When it comes to spa maintenance, most people think that you can just treat a spa like a little swimming pool. In some ways that thinking might be correct. Both are bodies of water that must be sanitized, pumped, and filtered. But it is a mistake to think you can treat spa maintenance and pool maintenance the same.

Spa Water is Different

Sure the same water that goes into your spa goes into your swimming pool, but once it is in the pool or spa they need to be treated different.

UV Exposure. Swimming pool water gets exposure to the sun. Most spas and hot tubs have a cover to maintain heat. That means spa water doesn’t get the ultraviolet (UV) exposure that swimming pool water gets. Less UV light is less fuel for algae. While algae is still a concern for spa water, it isn’t the same as swimming pool water.

pH. Invite your friends over for a swim and it won’t have a big impact on the pH of the water in your swimming pool. Have 2 or 4 friends join you in the spa or hot tub and you are going to get a big swing in the pH of the water. That’s because the volume of water is smaller and the temperature is higher.

Temperature. Speaking of temperature, pool water is much, much cooler than spa or hot tub water. Your spa or hot tub maintains water at anywhere from about 100° to 103°F. If you kept your swimming pool water at that temperature your heating bills would be outrageous and the water wouldn’t be inviting for a quick dip. Pool water and spa water are maintained at different temperatures.

Spa Maintenance and Pool Maintenance Needs are Different

Because spa water has a different UV light exposure, pH swings, and temperature, it has different maintenance needs.

While traditional chlorine or chlorine-generating salt systems are fine for keeping a swimming pool sanitized, they aren’t the best choice for a spa or hot tub.

From the viewpoint of straight chemistry, chlorine is a stronger halogen and oxidizes faster. But bromine has a larger atomic size and with an extra shell. This means chlorine has the advantage over killing algae rapidly; but algae isn’t the main concern as part of spa maintenance. The main concern is bacteria and viruses, and bromine wins hands down in the sanitizing wars.

Bromine is not affected by pH swings as much as chlorine. So if your friends join you in the hot tub or spa, the bromine is just as active; whereas in a swimming pool in a pH of 7.8 the chlorine is about 75% ineffective.

Chlorine begins to off gas very quickly at around 100°F. That makes it unsuitable for sanitizing water that gets to that temperature or higher. Bromine is stable at high temperatures.

Beachside Pool Service Understands Spa Maintenance Needs

The professionals at Beachside Pool Service understand the unique needs of spa maintenance. While “Pool Service” may be a part of their name, they are experienced in maintenance and repair of spas and hot tubs as well as swimming pools. Need a new hot tub cover? That’s not a problem. Beachside Pool Service can make a custom cover for your spa. In addition to spa and hot tub covers, Beachside Pool Service provides the following services:

• Regular spa maintenance
• Heater repairs
• Filter repairs
• Lighting repairs
• Pump repairs

To schedule service with a company that understands the unique needs of spa maintenance, call (949) 939-0023 or Contact Us today.