MAINTENANCE
The Support System
The support system circulates. filters, and heats the hot tub water in your spa. It consists of the pump, filter, heater and usually an air blower. For most spas and tubs with a capacity of up to 600 gallons, you can purchase a skid pack (a preassembled package) of electrically and hydraulically matched components. Whether your spa has a skid pack or individual components, it is useful to understand the basic equipment in your system. Owners' manuals or instructions from the manufacturer included with your support equipment will assist you in maintenance procedures.
The Pump
The pump circulates the water through the filter and heater in order to keep it
clean and hot. The pump also powers the hydrojets in your spa or tub. When
choosing a pump, important factors to consider are its capacity relative to the
volume of water in your spa or hot tub, the number of hydrojets, the operating
costs and maintenance steps. Generally, a 1 hp pump motor is sufficient for a
500-700 gallon spa or tub with four hydrojets. Many new energy saving models,
such as two-speed pumps are on the market, and your NSPI professional will be
glad to assist you in your product choice.
The Filter
The filter's job is to keep
the water clean by removing solids algae and dirt. There are generally three
types of filters.
Cartridge filters, composed of non-woven polyester, Dacron or treated paper,
trap dirt and residue as the water flows through them. A large majority of spas
and tubs use cartridge filters. Properly maintained cartridges last 1-2 years
before replacement is necessary. However, they do require regular cleaning with
a recommended cleaner.
For larger spas and hot tubs, DE (diatomaceous earth) filters are more efficient
since they can carry a heavier dirt load than cartridge filters. Cleaning DE
filters is more complicated than cartridges. When the DE filter needs to be
cleaned, it must be backwashed (reverse-flow) or manually cleaned. A new coating
of DE is applied and then the filter is ready for its new cleaning cycle.
Sand Filters operate similarly to the DE filter and must be cleaned in a similar
process, during which a portion of the water is lost. They offer a slightly less
efficient filtration than DE filters. There are different filter sizes, and the
filter flow rate should be compatible with the pump. Your NSPI dealer or
retailer can give you advice on the right model and instructions on how long to
run your filter.
The Heater
Most heaters are either
fossil-fueled (natural gas, propane or heating oil) or electric. Your climate
and type of vessel will help determine the most efficient energy source in your
area. In natural gas, propane and oil heaters, air and fuel are pulled in to
produce an open flame that heats copper tubes or another heat transfer system.
These heaters are designed to raise the water temperature quickly and may be
more desirable in colder climates. Electric heaters take longer to heat water
but may be adequate for small installations, portable spas or highly insulated
spas. Electric heaters usually run continuously if the spa or tub is used often.
Electric heaters make good backup systems for solar heaters. To date, the
effectiveness of solar heaters for spas and tubs has yet to be proven. However,
with the rapid advances in technology, solar heating may soon become a feasible
alternative. Other alternatives include wood and coal burning heaters, as well
as heat exchangers. An NSPI professional can help you choose the best energy
source for your spa or tub.
Air Blowers and Hydrojets
Air blowers use small
electric motors to produce thousands of tiny air bubbles. These motors must run
at 15,000 rpm to 22,000 rpm. Proper sizing and correct installations are the key
factors for years of trouble-free performance. Little direct maintenance is
required for the air blowers. Powered by the pump, hydrojets produce aerated
streams of water, creating a massage effect. Generally, no maintenance is
required except a thorough cleaning when you drain your spa or hot tub.
The Chemicals
The chemistry of spa and hot
tub water changes very quickly. Factors that cause this are high water
temperatures, the aeration of the water, the body chemistry of the people using
the spa or hot tub, and the high body to water ratio in the spa or hot tub. For
example, five people in a 500-700 gallon spa or tub equals about 250 people in
an average size (25,000 gallon) pool; the high water temperature also provides a
good environment for algae and bacteria to grow. And because these factors
change the water chemistry rapidly, water should be checked daily. To keep your
spa or hot tub's water fresh and clean, you need a water quality test kit. They
are easy to use and will give you the necessary information to keep the water
clean and properly balanced.
The kit should test the following:
• The chlorine/bromine disinfectant level;
• pH level;
• Total alkalinity; and
• Calcium hardness.
Spa and hot tub water must have the correct balance of these elements.
Unbalanced water can irritate eyes, corrode the equipment and leave mineral
deposits.
Disinfectants
The most widely used
chemicals for disinfecting the spa or tub are chlorine and bromine. Chlorine
comes in liquid, tablet or granulated forms while bromine is available in sticks
and tablets or a two-step dry chemical mixture. Both chemicals keep water free
of harmful bacteria and prevent the growth of some algae when maintained at
proper levels.
pH Level
Potential hydrogen (pH) is
the measure of acidity or alkalinity (basicity) in the water. The scale runs
from 0-14. The recommended pH range is 7.2-7.8. Below this, the water can
corrode a spa or tub finish and support equipment; above this, the pH level can
produce scaling, cloudy water or a clogged filter and reduce the efficiency of
the chlorine or to a lesser degree, bromine.
Soda ash or sodium bicarbonate is used to raise pH level; muriatic acid or
sodium bisulfate to lower it. As with any chemicals, carefully read and follow
the directions for proper use of these substances.
Total Alkalinity
Total alkalinity testing
measures the amount of all alkaline salts in the water. Keeping total alkalinity
in the recommended ranges of 90-150 parts per million will help keep your pH
level stable and is one good defense against forming excessive calcium
carbonate, a type of alkalinity that causes scaling, cloudiness and residue to
form in your spa or tub.
