Spa Care Guide A convenient guide to maximizing your spa experience Eng_SpaGuide_wp.
Relax, Restore, Rejuvenate… No matter what the occasion, we at HTH® Water Products want to help you get the most from your spa. We are committed to quality and satisfaction. With our full line of water treatment solutions, you can have peace of mind knowing that your spa is ready, offering you clear, sparkling enjoyment everyday. This guide contains information necessary to care for your spa from opening to closing. It has helpful hints and easy solutions for any problems that may arise.
Table of Contents Color Coding Overview ....................................... 2 Choosing a Sanitizer ........................................... 3 Opening Your Spa ............................................ 4-5 Balanced Spa Care .............................................. 6 Routine Maintenance Tips ................................... 7 Measuring Spa Capacity ..................................... 8 3-Step Maintenance Process ............................... 9 Maintain Step 1: Balance ..................
Color Coding Overview The HTH Spa™ Product Line is divided into 3 categories and is color-coded to ensure that your shopping experience for spa care products is a simple process. Maintenance Products Utilize these “core” products and steps in your weekly routine. Enhance Elevate your spa experience through these enhancers. Prevent Use these products to treat a problem or to prevent one from occurring. 2 www.hthpools.com Eng_SpaGuide_wp.
Choosing a Sanitizer The HTH Spa™ Product Line offers two types of primary sanitizers for use in spas: chlorine and bromine. Choosing a sanitizer comes down to personal preference. No matter which HTH Spa™ Sanitizer you select, both our bromine and chlorine products sanitize effectively when used properly. Here is additional information about both types of sanitizers offered in the HTH Spa™ product line.
Opening Your Spa Easy and straightforward so you can invigorate the body, while calming the mind Nothing is more calming than soaking in a spa full of warm, relaxing water. When your spa water is crystal clear, you and your family and friends can feel relaxed and rejuvenated. We promise to provide safe, easy and effective sanitization technology so you can enjoy your spa experience worry-free. For both chlorine and bromine sanitization: Clean your spa.
If you use bromine you should: Each time your spa is freshly filled with water you will need to add one-half ounce of HTH Spa™ BromStart per 100 gallons of water to establish an immediate 30 ppm bromide reserve. The bromide reserve keeps the system completely bromine based, to eliminate odors and to ensure maximum water comfort to skin and eyes. The 30 ppm bromide reserve is not the same as the 2 – 4 ppm bromine level that must be maintained on a daily basis.
Balanced Spa Care To ensure your water is balanced we have created the following chart with suggested HTH Spa™ Care Products, which deliver optimal product performance, comfort and crystal clear water. Ideal Levels and HTH Spa™ Care Products Used for Balanced Spa Care Test What Is It? pH A measure of the water’s acidity When To Test Ideal Range Product Used To Adjust Levels Every day 7.2 - 7.6 when using chlorine HTH Spa™ pH Increaser or HTH Spa™ pH Decreaser 7.2 - 7.
Routine Maintenance Tips Maintaining your spa is important for keeping your spa water safe and free of problems Regardless of whether you use a chlorine or bromine based sanitizer, the following basic routine cleaning tips are recommended: Drain your spa every 30 to 90 days depending on bather use. Refill the spa with fresh water. Clean the filter with HTH Spa ™ Cartridge Filter Cleaner at least once a month. Keep the skimmer basket cleaned out. 7 1-866-HTH-POOL Eng_SpaGuide_wp.
Measuring Spa Capacity Measuring Spa Capacity Dosage rates are determined by the number of gallons of water your spa holds. Therefore, it is important to know your spa’s capacity before you add any products to your spa water. If you don’t know the capacity of your spa, simply use the formulas below to calculate the approximate capacity. 1 Calculate average depth in feet*. Deep end depth (ft) 2 + = Shallow end depth (ft) (ft)/2 = Average depth (ft) Calculate in gallons.
3-Step Maintenance Process 3 simple steps for spa maintenance… 1 clear choice for all your spa care needs We understand the peace of mind and enjoyment you get from a soothing spa. We also know that you’d like to spend more time relaxing in your spa and less time maintaining it. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever to choose and use our products.
