Hot tub chemistry is a mystery to many hot tub owners. Either they didn’t get started on the right path or bought a home with a hot tub already installed and have no clue about what to do. If you fall into one of these camps, no worries.  Follow these 6 tips for easier water care that saves you times and money:

TIP #1: Use only chemical products specifically labeled for hot tubs and spas. Read the fine print on the label when you shop!  Swimming pool chemicals should never be used to treat a spa or hot tub. Using pool chemicals can cause severe water problems related to pH and mineral content and have a long-term harmful effect on your spa equipment. Be safewith the right water care products and you’ll find that water care is easier, too.

TIP#2: BUY AMERICAN MADE CHEMICALS for safety, reliability and effectiveness. It’s the 4th of July- time to celebrate America. And this time there’s a BIG reason beyond sheer patriotism. Avoid big box store chemicals including online chemical sellers with no local ties. Most big box stores offer both swimming pool disguised or falsely labeled as spa/hot tub chemicals. The problem with buying big box chemicals is that you don’t know what you are getting.

One example I saw lately is a product sold in a box store for use in oxidizing hot tub water.  It turned out to be the same product as a swimming pool chemical just re-packaged! The problem with using this chemical in a spa/hot tub is that it can cause severe damage to the heater and is a dangerous product to use and handle.

Much of what the big box stores sell comes from overseas and contains contaminants, fillers and binders. Many of these fillers and binders can cause surface staining and have caused severe skin rashes on bathers. Overseas products do not have to meet American made stringent quality and safety regulations. You don’t need to be a chemist or wear a hazmat suit when you buy spa chemicals made in America.  All SeaKlear Spa products are made in America. You’ll have peace of mind, avoid many water care issues AND protect your spa equipment.

TIP #3: Stick to the same brand for all chemical products for your hot tub. Do not mix brands! Buy and use all spa products in the same brand family. This ensures that you are getting the same percentage, dosage and  chemicals that work with each other on a consistent basis. Switching brands and buying strictly on price can lead to chemistry problems and damage to your spa.

One example is clarifiers. There is a misconception that clarifiers should be used only when the water turns cloudy. Clarifiers will work to clear cloudy water, but the real purpose of a clarifier is to prevent water from becoming cloudy in the first place. Clarifiers should be used weekly. It doesn’t make a difference what type of clarifier is used for water quality as long as it’s a natural non-petroleum based clarifier. However, those who are environmentally conscious will purchase SeaKlear Spa Natural Clarifier which is eco-friendly and made from crab shells.  Buy products in harmony with each other.

TIP #4: Hot tubs are NOT small swimming pools. Read your owners’ manual so you’ll have an understanding of what’s involved in proper maintenance and care. You’ll be glad when you know what you’re doing! If you’d rather we did your hot tub care for you, give our Valet Service a call 206 431-2876 or services@olympichottub.com. We can also give you a step by step lesson in doing it yourself.

TIP #5: Buy water care products in recyclable containers AND recycle them where you purchased them. Only SeaKlear packages all of its products in recyclable containers AND you’ll receive $1.00 off on your next purchase of that item when you bring in the empty container for recycling to any Olympic Hot Tub Company store. That’s for the environment.

TIP #6: Trust your local spa professional and buy local, in other words the dealer who sold you the hot tub or spa. If your original dealer is out of business, look for a Hot Spring Spa dealer. They’re located all across the United States and they are likely to be the oldest hot tub dealer in your town or city. And, typically they’ve had years of experience and can help you understand the water in your tub and how best to care for it.  Of course, if you live in the Puget Sound area, come to Olympic Hot Tub Company for all of your water care products. We’ve 34 years of experience-we’re hot tub water care experts.

The bottom line: hot tub chemistry shouldn’t be a mystery and won’t be if you follow the tips above. You deserve a crystal clear, clean water hot tub soaking experience.

SANUM PER AQUA . Latin for Health through Water.