Hot tubs have been equipped with chlorine/bromine systems for years; however, each has its own deficiencies. Upfront, some can be expensive and have limited electronic warranties, which may add unexpected costs when it comes to electrodes and the purchase of salt/sodium bromide. Whether salt or sodium bromide is electrolyzed to become chlorine or bromine, chemicals exist in the water—nothing is truly chemical-free. Because salt is corrosive, it can be hard on heaters, pump seals, and other components in the hot tub or swim spa. Alternatives are available, but it should be stressed that a proper sanitizer must be used in the water to protect bathers. An example of this would be an inorganic salt system, which claims to work, but Health Canada’s Pest Control Products Act and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) require a sanitizer be used as well.
Further, some customers often add aftermarket water treatment systems after delivery that may not be approved by the manufacturer. This could cost them if the modification voids their warranty. In these cases, be prepared as many customers will expect a retailer and/or service technician to be familiar with the product, in addition to what is and is not covered.
3. The importance of filtration
Water filtration schedules for most hot tubs and swim spas are preset at the factory. Filters can range in size, quantity, and media type, with antimicrobials also being popular. The turnover rate will depend whether the hot tub or swim spa has a circulation pump, in which case it will operate 24/7. This pump can also be programmed to increase or decrease runtime so it operates off the low-speed pump.
If the filtration cycles need to be programmed, the installation team should perform this task on-site. If the customer intends to use their hot tub or swim spa several times per week with multiple people, each filtration cycle should run for a minimum of two hours. Often the manufacturer will set a factory default filtration setting which may not provide enough time for the system to remove organics introduced into the hot tub or swim spa. Insufficient filtration can result in cloudy water.
In fact, many customer calls are related to low flow or clogged filters, which, in both cases, can be remedied by cleaning the filters. Therefore, the importance of filter maintenance should be explained to customers when they purchase their unit. Further, providing them with a water kit that includes a large soaking bucket will help them perform this maintenance task. Using the bucket, they can soak the filter overnight in a cleanser to release debris. This is also a good time to mention the benefit of having a second set of filters on hand, as the customer will still be able to use their hot tub or swim spa while they are cleaning the other set.
4. What is in the water?
One common issue related to maintenance is the source water used to fill the hot tub or swim spa. For example, if the water is from a well, it may be metallic and contain iron. In some cases, this water may become green and, thus, a metal and stain-removing product should be recommended. Metal removers act as an inhibitor for stain, scale, and calcium.
Other culprits for staining could be oxidized minerals from an ozonator, low pH, or low calcium hardness. Instructing the customer to use a metal and stain remover product when filling their hot tub or swim spa will help them keep the water free from staining metals.
High phosphates can cause excessive foam in the water; however, lotions, conditioners, shampoos, and makeup can yield the same problem. Low calcium hardness may also cause foaming, which is a balance issue that can be solved easily by using a test strip to check the water and adding the appropriate treatment products. A myriad of problems can occur when hot tub or swim spa water is not balanced.