Maintain Step 1: Balance To keep your water balanced, be sure to test it before each use. You can do this by using an HTH® 6-Way Test Kit, HTH® 3-Way Test Kit or HTH® 6-Way Test Strips. After testing, the first step in maintaining sparkling water is to balance your water. Use the following products to create a bromide reserve or to adjust the pH of your spa water: HTH Spa™ Brom-Start HTH Spa™ Brom-Start establishes a bromide reserve in your spa water.
Maintain Step 2: Sanitize Spas operate at a high temperature (up to 104º F/40º C), which can create a high rate of water evaporation and an environment that may promote the growth of bacteria and algae. Heavy use of your spa can cause the water to become cloudy and dull. It may also cause your spa to develop a tendency towards corrosion, staining and/or scaling. Proper sanitization can help prevent and remedy these situations.
Maintain Step 2: Sanitize If you use bromine you should: Use HTH Spa ™ Brominating Tablets to maintain an active bromine concentration in the range of 2 – 4 ppm. During periods of heavy use, add additional tablets. HTH Spa™ Brominating Tablets When used correctly, HTH Spa™ Brominating Tablets will disinfect spa water, keeping it clean and free of odor. These tablets fit all floaters; however, we recommend using the HTH® Spa and Pop-up Pool Floater. 12 www.hthpools.com Eng_SpaGuide_wp.
Maintain Step 3: Shock or Oxidize It is essential to shock treat or oxidize your spa water at least once a week to keep your water clean and clear. Shock treating gives your spa the extra boost of chlorine it needs, killing unwanted bacteria and algae. Oxidizing eliminates undesirable solids, colors and odors. HTH Spa™ Shock and HTH Spa™ Non-Chlorine Oxidizer are essential maintenance products. If your spa is located outdoors, you should always shock after rain showers.
Maintain Step 3: Shock or Oxidize If you use bromine you should: After bather use, oxidize the spa with a dose of HTH Spa ™ Non-Chlorine Oxidizer, which helps to “burn out” unwanted solids, colors and odors. Oxidize as needed to help prevent unpleasant spa odors, algae, rashes, skin infections, swimmer’s ear and discolored water. HTH Spa™ Non-Chlorine Oxidizer This product removes organic contaminants resulting in fresh, odor free, clear water. 14 www.hthpools.com Eng_SpaGuide_wp.
Enhance These enhancement products have been created to elevate your spa experience. HTH Spa™ Moisturizer This unique concentrated formula has no oils or residues and is pH balanced. This skin softening product prevents dryness caused by spa use. HTH Spa™ Green Tea Aromatherapy Adds a light, refreshing aroma to the water, lifting your mood and enticing your senses as you relax your body.
Prevent These products were formulated to eliminate any other problems that you might encounter with your spa. HTH Spa™ Non-Foaming Algaecide: When used regularly, it will kill and control the growth of green algae. This product works best when added by itself directly to spa water with the pump running. Wait 15 minutes before the entry of bathers. For an indoor or outdoor spa, use this product on a weekly basis to eliminate algae problems.
HTH Spa™ Cartridge Filter Cleaner: Use this product when the water pressure coming out of the filtration system noticeably decreases. It improves filter efficiency and water circulation. HTH Spa™ Metal and Stain Control: This product effectively disperses precipitated iron and other staining agents in spa water. Its soy protein serves as a skin softener to counteract the drying effect of spa water. This should be applied whenever the spa is refilled to control the formation of new stains.
Accessories HTH Spa™ Brominating Tablet Dispenser: • Automatically releases bromine into spa • Adjustable ring controls the amount dispersed into spa HTH® Spa and Small Pool Vacuum Cleaner: • No filter system required • Great for above-ground pools, wading pools, spas, ponds and waterfalls HTH® Pool and Spa Thermometer: • Shatter-resistant lens • Easy to read large numbers • Snap-on float • Accurate Fº and Cº reading HTH® 6-Way Test Kit: • Tests for total chlorine/bromine, pH, total alkalinity, calcium h
Covering and Closing Your Spa If you are covering your spa for an extended period of time, follow these tips: If you use chlorine 1 Add correct dosage ™ of HTH Spa If you use bromine 1 Add correct dosage of HTH Spa™ Chlorinating Sanitizer Brominating Tablets while the filter is while the filter is running. Do this twice running. Do this a week or as needed twice a week or as to maintain FAC in the needed to maintain range of 3 – 5 ppm.
