There’s nothing better than owning a hot tub. Relaxation and serenity are always available, and whether you’re looking to spend some time with the family or escape from the chaos of daily life, your spa can be ready in just a matter of minutes.

But owning a hot tub isn’t always pure relaxation. Anyone who has owned or maintained a hot tub knows that keeping the water hygienic, balanced, and safe is no small task. Maintaining hot tub chemicals is a crucial part of spa ownership, but it can sometimes feel like a daunting, never-ending duty. There’s no need for alarm, however. Many modern hot tub brands have custom-designed systems to make chemical management a breeze, minimizing the time, effort, and stress of maintaining crystal-clear water.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into balancing your hot tub chemicals, teaching you how to treat your water, why it’s important, and most importantly, which brands make it easy for you.

The Basics of Balancing Chemicals

You’ve probably wondered - why does a small amount of water need so much care? Hot tubs are high-maintenance in terms of water chemistry because their water is constantly being circulated through filters, jets, and heaters. Furthermore, your tub’s water is frequently being used, meaning that it can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. Keeping your hot tub chemicals balanced ensures that your water will remain clean, clear, and safe for everyone using your hot tub.

Hot Tub Care Essentials

Here are things to monitor when caring for your hot tub’s water:

1. pH Level - This is a measure of how acidic or basic your water is. For safe and healthy spa water, the pH should fall between 7.2 and 7.8. Too high of a pH (alkaline), can cause scaling and cloudy water. Too low (acidic), will cause skin and eye irritation, and risk corroding your equipment.
2. Sanitizer (Chlorine or Bromine) - These chemicals are crucial in keeping your water hygienic and killing harmful bacteria. Bromine is typically gentler on the skin and effective at higher temperatures. Chlorine is fast-acting but requires more maintenance.
3. Calcium Hardness - This refers to the amount of dissolved calcium in your water. Too soft of calcium (low hardness) can damage your tub’s plumbing and heater. Too hard (high calcium hardness), will cause scaling and cloudy water.
4. Cyanuric Acid - This chemical helps stabilize your chlorine levels and prevent it from being broken down by the sun’s rays. If your system uses bromine, however, there’s no need for this chemical. 
5. Total Alkalinity (TA) - Alkalinity helps stabilize pH levels. If too low, pH levels can aggressively fluctuate, making it much more difficult to properly balance your chemicals.

Why is Balancing Hot Tub Chemicals Important?

A crucial part of hot tub water maintenance is understanding the reasoning behind its necessity. Here are several reasons why proper water chemistry is crucial for your spa:

1. Safety: Balancing your hot tub’s water essentially eliminates harmful bacteria and pathogens. Without proper care, your water can breed germs and other irritants, putting your health at risk, and increasing your likelihood of infection.
2. Lifespan: Proper chemical balance helps prevent damage to your hot tub’s components, like the heater, jets, and water pump. Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can damage and corrode the surfaces of your spa, leading to costly repairs and unnecessary stress.
3. Comfort: Balanced water prevents skin irritation, unpleasant odors, and eye discomfort. If chemical levels are off, guests may have an unpleasant experience, diminishing the effectiveness of your hot tub.
4. Water Clarity: Properly balanced chemicals ensure crystal-clear water, helping keep your hot tub looking and running at its best.
5. Cost Efficiency: Caring for your hot tub’s water does more than just keep your experience safe and hygienic. It extends the longevity of your investment. Regular chemical testing and water care will reduce the need for extensive repairs and save you money on chemicals over time.

Which Brands Stand Out from the Rest?

Not all hot tub manufacturers are created equal, especially when it comes to water treatment. Certain brands have focused on perfecting the process, helping make balancing hot tub chemicals as simple as possible. Others still require a more hands-on effort. Let’s take a closer look at those that have made chemical management a breeze:

Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs

If you know much about the hot tub industry, you know that Jacuzzi is a brand that needs no introduction. Their water care system is no different.

Meet Jacuzzi® True Water™, a state-of-the-art water care system that removes the need for traditional cleaning agents like bromine and salt, allowing oxygen to work its magic. The True™ system’s oxygen-filled nanobubbles float invisibly through the water, surrounding, naturally scrubbing, and destroying any microscopic contaminants they encounter.

How does it work?

• The True™ system generates oxygen-infused nanobubbles that are 2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt. Billions of these tiny bubbles move silently through the water, surrounding and naturally cleansing microscopic contaminants as they go, effectively eliminating them.