Frequently Asked Questions: Hot Tubs, Saunas, Pools

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Frequently Asked Questions

Hot Tubs

How often should a hot tub be drained?: The industry recommended duration is every two to four months; however, the frequency can vary depending on the amount of usage, the hardness of the water in your area, how well the water balance levels are maintained, and the brand and model of hot tub. For example, with many hot tub brands, you need to drain and fill every 50 to 90 days, but with eco-friendly Hot Spring models you may only need to drain and fill every 160 days.
Is a 115-volt hot tub better than a 220-volt hot tub or vice versa?: Neither voltage is better than the other. A 115-volt hot tub does not need to be hard wired and can be plugged directly to an outlet while a 220-volt hot tub requires a sub-panel and hardwiring. With a 115-volt hot tub the heater turns off when the jet pump turns on while the heater and jet pump can run simultaneously with a 220-volt hot tub.
What are the recommended water balance levels for a hot tub?: pH: 7.2 to7.8ppm
Total Alkalinity: 80-120ppm
Calcium Hardness: 150-400ppm
Total Dissolved Solids: 2000ppm
Sanitizer: 3-5ppm (never over 10ppm)
What causes discolored water or scale deposits (white flakes)?: Typically this is caused by an elevated level of minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, and iron. A good solution to these unpleasant water characteristics is to adjust the pH level.
What causes hot tub water to foam and what is the solution?: Foam can occur due to a few reasons: oil buildup, low level of calcium hardness, and an increased volume of dissolved solids. Try adding sanitizer or calcium hardness or refilling the hot tub.
What causes scum lines and how do you get rid of them?: Scum lines are most often caused by a buildup of lotions and body oils near the surface of the water. The best way to eliminate them is to use an enzyme cleaner.
What is the difference between chlorine and bromine?: Both are sanitizers, and capable of eliminating bacteria and algae. The most notable differences are that bromine tends to be less harsh on the skin and has fewer odors. Whereas, chlorine will not break down as easy when exposed to sunlight—lasting longer in your pool.
What is the hottest temperature a hot tub should be set?: Never set your hot tub over or soak in water hotter than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why does hot tub water become cloudy?: Hot tub water can become cloudy for lots of reasons: the water may have contaminants, unbalanced levels, increased calcium hardness, or un-filterable particles. Check the levels of the water, add sanitizer or calcium hardness if needed, and make sure the filter is working properly.
Why is shock recommended for hot tub water care?: Shock breaks down the suspended organic material that chlorine, bromine, and other santizers can not completely eliminate. If these organic materials are not removed from your hot tub’s water, algae may being to grow.

Saunas

How do you stop perspiration stains from occurring?: The best way to prevent perspiration stains in sauna wood is to sit or lay on a towel.
How hot do saunas get?: Traditional or conventional saunas average 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit and infrared units average 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
How should a sauna be cleaned?: A sauna should only be cleaned with a mild soap/detergent, water, and a towel. Never use harsh chemicals or scouring pads to clean a sauna. If benches have perspiration stains that can not be removed through cleaning, benches should be sanded using a fine grain sandpaper.
Is it okay to use a sauna when you are ill?: Saunas have been found to alleviate cold and flu symptoms, but sauna use is not recommended if you are extremely ill, fatigued, dizzy, or dehydrated.
What is the difference between traditional (conventional) saunas and infrared saunas?: Traditional or conventional saunas heat the air with heat and steam. Infrared saunas heat objects with invisible Electromagnetic Spectrum light waves (objects heat up; the surrounding air does not).
What is the recommended time for a sauna session?: Most sauna “experts” recommend that a sauna session be 5 to 15 minutes.

Pools

Are water clarifiers crucial for pool water care?: Yes, clarifiers are important in maintaining your pool’s water care. Clarifiers assist in the filtration process. Clarifiers bond tiny particles, which filters are unable to catch, into larger particles, which filters are able to catch.
How can algae be eliminated?: The best way to eliminate algae is to adjust the pool’s pH to 7.4, identify the type of algae (Green, Blue-Green, Black, Pink, or Mustard), add the appropriate anti-algae product, and brush. Also, algae thrives in sunlight, warm water, rough surfaces, cracks, crevices, water with poor circulation or not enough sanitizer, and where there is plenty of carbon, phosphates, and nitrates. By eliminating these conditions, you will decrease the occurrence of algae in your pool.
Is the “chlorine” smell caused from too much chlorine?: Actually, the stinky chlorine odor in a pool is not caused from high levels of chlorine. Rather it is caused from the presence of too many chloramines and a low level of free chlorine. Chloramines are formed when free chlorine bonds with contaminants in the water. To eliminate the odor, shock the pool to remove the chloramines and raise the water’s free-chlorine level.
What are phosphates?: Phosphates are inorganic salts of phosphoric acid, which cause pool water to become cloudy. Most phosphates found in your pool’s water get there from a swimmer’s body--waste such as sweat and body products such as sunscreens, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. Other sources of phosphates in your pool include soil, plant and lawn products, and, even, pool water care products.
What are the recommended water balance levels for a pool?: pH: 7.2 to7.8ppm
Total Alkalinity: 80-120ppm
Calcium Hardness: 150-400ppm
Total Dissolved Solids: 2000ppm
Sanitizer: 3-5ppm (never over 10ppm)
What causes discolored water or scale deposits (white flakes) in pool water?: Typically this is caused by an elevated level of minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, and iron. A good solution to these unpleasant water characteristics is to adjust the pH balance.
When should the filter be cleaned?: Your pool’s filter should be cleaned per your filter manufacturer’s guidelines. If you do not know what brand filter you have or can not locate your filter’s manual, you should clean your filter before the water pressure reaches 10 pounds above normal.
Why do pools become cloudy?: Pool water can become cloudy for a number of reasons: low level of sanitizer or free chlorine, poor filtration, weak water flow, buildup of contaminants, high levels of pH, calcium hardness, or dissolved solids.
Why is shock recommended for pool water care?: Shock breaks down the suspended organic material and nonbacterial contaminants that chlorine, bromine, and other sanitizers can not completely eliminate.

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