HTH Spa™ Problems and Solutions HTH Spa™ Problems and Solutions Problem Possible Causes Solution Odors Not enough free available chlorine or low bromine residual 1. Adjust pH to 7.2 - 7.6 Eye and skin irritation Not enough free available chlorine, low bromine or incorrect pH 1. Adjust pH to 7.2 - 7.6 Cloudy water High pH and/or high total alkalinity 1. Use HTH Spa™ pH Decreaser to lower pH and/or total alkalinity to desired levels 2.
HTH Spa™ Problems and Solutions Problem Possible Causes Solution Foaming Buildup of body oils, cosmetics or other contaminants 1. Use HTH Spa™ Defoamer to remove and prevent foam, or drain spa and refill with fresh water Use of certain algaecides Buildup of contaminants due to improper filtration and/or oxidation Low calcium hardness 2. Be sure to use HTH Spa™ Non-Foaming Algaecide to prevent this from occurring 3.
HTH® Care HTH® Water Products is committed to your safety, and while no spa care guide can take the place of common sense and precaution, we recommend the following guidelines in order to help you and your family safely enjoy your spa. Spa Product Safety: Spa chemicals can be harmful if the proper care is not taken. Contamination or improper use of these chemicals may cause a fire, explosion or the release of toxic gases. Read and follow all labels carefully.
NEVER • Allow pool chemicals to come into contact with your skin, eyes or mouth. • Inhale or ingest pool chemicals. • Store chemicals in a place where they can be accessed by children or pets. • Store chemicals in a place where they can be contaminated by any other material. They can react with other materials, including other pool chemicals, to cause a fire, explosion, or the release of toxic gases. • Add water to pool chemicals or expose them to small amounts of water.
HTH® Care Chemical Disposal and Spillage • Call the ACEAN line, 1-800-654-6911, for assistance in disposing of chemicals. Do not throw them in the trash. • If any of your spa chemicals spill, call 1-800-654-6911 for special handling instructions. • Do not backwash into a stream or river. • Do not throw spilled material into trash. • A spill requires emergency handling if there is any sign of activity such as a bulging container, bubbling, hissing, gassing, smoking, or fire.
Telephone Numbers: Emergency 1-800-654-6911 This is the HTH® Emergency Action Network which is open 24/7. The experts who answer the phone are trained to assist you in an emergency. Spa Care Questions 1-866-HTH-POOL (1-866-484-7665) This is the HTH® Helpline, which is open between 8 A.M. and 10 P.M. Eastern Time. The experts who answer the phone are trained to answer spa care questions. You can also e-mail your spa care questions through “Ask an Expert” on our website www.hthpools.com.
Glossary Algae: Microscopic one-celled or multi-celled forms of plant life that are black, green or yellow slime. They thrive in sunshine and can interfere with proper filtration and greatly increase chlorine demand. In addition, phosphates in the water encourage their growth. Algaecide: A chemical formula used to kill algae. Backwash: Sand filters require backwashing to keep the filter working effectively.
Calcium Hardness (CH): The measurement of dissolved calcium in the water. The recommended range is from 200 – 1000 ppm. Clarifier: A chemical that helps clear cloudy water by coagulating small particles in the water into larger groups of particles. This makes it easier for the filter to remove the unwanted particles. Cyanuric Acid: A chemical that has the ability to stabilize chlorine against loss due to sunlight.
Glossary pH: The measurement of water acidity. PPM: Parts per million. PSI: Pounds per square inch. Sanitization: To sterilize the water to keep it free from germs and harmful bacteria. Scale: White, gray or brownish chalky deposits on pool walls and fixtures. Scum: A colored ring around the pool. Shock: A highly concentrated dose of chlorine that raises FAC in order to kill bacteria and germs.
We hope the spa care tips and helpful hints in this guide make caring for your spa easier and more relaxing than ever. Remember, if you ever need more information, just call us at 1-866-HTH-POOL (1-866-484-7665) between 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. Eastern Time 7 days a week or visit us online at www.hthpools.com. We’re ready to help you get the sparkling water you desire, so you can enjoy your spa. 1-866-HTH-POOL Eng_SpaGuide_wp.
www.hthpools.com 1-866-HTH-POOL Arch Chemicals, Inc. Smyrna, Georgia 30080 HTH Spa™ and Design logo is a trademark of Arch Chemicals, Inc. HTH® is a registered trademark of Arch Chemicals, Inc. ©2009 Arch Chemicals, Inc. #49463 01/09 Eng_SpaGuide_wp.
