OOO that smell. Cant you smell that smell? No I am not talking about that… Does the water in your hot tub smell? Does it have an everlasting odor, regardless the amount of shock or chlorine you toss in? Many people blame a bad odor, skin irritation or stinging eyes on Chlorine or Bromine. Realisticly, that is rarely the case. Many times odors are chemical reactions caused by improperly balanced PH levels. Most odors can be prevented with proper maintenance and cleaning.
Spa & Hot Tub Odors can be caused by many different things but are commonly associated with Improper PH balancing; Improper Sanitizer application (Bromine/Chlorine); Lack of regular application of Oxidizers (Shock); Infrequent water changes; Hidden plumbing line factors from long term build up Don’t waste your money on spa fragrances & water softening products. You’ll only make the situation worse or delay the inevitable for a short time. Deal with the cause to cure the effect. Chlorine and bromine (or BaquaSpa Sanitizer) are all excellent sanitizers hot tub water. When used properly, they breakdown and combine with waste product (forming nitrogen molecules). Very similar to the body and how white blood cells attack and overcome blood contaminants. In spas, the combined molecules are captured by the filtration system and released when you clean your filter (every 3-5 uses). When the filter is overused or dirty, these molecules may re-circulate in the water for extended periods. During this entire process, a side effect occurs called off gassing. This off gassing is the release of Chloramines when using Chlorine as a Sanitizer and Bromamines when using Bromine. Chloramines and Bromamines can affect people differently but are typically considered a bad smell by just about everybody.
Chemical research studies have proven people actually like the smell of chlorine; at least when the ph is well balanced! When asked what was the first single descriptor word to come to mind – the following three were the most common: clean, safe & sanitary. When Chloramines were combined with carbon dioxide and a pH of 8.0 or higher, those same people agreed the smell was less than desirable. Here the descriptors used are laughable – with “Fishy and Dirty Socks” winning. These chemical combinations are what create that acidic “chlorine” odor that everyone correlates with Chlorine.
In order to increase free chlorines & bromines and decrease the “bad” Chloramines and Bromamines, it is necessary to shock the water. Shocking with a 45% di-chlor ingredient is the safest method for reducing Chloramines. If you are utilizing the bromine sanitizer program, you will want to apply a non-chlorine oxidizer such as potassium mono-persulfate. An important aspect with either chemical administration is to leave the spa cover open or completely off for up to 2 hours after administration. You should also attempt to keep all pumps on high and all blowers, turbos, or air valves “OFF”. If you do not keep the cover off and allow these gasses to exhaust, you might just notice the situation might worsen. If allowed to worsen, the problem will get so severe, you might just get the tear gas effect and come out with red welts (where the jets were shooting water on your body) and red eye. If you do not use your spa for a month or more, you should either clean and allow for off gassing bi-weekly or drain the spa so the situation doesn’t worsen. Remember, Shock your spa for safety. Bacteria can easily be inhaled upon long term exposure can create a rare condition called hot tub lung.
Earlier I noted BaquaSpa Sanitizers, there have been complaints of “choking” odors when using “biguanides” e.g. BaquaSpa, Soft Soak, or Leisure Time Free. The cause is very similar. Free biguanide molecules are attaching to bacteria and the resulting wastes are being vapor. The resulting vapor is then emitted from the spa into your face! Proper shocking with the shock (hydrogen peroxide) is necessary on a weekly basis to break up the resulting waste.
NOTE ON BIGUANIDES: Never use swimming pool shock – the odor will be worse. Only use biguanide products formulated for specifically for spas.
Improper PH balance – When pH is below 7.0 the chloramines and bromamines give off very acidic gases leading to coughing, wheezing or other health problems. When pH is over 8.0 the off gassing leads to stale & funky smells plus equipment scaling and will severely reduce the life of your spa components. i.e. pumps, filters, heater, etc.
Regular maintenance of your spa is vital to not only your spa enjoyment but also to the equipment life. Periodic cleaning or wiping down of the spa surfaces above the waterline to include the rim, under and around pillows, filtration area and all the little nooks, Crannies, etc. By cleaning the acrylic with a non-caustic cleaner formulated for spa acrylic, you not only get a good looking spa but it also aids in removing the build-up that leads to foaming and grunge. Bi-weekly cleaning should include cleaning the filter (clean by soaking with filter cleaner, not just rinsing) and cleaning the underneath and topside of the spa cover. In Fact monthly cleaning of the cover with a good quality vinyl cleaner and administration of a protectant such as Armorall will keep the cover looking like new for many years to come.
Drain & refill should be done directly after running a commonly available plumbing line cleanser to get the gunk hidden in the plumbing lines out. This done quarterly will make your spa maintenance seem like a breeze. Then drain completely, use a common non caustic acrylic cleaner and clean the entire spa with a good quality towel. When you refill, you should always use a hose end pre-filter such as you can purchase from Pacific Sands or your local spa store. These simple steps will make your ongoing maintenance a breeze.
Spa Enzyme is an additive available at most spa stores and can help keep your spa plumbing lines and equipment clean. It will increase your filters ability to clean the water and can further help prevent and eliminate odors or dirty water by breaking down grease, body oils and waste that affect your sanitizing system.
In less than one hour a week, you can keep your spa looking new and working perfectly for decades to come.
