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Should I get a salt hot tub? What are the benefits of a salt hot tub?
What is an ozonator or UV Light? Why would I need a UV Light or Ozone for my hot tub?
OZONATOR VS UV Light BASICS
Let’s have a look at how one or both of these tools can help keep your water clean and safe, and save you money.
OZONATOR: A hot tub or pool ozonator splits passing-by oxygen molecules into two single atoms. Unhappy in this state, they quickly reform as oxygen (O2) OR a single atom attaches to an oxygen molecule, making an even more powerful ozone molecule (O3). Ozone then destroys and oxidizes bacteria, viruses and other organics in the pool or spa water.
UV Light: On the other hand, UltaViolet light, produced by the sun or in the case of a hot tub or pool, in a tubular bulb form, changes DNA in organisms so they can’t reproduce, thusly rendering them harmless.
A Corona Discharge (CD) Ozonator outperforms UV Light in one critical way: ozone cleans up its mess; UV Light does not.
UV Light sterilizer’s end result: water that is safe to swim in, but may appear cloudy.
Ozone’s end result: water that is not only safe to swim in, but also clearer.
Another bonus: Though a sanitizer (usually Bromine or Chlorine is still required to provide maximum bather protection), an Ozone or UVC system will reduce the amount of sanitizer needed to safely operate your spa or pool.
This is a good thing!
Maax hot tubs and swim spas provide both systems either as separate options or combined as CleanZoneUltra.
If you are currently operating a hot tub or swim spa without these products, chances are they can still be added on – no matter what brand of spa you’re using.
Call or email The Splash for more information.
Why do I need “to shock” my hot tub?
Why do I need “to shock” my hot tub?
The main reason anyone shocks their hot tub is to clean the water as follows:
- To kill bacteria– Chlorine based shock treatments are designed to sanitize the hot tub water and ensure it is safe for bathers.
- Remove organic contaminants– Shocking helps to remove organic compounds which are added to the water by bathers – blood, sweat, tears, shite, peepee, snot, etc
- Reactivate sanitizers– Your sanitizer (bromine or chlorine) becomes ‘used’ as it attaches to various contaminants, a shock treatment breaks the bonds so that the contaminants are caught in the filtration system and chlorine or bromine can continue killing bacteria.
Types of Shock:
There are 2 types of shock treatments.
Chlorine Shock
Normally used after very heavy use, or after a fresh water change to bring the chlorine/bromine level higher.
A chlorine shock will raise your chlorine levels and therefore you may have to wait a while for levels to return to 3 – 5ppm. You must leave your cover off for at least 20 minutes and run a regular jet cycle to let your hot tub aerate. This will help prevent chemical damage on the cover and pillows of your hot tub.
You can still use a chlorine shock even if you use a bromine sanitizer, however, you should never mix chemicals dry. Add the chlorine shock after a water change or heavy use and wait for the chlorine level to reduce before adding your bromine.
Non-Chlorine Shock
A non-chlorine shock does not sanitize the water which is why its main use is as a weekly treatment to oxidize the water and help remove contaminants and clear cloudy water. Non-chlorine shock will help your chlorine work better by creating ‘Free chlorine’ which is the type of chlorine needed to kill bacteria. This product will also help those on bromine to activate the bromine and help it work more effectively.
At Splash we recommend using Dazzle “shock” products. Mention this blog article when you come in to our Edgemont store for a 15% discount! Happy shocking!
What is the best hot tub insulation? What is the best environmentally friendly hot tub insulation?
What’s “green” about our Hot Tub and Swim Spa Insulation?
We’ve all heard about zero emissions standards for buildings, homes, vehicles, etc. So what does that have to do with hot tubs and swim spas?
First and foremost, FOAM IS BAD! Foam filling produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs’) which are harmful to the environment. Building codes and standards in many North American cities are promoting the move away from foam filled insulation for just that reason.
Our choice of Maax and Vita hot tubs and swim spas using the ecofriendly Northern Exposure® Insulation system featuring BlueMaax® insulation.
So what is BlueMaax® insulation?
- Made from recycled natural fibre (approved by the U.S. Green Building Council)
- Contains NO chemical irritants
- Treated with a borate-based solution to prevent mold/mildew growth
- Acts as a fire retardant
- Other benefits:
- More energy efficient by keeping the heat IN and circulating
- Vibration and sound dampening for pumps – who doesn’t want a quiet hot tub or swim spa?
- Easy access for servicing, no additional insulation required when the work is done
At The Splash we believe that green and efficient should what hot tub and swim spa construction is all about!
What is the best water care products to use for my hot tub?
The Mineraluxe Cube is a advanced mineral treatment for your hot tub and
is the star of the Mineraluxe system. It features a special blend of natural
minerals fused with advanced cleanse and repel technology that keeps your hot
tub squeaky clean and will dramatically reduce the scaling of heaters, jets,
surfaces and equipment.
The Cube’s are also infused with skin conditioners for a soft, silky feel and
fresh Spring Rain scent that invigorates the senses.
Features:
- The Star of the Mineraluxe system
- A fusion of Natural Minerals that cleanses and repels surface gunk
- Loosens debris and biofilm and prevents from reattaching
- Squeaky clean surfaces
- Reduces sanitizer demand for less chemical usage
- Maximizes comfort and enjoyment
- Infused with skin conditioners for a soft, silky feel
- Fresh “Spring Rain” scent
Dave and I both use Mineraluxe at our own homes and love it. It truly does work and gives you a much better quality of water. We have it in monthly, quarterly or yearly quantities. Mineraluxe work with either bromine or chlorine.
Should I use bromine or chlorine in my hot tub?
At the Splash 99% of our customers use bromine for their hot tubs. Why do we recommend bromine?
We generally recommend bromine over chlorine for the following reasons:
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- Bromine is easier on your skin and has a gentler smell
- Bromines will be reactivated when we shock it every visit. Whereas chlorine will only work once, bromine continues to be an active sanitizer
- Bromine is better at killing bacteria and viruses
- Bromine is not affected by PH swings and continues to be effective
Check out the charts below. At perfect PH bromine is 94% effective where as chlorine is only 50% effective. you need to have really acidic water, which is not good for the hot tub to get highly effective chlorine. bromine is superior.
What are the benefits of getting a hot tub? Why Should I get a hot tub?
What are the benefits of getting a hot tub? Why Should I get a hot tub?
- Arthritis Relief: hydrotherapy (soaking in hot tub water) is a treatment for arthritis pain. It can also help with your body’s coordination and flexibility. The hot tub is also good for sore or stiff muscles.
- Improved Sleep: the heat of the hot tub water raises your body temperature. When you go to bed your body temperature will lower to enable a better nights sleep naturally without the grogginess of prescription remedies.
- Stress Relief: studies show that hydrotherapy can help relieve stress and ease anxiety.
- Massage Therapy: High pressure jets make the water give your body a soothing and stimulating effect similar to that of traditional massage therapy. Hot tub jets can target pain precisely.
- Family Ties: Spend quality time with your family! “I often think it s great time to get your kids without electronics and just connect”
- Social Time: Hot Tubs are a great time to get together with friends. Enjoy yourself outside in a relaxing setting.
- Investment: hot tubs can increase the value of your house. Adding another appliance to the house and making your backyard an oasis.