A pH level that is too high will reduce sanitizer efficiency and cause cloudy water in the long run. This will result in scale formation on the hot tub’s surface and will require a filter replacement. A high pH level is a cause behind many skin and eye irritations; since it reduces the sanitizer’s efficiency. Remember, contaminated water that is full of bacteria can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea too. According to the CDC, in 2003-2012, the median estimated number of people visiting hospitals for chemical–associated injuries per year was over four thousand. Injuries were caused due to several reasons such as improper ratios and unsafe chemical storage [ 8]. Metal remover: Scale and calcium build-up on surfaces can appear due to the high concentration of metal particles in the water. A metal “remover” is aimed at preventing the scale and calcium build-up. It is important to keep in mind that the metal remover isn’t really removing the metals altogether, it just mixes them with other chemicals and prevents them from accumulating on the pipes. The problem with this is that you are adding unnecessary chemicals and these can pose a risk to your health. If you have hard water in your area, you’re better off investing in an inexpensive pre-filter that will actually remove the metals rather than just mix them with chemicals- you can use that for your lawn too!

Acid can cause the surface and equipment to wear away and reduce your ability to control total alkalinity. The acidic water can cause harm to you and your family members’ health. Total alkalinity (TA) makes it easier for your water to resist pH changes (it's commonly known as a pH buffer). Unlike pH, it's measured in ppm, which stands for parts per million. That's because it's actually a measurement of all the dissolved alkaline substances in the water. Let’s jump right into information about hot tub chemicals so that you, as a customer, can be better informed. Hot tub chemicals basics

Frequently asked questions about hot tub starter kits

Total Alkalinity Increaser. TA is a measure of the number of alkaline substances (bicarbonates, carbonates, hydroxides) in hot tub water. TA and pH levels are tightly interconnected. Low or high total alkalinity leads to rapid fluctuations in pH. It is difficult to adjust the pH level without proper TA. If you cannot stabilize the TA and pH level for a long time, it is better to drain and refill the water. Hot Tub Water Cleanser. A cleanser is used to remove minor particles and dirt from the water that a sanitizer cannot deal with. It also prevents scale formation on the surface of your hot tub and makes the water crystal clear. Using this product, you will need to add less sanitizer and hence it will save you money too.

Andersson, M. (April 11, 2018) Early life swimming pool exposure and asthma onset in children – a case-control study. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5896097/ Add 50ml of foam remover directly to the tub water. Please ensure that the ventilation system is running while you’re applying the foam remover. It will help distribute the formula within the spa water. 5. Dip Test Strips According to the research of the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids are likely to have chlorine sensitivity. Symptoms include red eyes, breathing problems, chest tightness, wheezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and sneezing. Doctors recommend taking a shower to eliminate mild symptoms. There are also corticosteroid creams and antihistamines which can help deal with chlorine sensitivity but always consult with your pediatrician first [ 4]. That covers everything you need for first-time spa setup. But there are a few more nice-to-haves which will make your life easier as you find yourself doing regular spa maintenance until the next refill. Jet & Line Flush The hot tub chemical starter kit for clearwater is all you need to ensure that your water is safe and relaxing. This starter kit has won many awards and helps prepare your hot tub with clear and healthy water.

Filter Cleaner. We highly recommend using a filter cleaning product because it will get rid of any contaminants and bacteria in the filter and this will prolong the life of the filter. Filter rinsing with the cleaner will prevent germs from accumulating into your hot tub’s water. Unlike a must-have filter deep cleaner, this product is not as concentrated and can be used for monthly filter maintenance. After sanitizer, pH is one of the most important things to test in your water chemistry. All hot tub test strips will give you a visual pH reading. If you want a more accurate way to test your spa's pH level, you can invest in a liquid test kit. From our research, we also derived some important safety considerations for parents using the hot tub for their children. The following rules are based on recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, US Medicine National Institutes of Health and The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) [ 1– 4]: Cover Cleaner. A cover cleaner is a long-lasting product that will be especially beneficial if you put your hot tub outdoors. The cover cleaner will eliminate dirt from the surface of the cover and will protect the hot tub cover from damaging UV rays. They're not expensive, but will be so worth it next time you spot a leaf, insect or piece of grit floating around in your spa. How to balance the water after filling up your hot tub

Foam remover: As its name suggests is aimed at removing foam from the hot tub’s water. Firstly, let’s figure out why you have to deal with foam. Foam appears due to two reasons: you either used toiletries such as sun lotion, deodorants, etc before using the spa or you did not rinse the hot tub parts (filter, shell) with water thoroughly after using chemicals. To prevent the water from foaming, we advise taking a shower before using the hot tub and rinsing the hot tub parts with water before refilling the hot tub. And that’s all, you won’t need a defoamer.Finally, use the foam remover to manage or prevent excess foam from the water. The test strips will help you balance the water levels and ensure the tub water is safe and hygienic. Some folks believe it's just adding an unnecessary chemical to your water. However, most people agree that it's a good idea to remove metals such as iron and copper, which can cause discoloration, staining and potential damage to your hot tub equipment.

So, disinfect your hot tub with chlorine first and then control the pH level with pH minus or pH plus and test the pH levels with a test strip. The Spa Choice bromine kit I bought came with a floater or 'brominator', but it was one of the things I didn't like about it. Let me explain why.I've tried both, and I've not personally experienced any negative effects from using a metal reducer, but it's really up to you. Useful things to buy for ongoing spa maintenance It's much more common for TA to be too low than too high, but if you do find yourself needing to lower it, you can use the same chemicals you would use to decrease pH (usually dry acid or muriatic acid). Calcium Hardness Increaser One example (and the kit I started with when I bought my first spa) is the Standard Bromine Kit or Standard Chlorine Kit by Spa Choice. I got the bromine version. Why are ready-made kits not as good value as they seem?