OK here is the scoop on Sanitizers!
First we have Chlorine
, chlorine(Sodium Di-Chlor) is probably the most widely used sanitizer out there, I personally like this one the best for spas, it is easy to control. Just use 2 tablespoons per week in 500 gallons.
Second there is Bromine
(Sodium Bromide), this product is very similar to chlorine and people sensitive to chlorine tend to be much better with bromine. This sanitizer works the best in high temperatures 103-104 degrees. But you do need to use an Oxygen shock(2 tbls) along with the Sodium Bromide as an activator, as well as weekly for your preventative maintenance for the odors as discussed in my last blog.
Third we have Bioguanides (Baqua Spa) this product is Hydrogen based, as opposed to Sodium based like Chlorine and Bromine. Baqua Spa
has a full line of product designed for the spa and pool industries(Baquacil
for pools).
Lastly you have the Mineral purifier
and Ozone units, the mineral purifiers come in different styles Copper based,and some are Silver based, these units are usually put inside the filter cartridge or in a floating device. As the water passes through them the minerals inside kill the bacteria. They are usually only good for about 3-4 months and then you would need to put in a new one. Note: A lot of times these mineral sticks are used in conjunction with an Ozone unit for full sanitization, which brings us to the topic of Ozone.
Ozonators
come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all work basically the same way. The oxygen passes through a Corona Discharge Element in the new versions ( the old units used a light bulb) and the O2 is converted to O3 which attaches itself to the bacteria and starts the killing process. Most of these units work very efficiently providing ozone continuously as long as the spa has power. They are designed in most cases to turn off while you are using the spa and the jet pumps are on, you can usually see the ozone in the form of tiny bubbles that rise to the surface from the bottom of the spa foot well. Some units have a replaceable cartridge that must be changed once a year. The larger units do have there own lifespan but there is no set timeline to there life expectancy. I would imagine they would last a few years.
, chlorine(Sodium Di-Chlor) is probably the most widely used sanitizer out there, I personally like this one the best for spas, it is easy to control. Just use 2 tablespoons per week in 500 gallons.Second there is Bromine
(Sodium Bromide), this product is very similar to chlorine and people sensitive to chlorine tend to be much better with bromine. This sanitizer works the best in high temperatures 103-104 degrees. But you do need to use an Oxygen shock(2 tbls) along with the Sodium Bromide as an activator, as well as weekly for your preventative maintenance for the odors as discussed in my last blog.Third we have Bioguanides (Baqua Spa) this product is Hydrogen based, as opposed to Sodium based like Chlorine and Bromine. Baqua Spa
has a full line of product designed for the spa and pool industries(Baquacil for pools).Lastly you have the Mineral purifier
and Ozone units, the mineral purifiers come in different styles Copper based,and some are Silver based, these units are usually put inside the filter cartridge or in a floating device. As the water passes through them the minerals inside kill the bacteria. They are usually only good for about 3-4 months and then you would need to put in a new one. Note: A lot of times these mineral sticks are used in conjunction with an Ozone unit for full sanitization, which brings us to the topic of Ozone.Ozonators
come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all work basically the same way. The oxygen passes through a Corona Discharge Element in the new versions ( the old units used a light bulb) and the O2 is converted to O3 which attaches itself to the bacteria and starts the killing process. Most of these units work very efficiently providing ozone continuously as long as the spa has power. They are designed in most cases to turn off while you are using the spa and the jet pumps are on, you can usually see the ozone in the form of tiny bubbles that rise to the surface from the bottom of the spa foot well. Some units have a replaceable cartridge that must be changed once a year. The larger units do have there own lifespan but there is no set timeline to there life expectancy. I would imagine they would last a few years.In recap, there are several sanitizers that you can use for your spa. You should chose the one that is right for you. I like ChlorineLeisure Time Complete Spa Care Kit/ Chlorine it is the simplest to use and along with PH
and Alkalinity
will keep your spa looking and feeling great. For those of you who are allergic to chlorine maybe a mineral and or Ozone unit would be good. The bioguanides have a nice number system to there chemical line making it very simple to use and get a program down so the spa doesn't become a chore. Remember test
your spa at least 2 times a week to make sure the water is balanced that way if something is wrong you can catch it early and only have to make a little adjustment and it will not become a nightmare.
Leisure Time Complete Spa Care Kit/ Chlorine it is the simplest to use and along with PH and Alkalinity will keep your spa looking and feeling great. For those of you who are allergic to chlorine maybe a mineral and or Ozone unit would be good. The bioguanides have a nice number system to there chemical line making it very simple to use and get a program down so the spa doesn't become a chore. Remember test your spa at least 2 times a week to make sure the water is balanced that way if something is wrong you can catch it early and only have to make a little adjustment and it will not become a nightmare.One very important note: Bioguanides and chlorine/bromine DO NOT get along. NEVER introduce Bioguanide products to a chlorine environment and vice versa unless you drain the spa completely and soak the filters in a cleaning solution, then after you refill the spa with fresh water retest for Bioguanides etc. The results of not doing so would be a nice foamy gel. And trust me when I say that you will NEVER make the same mistake twice.
Until next time.......
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