Spa water maintenance is a science.  That’s why you should take the time to research what your local climate means to your pool and/or spa.   Shady -vs- Sunny, Humid -vs- Arid/Dry, frequent rain all play a part in the upkeep of your water.  Always test your water weekly and always follow directions as specified on the product container.

The Basics of Filtration
      There are 3 things to filter out of the water; Solids, Liquids and Semi-Solids.
Solids - Solid contaminants are particulates that have a rigid shape and a constant volume. Solid contaminants are the least likely to be of a uniform size or shape. In a spa the solid contaminants are sand and hair as well as larger items such as leaves and twigs.
      Liquids - Liquids flow readily. They do not have a stable shape but have a constant volume. In a hot tub or pool the liquid contaminants are generally body oils or artificial oils (such as Suntan oil). Foams are liquid based and have been mixed with air. These can include make up, deodorants, shampoo, and soap residue (possibly laundry detergents). The average person sweats three pints per hour in a Hot Tub. 
      Semi-Solids - Semi-Solids are solids that are able to bend or break into smaller parts. They flex when they come into contact with a solid object. In a spa application, semi-solids are human skin, human waste, pollen, and other products (such as fingernail polish). Out of the three contaminants, semi-solids are the hardest to remove from water.
Step 1: Control Bacteria

Continuously
Step 2: Oxidize Waste Weekly
Step 3: Prevent Algae Growth 
      Why treat your Spa water?
      To keep the water sparkling and clear. 
      To protect the people that use your spa from bacteria & illness.
      To protect your spa surface/equipment from corrosion & damage.
      What you need to know..
      You should check the capacity of your spa in litres, this should be written in your owner’s manual or specification sheet. 
      This will enable you to determine the proper amounts of chemicals to use. 
      To avoid adding unnecessary pollution to your spa water we strongly advise that you have a shower first. 
      Before filling your spa with a garden hose, flush away any water that may have been lying in the hose. 
      Always add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals. 
      Always add chemicals with pump on low speed only.

Why is water balance important?
      Water balance affects the performance life of your equipment, the effectiveness of your sanitiser, the appearance of your water and the comfort of the bather. 
      Water balance comprises pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature and total dissolved solids.
Please see the Spa guide enclosed in your Spa starter kit for more information on these.
Water varies from area to area. 
      You can contact your local Water Authority for an analysis of your tap water.
      We can test a sample of your water to determine whether you have hard or soft water. 
      A calcium hardness reading of 200ppm is ideal.
      Warm water is perfect for the growth of bacteria, algae and fungi. 
      Perform daily tests on your spa water to ensure the sanitiser and water balance levels are correct.

Daily Tasks
Use your test strips to check
a)Total alkalinity – keeping this stable will prevent the pH from fluctuating. Ideally maintained between 80-160 (mg/l)
b)PH – keep within the range of 7.2-7.6 for bather comfort and to enable the sanitiser to work effectively
c)Check sanitiser level to control and destroy bacteria. 
      You should maintain a free chlorine reading of 3-5ppm (mg/l) and a free Bromine level of 4-6 mg/lDose your spa as required to adjust the above readings. Adjusting the total alkalinity first, the pH second and then the sanitiser level.
      Test your spa when the water is not circulating for accurate results.

Weekly Tasks
      Rinse out your filters using a hosepipe.
      Add spa clarifier, which clears cloudy water, also improving the efficiency of your filter cartridge.
      Add spa no foam as necessary to remove body oils and suds.
      Oxidise your spa water to restore sparkle and remove non-filterable waste such as cosmetics, perspiration etc. 
      Also known as ‘shocking’ the spa. 
      Use a non-chlorine shock treatment or ‘shimmer’.
      This should be done after bathing, add an extra dose after heavy bathing e.g a party.

Monthly Tasks
      Clean filters using filter cleaning solution, which will remove scale, oil & grease. 
      Soak in solution for 24 hrs, rinse, then allow filter to dry before use to restore efficiency.
      Drain half the water from spa, clean water line with spa gel and top up with fresh water.

Other tasks
      Drain & refill your spa completely as and when necessary. 
      We recommend every 6-8 weeks. 
      Every 2-3 months use a Hot Tub & Whirlpool Pipe Cleaner to remove dirt, oil and other plumbing build up.
      Clean your hot tub cover with a weak solution of water and detergent and then dry. 
      Afterwards apply 303 Aerospace protectant which restores and maintains a like-new appearance and colour. 
      Apply every 3-5 weeks for maximum uv protection.
      Replace filters every 2 years.

Further useful information
      Most spas nowadays incorporate an Ozonator. 
      This device turns oxygen into ozone gas, which then kills bacteria and purifies the water. 
      This treatment is in addition to your sanitiser not instead of.
      If in doubt, drain out!
      Sanitisers – to kill bacteria and deter algae growth
      Bromine available in tablet or granules.
      Chlorine available in tablet or stabilised granules.
      Water balance products – to protect the spa
      Higher cal to increase calcium hardness of water
      TA plus to increase total alkalinity level
      pH plus to increase pH level
      pH minus to decrease pH and total alkalinity level
      Stain & scale inhibitor
      Oxidisers – to destroy bather waste and clarify water
      Non-chlorine shock
      Shimmer

      Accessories – to enhance enjoyment
      Spa Clarifier to clarify spa water
      Spa No-foam to get rid of unsightly foam
      Filter Cleaner to clean the filters of waste
      Spa Cleaner to clean waterline and surfaces
      Spa Maximiser Plus to increase bather comfort
      Always follow the manufacturers instructions on the back of each chemical container.
      A small postal scale is ideal to measure out small quantities - it will pay for itself in no time.