FAQ
Some of Oasis Spa customers' frequently asked questions:
Q: Should I treat my spa water the same way I treat my pool water?
A: Although the pH and total alkalinity measurements are the same, the
sanitizer level (bromine or chlorine) should be kept between 3-5 ppm.
In a spa, the filter requires more frequent cleanings. In addition,
the water will require more frequent care to assure pH and sanitizer
levels are correct.
Q: I decided to buy a product to lock my pH at the proper level. When
I added the product my spa water clouded up! Why?
A: These products are meant to be used in water that contains less
than 150 ppm calcium hardness. Have your dealer test your water to
ensure that your calcium level is below 150 ppm before using any of
these products. If your water does cloud, the filter will remove the
cloudiness.
Q: I am using bromine tablets to sanitize my spa and the directions
for use say I need to add a "bromide bank" first. Why do I need to do
this?
A: It is recommended that you add this "bank" in order to ensure that
the sanitizer in the water is all bromine from the moment you first
start using it.
Q: My dealer tells me not to use soft water (low calcium level) in my
spa. Why is the calcium level important to my water's balance?
A: Too little calcium in the water can cause corrosion, particularly
in heaters and other metal components. To increase the hardness to the
recommended level of 100-300 ppm, add a calcium hardness increaser
such as Leisure Time Calcium Booster. Too much calcium can cause
scaling on the walls and heating elements or cloudy water. To prevent
calcium in the water from causing these problems, add a sequestering
agent.
Q: My spa has an ozonator. I have heard that I should not use a
clarifier in my spa. Why?
A: Ozone is a highly reactive oxidizing agent. Some people are under
the impression that ozone will destroy clarifiers and make them
ineffective. We have found, however, that ozone does not affect the
effectiveness of clarifiers. Clarifiers do provide a very real benefit
in ozonated spas by helping the filter keep the water clean.
Q: My cartridge filter is dirty, and I was told to just put it in my
dishwasher to clean it. Is this the best way?
A: The dishwasher will clean out the larger debris, but can also
damage the fabric on the filter. The best way to clean your filter is
to use a filter cleaner that contains both acids and detergents and is
designed specifically for cartridge cleaning. This will ensure that
all oils, lotions, and minerals will be removed from the filter.
Q: I just refilled my spa and I'm having problems balancing my water.
The pH is low and the total alkalinity is high. What can I do to fix
it?
A: When the pH and the total alkalinity are opposite of one another,
always fix the low number first. In this case, add a ph increaser
until the pH is within a normal range. Then, adjust the total
alkalinity by adding a ph level reducer . Using ph balance after this
will lock your pH into the proper range.
Q: My spa has odd-shaped, white chips on the bottom after I shut it
off! Where's this stuff coming from?
A: The white chips are calcium deposits (scale which forms on the
heater elements) which are knocked off when the blowers and jets are
on. This problem can be prevented by using a sequestering agent on a
weekly basis to prevent the calcium in the water from forming
deposits.
Q: I am using a non-chlorine shock in my spa. Is it the same product
for both pools and spas?
A: Non-chlorine shock for pools is not buffered and may effect the
overall water chemical balance of the spa water. It is best that you
use a non-chlorine shock, designed specifically for spas. This will
help reduce the need for extra chemical treatment to keep pH in the
proper range.
Q: My spa is foaming. Why?
A: There are several reasons that a spa foams. A common cause is the
rapidly moving water combined with bathers bringing in soaps and
detergents on their bodies and bathing suits.
Showering before entering
the spa helps prevent this problem. If
excess detergents are the cause
of the foam, using a defoamer will
reduce the amount of foaming.
Another cause of foaming is soft water. This means that the calcium
level in the water is low. This can be corrected by raising the
calcium level to 200-300 ppm.
Organic waste build up can also cause foaming. By shocking the spa on
a regular basis, the wastes are oxidized out of the water and foaming
is reduced.
Q: My dealer offers both chlorine and bromine as sanitizers. Which
should I use?
A: Overall, bromine tends to be more popular among spa owners. Bromine
is offered in both a tablet form and as a two-part system.
Unlike chlorine, bromine is effective over a wider pH range, doesn't
irritate your eyes or bleach bathing suits. Additionally, bromine is
effective in its combined form, doesn't smell and is an effective
sanitizer.
Many spa owners, however, elect to sanitize with chlorine. It is
traditionally used in pools, and it is an effective sanitizer and
oxidizer. Granular chlorine is the easiest form to use and will keep
the water sparkling clean!
Q: How often do I really need to shock my spa water?
A: How often you shock spa water depends on the sanitizer used and the
bather load. If you are using chlorine or bromine tablets it is
recommended that you shock at least one time per week. It may be
necessary to shock more often if the bather load is heavy or the water
is cloudy.
