Two important factors
There are two important factors in maintaining water quality:
- The right amount of chlorine or Oxy Aktiv
- the correct pH value in the water.
If you have control over these two things, you also have control over the water quality.
We need to have a plan
Regularity is a good thing when it comes to water quality. Something is done every week, something is done every month, something is done once a season, etc.
Such a plan could be:
Daily
- Keep dirt away from the water.
- Do not use the hot tub when you have a contagious illness.
- Put the cover on and secure it properly when you are finished using the spa. This will keep dirt out and heat in.
- Pay attention to visible changes, even those that occur over several days.
Common sense when using the outdoor spa will handle all of these “tasks.”.
Weekly
The important tests are done every week.
This concerns chlorine content and pH value.
Fortunately, this is easy and straightforward. A test strip is dipped into the water and taken out again. Wait 15 seconds to color the four pads on the strip and compare them to the color chart on the back of the container.
Aquacheck test strips are used to check the pH value of the water, which should be between 6.8 and 7.21
) and the free chlorine content, which should be between 1.0 and 2.0 mg/liter (3-5 ppm).
This is an important measurement and should be done regularly. Initially several times a week, then at appropriate intervals, e.g. weekly.
Each of the four test pads is compared to the corresponding row on the back. For example, the pad at the end of the strip is compared to the five fields at the top of the chart. The color should be equal to or between the two colors marked 6.8 and 7.2.
The test strip gives you, in addition to values for the water's pH and free chlorine content, the total alkalinity2
), which is important for water quality over a longer period of time, and the content of cyanuric acid3
). If all four values are within the “OK” marking, then your water quality is in balance.
If your pH is too high, you can consider using pH-Minus to bring the water down to the correct value. If the pH is too low, add fresh water. (Tap water has a pH between 7.0 and 8.5 and works just like pH-Plus. Replace 10% of the water at a time and measure again.)
If you are using a chlorine-free chemical kit with Oxy Aktiv, you should use Chlorine-free strips. The procedure is largely the same. It tests for monopersulfate (the disinfectant), pH and total alkalinity1
). Some places state 7.0 – 7.2. The executive order states 6.8 – 7.2,2
) Alkalinity is a measure of the amount of basic ions that can be neutralized by hydrogen ions. They form a buffer against the acidification of the water. 80 – 120 ppm. is the ideal content.3
) Cyanuric acid is an agent used to stabilize the breakdown of chlorine through UV light. If there is too much, it will completely stop the necessary breakdown, thereby eliminating the effect of chlorine. 30-50 ppm. is the ideal content.
Filters
The filters are removed and cleaned. This is best done in a bucket of water and Filter Cleaner.
Also clean the filter housing and skimmer basket before putting the clean filters in place.
The filters take all the small particles out of the water and therefore fill up with them. These particles can include algae spores and other microbes, as well as other dirt that is light enough to float in the water.
While cleaning and checking filters, you should also check that the water level is correct. The water should be in the middle of the skimmer box.
Use a bottom vacuumto remove larger particles from the bottom and a net to catch those floating in the water.
The monthly check
Every 12-18 weeks, all water in the outdoor spa is replaced. (There are special rules for outdoor spas used for rental.)
This is done so that contaminants in the water that can affect the quality of the water are safely removed.
At least once a month, check that the system is running without errors. Listen to see if the pumps are making noise. Check for leaks from the pipes, etc.
Clean the waterline all the way around with a soft cloth or sponge. Look for signs of algae growth on the sides of the tub or for limescale deposits. Both of these can indicate that your water quality is out of balance.
Check that the water level is correct. The water should be in the middle of the skimmer opening.
These are the important factors in maintaining water quality. Not much when it comes down to it. And once you've done that, you'll enjoy your outdoor spa even more because you know the water is in order.
If you have further questions regarding water quality, you can view the troubleshooting chart here.
Rental
If the outdoor spa is located at a summer house that is rented out, there are special rules for maintaining the water quality. The use of a disinfectant such as chlorine is mandatory, and the water must be changed between each group of tenants, and at least once a week. The circulation pump must be kept running during the rental period and started at least 2 days before the start of the rental period. See more here (PDF for download) and here (PDF for download)