Water should be tested for total alkalinity every month. The same chemicals used
to raise and lower pH are also used to control total alkalinity.
Calcium Hardness
Testing for water hardness
is also important. Calcium is a mineral that affects the water's overall balance
and is no more than 150-300 parts per million. If the calcium level is very
high, it may be time to replace old water with new. If it is too low, add
calcium chloride. Water chemistry is an important part of protecting and
enjoying your spa or hot tub. For specific questions on chemical maintenance,
consult a local NSPI member. Many members have computerized testing labs for
your convenience.
Optional Accessories
A skimmer is perhaps the
most necessary piece of optional equipment. Outdoors, it skims leaves and other
contaminants off the surface of the water. Indoor, it skims perspiration and
body oils from the water. The device prevents clogged drains and plumbing.
Some owners also supplement their filter with a water purification system. Such
systems keep the water free of microorganisms by using purifying agents, like
ozone or ultraviolet energy. Both these products, along with other purifying
agents, are recognized as useful supplements to chlorine or bromine treatment.
Water purifying systems leave no residue in the water, remove most odors and may
even reduce the amounts of disinfectant required for proper water treatment.
However, most experts caution owners to use water purification systems only in
addition to regular chemical purification. Chemical treatment of the water helps
to kill microorganisms in still water or before they are pumped through the
purifier.
Spa or hot tub covers can be made out of fiberglass, canvas, plastic or wood and
are useful because:
• they keep the water free of leaves and other objects when not in use;
• they can act as a safety device to keep children out;
• they keep heat in, thereby reducing energy costs;
• they reduce the evaporation of water and chemicals; and
• they can be used as a winterizing cover.
If you own an indoor spa or tub, you can enjoy year-round hot soaks. Owners of
outdoor models can soak year-round as well with some additional steps. A
freeze-protection kit for your spa or tub includes:
• insulation for the unit, pipes and support equipment;
• insulated cover to retain heat; and
• a device to protect your spa or tub from freezing that is monitored by a
thermostat or time clock. If you close your spa or tub, carefully read the
directions that come with your model and consult your NSPI professional on the
proper steps.
With additional accessories such as inflatable pillows, trays, juice bars, toys,
games and back scrubbers, you can make your spa or hot tub an indoor or outdoor
recreational center.
A Spa or Hot Tub You Can Enjoy
Enjoying your spa or hot tub
depends on knowing that it is well maintained and that the water is fresh and
clean.
The National Spa & Pool Institute (NSPI) has developed this booklet to help you
get the most out of your investment in a spa or hot tub. It includes information
on necessary support equipment, optional accessories and ways to chemically care
for the water. Understanding how to keep the water free from harmful bacteria
and algae and the basic steps of other operations will aid you in maintaining
your own spa or hot tub.
Special Care for Your Hot Tub
During the first few months, water will soak some chemicals from certain types
of wooden hot tubs. This calls for draining the tub frequently or using a
cleaning agent regularly during the break-in period.
In addition, periodic draining and light scrubbing of the wood will maintain its
appearance. However, once it is in use, it is best not to leave a wooden hot tub
empty for more than two days. The wood can shrink, and when you fill it again,
it may leak until the wood swells.
Special Care for Your Spa
Both acrylic and gelcoat
spas should be periodically drained and wiped with a sponge. Deposits can be
removed with a common nonabrasive cleaner. In addition to general cleaning,
proper chemical maintenance will prolong the spa's shine and finish. A concrete
or plaster spa also requires consistent maintenance and can be cleaned with a
diluted muriatic acid solution.
If a gelcoat spa loses its shiny gloss, there are a number of coatings or
sealant to freshen the surface. Acrylic spas maintain their luster indefinitely,
and using a special kit available from the manufacturer or dealer can repair
surface scratches.
If you have any questions, consult your NSPI dealer or builder for proper care
procedures.
Some Basic Maintenance Ideas
Your spa or hot tub will
benefit from a regular schedule of maintenance. Here is what the experts
recommend.
• Test your water daily for its pH level and chlorine or bromine. Test for total
alkalinity and calcium levels once a month.
• Use your cover consistently to prevent heat loss.
• Clean your filter on the average once a month.
• Check the leaf strainer basket at least every other week to remove debris.
• Drain and refill the tub or spa with fresh water about every 3 months; clean
the unit
thoroughly at this time. Heavy usage may require cleaning more often; the tests
made
will help determine the time.
• Periodically check pipe joints and seals in the support equipment for leaks.
• Inspect the heater annually for scale, mineral deposits or corrosion.
• Apply exterior oil to hot tubs 2-4 times a year to preserve the finish.
• Check the metal bands or hoops of your hot tub for signs of rust or corrosion.
• If you have a fiberglass spa, add a coat of special wax about twice a year to
restore luster.
APSP/NSPI Meets Your High Standards
When you are choosing a
builder, retailer or service company for your spa or hot tub, remember to look
for the logo of the National Spa & Pool Institute. It tells you that this
company is a member of a national trade association dedicated to high standards.
NSPI members share a commitment to public health and safety in the installation,
maintenance and operation of pools, spas and hot tubs. They also share a
commitment to establish voluntary uniform design and construction standards.
NSPI members are leaders in their field and experts in new products and related
services. They'll help you make the most of your investment in a spa or hot tub.
For information on this publication, write:
National Spa & Pool Institute
2111 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Or call: 1 (800) 323-3996