Spas and Hot Tubs

Use net to remove floating debris.
Brush and vacuum the spa.
If a skimmer basket is used, empty it once or twice a week.

What to Do:

1. Clean the oily ring that forms at the waterline using SpaGuard Surface Cleaner. This fast-acting product breaks up the oils and debris at the waterline so the surface can easily be wiped clean. Unlike most common household cleaners, SpaGuard Surface Cleaner is totally compatible with the spa's water chemistry.
2. Prevent waterline build-up with SpaGuard Natural Spa Enzyme. This natural product has enzymes that digest most oils and eliminate them from the water. By removing these oils:

What to Do:

		Remove the cartridge.
		Rinse with a garden hose to remove loose debris. A hose-end nozzle is best. A pressure washer has too much pressure. (Note: this will not eliminate the accumulated oils.)
		Every time the filter is cleaned, use SpaGuard Filter Cleaner & Degreaser according to label instructions. This will dissolve and loosen the built-up oil and dirt.
		Thoroughly rinse the cartridge again. (Ideally the cartridge should be allowed to dry before being returned to service.)
		Return the cleaned cartridge to the filter housing.
		Replace the filter element as often as the manufacturer recommends.
		Use SpaGuard Water Clarifier weekly. Some particles of debris are microscopic and too small for the filter to catch. Water Clarifier will help join these tiny particles together and allow the filter to remove them, keeping the water clear.

		Make the water feel enjoyable and comfortable.
		Kill bacteria which can multiply rapidly in a spa.
		Protect spa surfaces from stains caused by metals which are often dissolved in water.
		Protect spa equipment from scale caused by calcium deposits. Scale can accumulate on spa surfaces and inside filters and heaters, greatly reducing their effectiveness.

For your convenience, we've color-coded our different product categories.

What to Do:

Maintain an adequate sanitizer level at all times to kill bacteria.

• SpaGuard Brominating Concentrate. A bromine residual is an ideal bacteria fighter in the spa environment. Simply add these concentrated granules into the spa water according to label instructions. A double dose of Brominating Concentrate can also serve as a shock.
• Brominating Tablets. As these Brominating Tablets dissolve, they release powerful protection against bacteria. Use them in a brominator or in a floating feeder. IMPORTANT: Do not place Brominating Tablets in the skimmer or drop directly onto the spa's surface.
• Chlorinating Concentrate. This fast-dissolving chlorinating product is also effective against bacteria and easy to apply. Sprinkle the granules directly into the spa according to label instructions. A double dose can also serve as shock.

Use SpaGuard Enhanced Shock (or a shock dosage of Brominating or Chlorinating Concentrate) to remove undesirable compounds, eliminate odors, clarify the water, and restore the sparkle. SpaGuard Enhanced Shock is the preferred routine shock product. This patented formula makes the water beautifully clear. And it works fast.

Every time the spa is refilled with fresh water use SpaGuard Stain and Scale Control to prevent metal stains and scale build-up. If the water contains high levels of minerals or metals, a weekly maintenance dose is usually recommended.

Even if a spa is equipped with an ozone generator, the spa still needs SpaGuard sanitizing and "shock products." Ozone can provide some oxidizing support, but ozone is very short lived. SpaGuard sanitizers provide the continuous, reliable protection needed.

1. Sanitizer, either bromine or chlorine residual
2. pH

When both are within their recommended ranges:

Water is comfortable, protected and clear.
Sanitizers and "shock products" work efficiently.
Spa surfaces and equipment are protected.

What to Do:

Maintain bromine or chlorine residual within recommended range:

Bromine residual = 2 - 6 ppm
Chlorine residual =1 - 3 ppm

(If spa is equipped with an ozone generator, chlorine or bromine residual can be close to the lower end of their ranges.)

Maintain the pH between 7.4 - 7.6. In this range bathers are comfortable, the spa surface and equipment are protected, and the sanitizers perform efficiently.

Add SpaGuard® Spa Sentry™ to hold the pH in its optimum range. pH is THE most important aspect of spa water quality. However, maintaining the proper pH can be challenging. The heated, aerated water, combined with heavy bather loads, can cause the pH to change quickly, unless a means for buffering these changes is present. That's where SpaGuard Spa Sentry comes in. Spa Sentry is formulated to "watch over" the pH and protect the water from pH changes.

Test sanitizer and pH level several times a week with the 4-way test strips. These strips provide quick, easy and accurate readings. The test process is easy. Follow the label instructions. Simply dip and read.

A complete water analysis is recommended every 4-6 weeks. In addition to testing the pH and sanitizer, this analysis will measure the water's total alkalinity, calcium hardness, iron, copper, manganese and total dissolved solids.

When to Drain:

How often a spa is drained and refilled depends on how often it is used. This simple formula can help:

Spa Gallons ÷ Daily Bathers ÷ 3 = Days Between Draining
Example: 300 gallons ÷ 2 daily bathers ÷ 3 = 50 days

What to Do:

Drain the water. Check owner's manual for information.

Clean the spa surfaces with SpaGuard Surface Cleaner.

Use SpaGuard Spa Polish to protect the finish. This cleaner is specifically formulated for use on the high-gloss acrylic surfaces used in many spas. It not only restores the shine, it protects the finish. However, it should not be used on spas with a non-shiny finish.

Refill the spa with fresh water.

Perform a water analysis.