Using Chlorine And Enzymes To Sanitize Your Hot Tub
If you have recently purchased a hot tub, then you probably know that you need to add chemicals to the water to kill bacteria. This is especially important, because bacteria thrive in moist and warm environments. This means your hot tub can become a breeding ground for dangerous microorganisms without you even noticing. Legionnaire's disease is a real concern, and so is hot tub rash and lung disease. If you want to swim safely in your tub without bacteria concerns, then you will need to make sure that you properly sanitize it. Keep reading to learn about how to do this with chlorine and enzymes.
Use Just The Right Amount Of Chlorine
Nobody wants to put too many chemicals in their hot tub. This can lead to burns and an uncomfortable session in your spa. However, you certainly do not want to add too few chemicals or bacterial colonies will start to form. There are two types of common chemical sanitization materials you can place in the tub. These include chlorine and bromine. Chlorine is quite common, and if you decide to use it, then you will need to purchase a type that can work well with hot water. Sodium di-chlor is the type you should look for. When you add the chlorine to your tub, you will want to maintain a level of three to six parts per million of the chemical.
Start by adding one cap full of chlorine to the spa or use the scoop provided with the product. Wait about one hour for the chlorine to dissipate through the water. Afterwards, use a testing kit to see how much chlorine is in the water. A strip tester will be the easiest to use. Simply dip the strip in the spa water and match the color on the strip with the chlorine indicator. After the test, add another cap full of chlorine and wait another hour. Continue to do this until the strip indicates there are between three and six parts per million of chlorine. Keep in mind that this measures the free chlorine in the tub. This is the amount of the chemical that is not being used to kill bacteria and break down contaminants. This means you will likely need to add varying amounts of the chemical depending on the types of contaminants that are present in the water. You may notice this after you use the hot tub for several months.
Once you have reached the correct chlorine concentration, you will want to test the water before and after you use the hot tub. Make sure to add chlorine whenever tests show a drop in chemicals.
Opt For An Enzyme Cleaner
Chlorine will do a good job of sanitizing your spa, especially when you understand how much of the chemical is needed. Unfortunately, sanitizers like chlorine cannot break down some of the wastes that are brought into the water. These wastes include body oils, sweat, and grease from lotions and other body products. These materials will create a noticeable film on the top of the water. The scum will build up on filters and keep them from working properly. The materials will also keep your chlorine from working as well as it should. You will likely notice that more chemicals are needed to retain proper chlorine levels. When this happens, you will need to add a spa enzyme product to the water.
Spa enzymes are products that contain a material called lipase that is able to break down the oily, greasy, and fatty materials that build in the hot tub. The waste material can then be caught by your filter for removal. Before you go out and buy an enzyme product though, you will need to look for the right item. Many enzyme products actually breakdown in the bottle before they can be used. For more information about hot tub maintenance, contact a company like Ole's Pool & Spa.