Finding the right balance
Owning a swim spa feels like having the best of what the world has to offer. But the secret to achieving its therapeutic purpose is finding the right balance for your spa water. This is where some spa owners hit a snag. How do you find the right balance for your spa? Wait, what do we even mean by balance?
Spa water balance is the relationship between different chemical measurements in your spa. Now let’s get back to our initial question, “How do you find the right balance for your spa water?”
WATER BALANCE
Water balance is an important part of enjoying your spa and it is not about becoming a mad chemical scientist. It refers to the pH, Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness level of the spa water. These act together and have an effect on water quality, equipment, and sanitising. They should be checked and maintained in accordance with your spa manual. Generally, water is regarded as either balanced, corrosive or scaling.
Balanced water refers to water whereby the correct pH, Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness levels are achieved. Corrosive water usually refers to water with a low pH that is acidic. This will shorten the life of equipment in your spa and may also make water uncomfortable for bathers either in aggressive fuming or skin irritation. Scaling water refers to the water where the pH is generally too high and can lead to cloudy water and calcium deposits forming in pipes and around equipment.
So how do you know what your water balance is? It is as simple as using your test strips or better still, take a spa water sample into your Just Spas shop and have them test it for you or your local pool professional, leaving you to just enjoy your spa.
Keeping it simple …
- pH is a measure of the how acidic or alkaline spa’s water level is. The ideal level is between 7.4 and 7.6
- Total Alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH and gives you the ability to better control your pH levels, which is why it is essential to balance total alkalinity before looking at pH levels. The ideal level is between 125ppm and 150ppm
- Calcium Hardness is the measure of how hard or soft your spa water is. It measures the amount of dissolved calcium in the water. Just like pH and Total Alkalinity, it is important to keep the calcium hardness balanced to prevent your hot tub water from becoming corrosive or scaling. The ideal level is between 200ppm and 245ppm
Filtration
There is no magic stand-alone product that can provide crystal clear water. No matter your level of sanitiser or water balance, Filtration is the final in the trilogy to maintaining healthy, safe and sparkling water. Your filtration run times and maintenance of your microban filters is critical. Your filters remove oxidised organic debris and suspended matter from the spa, providing clear, sparkling water. Speak to your Just Spas professional for your filtration run times and remember these may need increasing when you are enjoying your spa more. Clean your cartridges regularly with SPA FRESH ULTRA™ INSTANT FILTER CLEAN & replace annually. We recommend a 2nd set of filters to rotate weekly
Why You Should Test Your Spa Water
Testing your spa tells you a lot about your water. In fact, it is the only way to know the health of your spa. Crystal clear looking water does not necessarily mean is it healthy or safe to use. As a spa owner, one of the important things you can do is to test your water, or have it tested for you.
Maintain your spa’s water balance and sanitiser will help not only protect you, family and friends but also the lifespan of your spa giving you many years of enjoyment and protecting your investment.
Eager for more? Read our benefits of owning a spa here.
