Smelly water can be attributed to a few things, such as water balance issues (a frequent contributor), low sanitizer, or bodily fluids introduced into the hot tub or swim spa. Skin irritations can also be caused by the following: improper sanitizer level, not enough oxidation (i.e. bacteria remains in the water), biofilm contamination, which could lead to more serious interactions with the skin. Biofilms allow bacteria to grow in the unit, which can cause skin rashes. These should be eliminated immediately by using a purge and maintenance process, which helps prevent the growth of these sanitizer-resistant bacteria.
The manufacturer determines how high the hot tub or swim spa should be filled. Usually, manufacturers will state the water must reach the bottom of the pillows or 102-mm (4-in.) below the top of the acrylic lip. Overfilling will not only cause water displacement when bathers enter the hot tub or swim spa, but also result in the filter not working properly. Further, control panels, diverter valves, and air controls are not all top-sealed, which can result in water residual leaking down to the bottom of the skirt. Therefore, if a customer says there is water at the bottom of their hot tub or swim spa, it is quite possible it is from overfilling or even condensation off the cover.
If a customer is experiencing significant water loss, it is important to ask where the water is coming from. Should a technician notice wet concrete around the hot tub or swim spa while on-site, he/she should ask the customer if they are experiencing water loss.
5. The water-balancing act
Unbalanced water can cause a host of problems for those in the service field, but especially for hot tub and swim spa owners. Explaining the ranges for ideal water balance at the get-go is one of the most important things a customer should know, as it will ensure the enjoyment of their new hot tub or swim spa.
- Alkalinity has a range of 80-120 parts per million (ppm), but some systems may require more or less depending on its chemical makeup.
- The pH range should be between 7.2 and 7.6 ppm. Less than seven is considered acidic, while more than seven is basic or alkaline.
- In hot tubs and swim spas, the ideal range for calcium hardness is between 150 and 250 ppm. A swim spa, which can be considered more like a small pool, the range is between 200 and 400 ppm.
From etching and scale issues to green, yellow, hazy and cloudy water problems, or even cases when the customer cannot describe what is happening, it is a likely indication the water has not been maintained properly and the sanitizer has been rendered ineffective. When troubleshooting a wide gamut of things, recommend the customer use a test strip that will check for pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Technicians should also have these test strips on hand when on service calls.
6. Picking the right sanitizer for the job
Some people prefer to use chlorine and others bromine, but most industry professionals will agree, the water temperature has a lot to do with which sanitizer works best. For instance, bromine has shown to be more stable in hot water, while chlorine will remain stable in lower temperatures. That said, the customer’s water care program should be tailored to the common water temperature for a particular unit. Swim spas are typically kept between 27 to 29.5 C (80 to 85 F); therefore, the preferred sanitization method would be chlorine. In a hot tub, however, bromine is preferred as it is a more stable sanitizer in water temperatures that reach upwards of 40 C (104 F). Slow-dissolving bromine cartridges can be used successfully with a low-volume bromine reading. This makes the customer happy and hot tub ownership more enjoyable, as less maintenance is required.
7. Stay informed
Keep abreast of new technology and be there for customers to help them understand any new products that hit the market. Consumers love to find shortcuts—especially things that make water maintenance easier.
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Melinda Herber has been in the hot tub industry for almost 30 years, 25 of those years with Sundance Spas,® transitioning to Jacuzzi® Worldwide, when it was purchased. As the spa boutique and marketing customer care manager for Marquis,® she has embraced the culture, atmosphere, and integrity found in the employee-owned company, located in Independence, Ore. She can be reached via e-mail at mherber@marquiscorp.com.
