice that your pH will consistently read above 7.8. This is due to the ozone system. Add a few tbsp's of powdered acid to the tub as needed. It is easier to fight to bring the pH down, rather then fight to raise it.

    In the grand scheme of things, your total alkalinity (ALK on your test strips) is important in keeping your pH buffered (ie. at a constant correct level). But because the ozone will constantly drive the pH higher, I would just concentrate on keeping an eye on the pH.

    The amount of calcium in the tub is adequate. Some will suggest adding a little bit more. In the grand scheme of things, yeah, calcium is important but pH and sanitizer levels are more important.

    I personally don't like the enzyme additives. Yes, the work… kinda.. and depending on the circumstance. They're supposed to "help maintain" clear water. The key words are "help maintain". If the water is cloudy/foamy/smelly, this usually means that you don't have enough sanitizer to begin with. If you can't solve a cloudy/foamy/smelly water problem by adding more sanitizer then you can follow the "if in doubt, throw it out rule" (ie. dump the water).

  2. Lori says:
    June 29, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    I don't have any idea to estimate in your case. I will just refer you to a professional contractor.

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