Knowing what spa chemicals need to be used in maintenance of your spa depends on many factors - the type of spa you have and use, the frequency of use, and the type of water. The following guide will get your acquainted with the types of hot tub chemicals used, and why.

One of the more popular brands used for sanitizing is Cleanwater Blue, which is odorless, does not cause red eyes or skin irritation and does not need much maintenance.

Bromine tablets are popular options too, and are available in tablet form, dispensed automatically in an adjustable chemical float. Bromine Booster Granular Sodium Bromide establishes an immediate bromine reserve on refilling the spa and is used with the spa shock at the start.

The Nature2 spa purifier has to be fit inside the hot tub filter cartridge while it sanitizes and purifies the water by releasing silver ions into the water. It is odorless and lasts for about 4 months. The Frog Mineral Purifier is also a spa filter cartridge insert that purifies water by releasing minimal amounts of minerals into the water.

Dichlor Sanitizing Granules are the only type of chlorine additives that are suitable for hot water spas. Though they are sometimes used as a sanitizer, although they a better used as an occasional shock treatment to clear heavy bather loads. The Spa Secret is a water purifying compound that works best with OxySpa non-chlorine shock with occasional granular shocking when required.

Spa Algaecide is a registered algaecide that kills and prevents different types of algae and slime growth. It is basically non-foaming. Chlorine tablets usually measure 1 inch in size and fit into floating chemical dispensers. However they are meant for use in pools only.

Shocks that help break down organic contaminants and oils

The most popular shock option is OxySpa which is a non-chlorine oxygen shock that oxides contaminants that bacteria feed on. With the destruction of foreign matter, the disinfectant system works better. It is also called potassium monopersulfate and is odorless in the spa.

Dichlor Sanitizing Granules is the only type of chlorine that should be used for hot water spas. It is better to use it as an occasional shock treatment to clear heavy bather load problems. It is effective in eliminating foul odors and reduces cloudiness caused by excessive contaminants.

Adjusting and maintaining pH, TA and hardness through balancing

The Alkalinity Increaser helps raise the TA and increase pH levels. This thus reduces corrosion of metal parts and any damage to pump motors and heaters. Its composition is 100% of sodium bicarbonate and is also called sodium hydrogen carbonate.

pH Decrease is also called Dry Acid of Spa Down and is used for lowering high pH and the TA in hot tubs and pool water. It prevents the buildup of harmful scale on equipment and spa heaters.

pH Increase is also called soda ash and helps in lowering pH and the TA of spa and pool water. It thus reduces corrosion damage to metal parts, heaters and pump motors. With pH increase, eye irritation that is caused by low pH is reduced.

With a hardness increaser, the calcium hardness of spa or pool water is increased. This helps prevent excessive etching and corrosion caused by water with low levels of dissolved calcium. With Control the pH, you can eliminate fluctuating pH levels with only a dose for each spa filling.

It also helps in maintaining and balancing pH in any spa or hot tub and lasts till the spa is drained and refilled. Easy pH is the only product that increases pH without having any effect on TA. Acid Magic helps in reducing extremely high pH and TA as it has Muriatic Acid replacement that is fumeless and does not burn the skin.

Use Clarifiers to achieve crystal clear water

The Vanson Sea Klear Clarifier contains chitosan, which is a natural ingredient that is made from Pacific Northwest crab shells. It is effective in clearing cloudy water, oils, dirt and scum. It is also effective in taking unwanted metals from the spa water and maximizing filtration. It is highly recommended for use in Cleanwater Blue and Nature2 systems.

Clear and Sparkle is a product that restores clarity while refreshing murky water. It traps microscopic particles found in cloudy water to increase the efficiency of the spa and hot tub filters.

Spa Perfect helps prevent scum and water-line buildup while keeping water clear. It is a natural enzyme product where only one dose per 100 gallons each week is required.

Scum buster is an enzyme-based formula that digests body oil, lotion residues and other contaminants. This keeps the spa and hot tub water fresh for a longer time. Enzyme Clear is a natural formula that keeps spa water clear and clean while reducing maintenance time and chemical usage.

Metal reducers help protect equipment from stains and scale deposits

Metal Free is effective in removing and preventing water discoloration. Usually colored water problems start from the presence of metallic impurities in the wear like iron, copper and other minerals. Spa Defense prevents calcium scale buildup while inhibiting the formation of salt deposits in areas where calcium grows in the water. It also helps protect the heater and spa from damaging build-up and corrosion.

Cleaners help in keeping hot tub, spa cover and filters new

Spa System Flush removes accumulated scum, film, grime and deposits to clean the spa plumbing system. This is a unique and powerful formula that is environmentally safe. It has to be added to the spa water just before draining the spa and then left in while the pump is running for a few minutes. It is economical and can treat 800 gallons of water.

Clean All Spray is a phosphate-free formula that cleans most surfaces like wood, plaster, tile and fiberglass. It helps clean plastic and metal fittings, glass, vinyl and fabrics. However it does not alter pH balance or cause foaming in the spa water. It can be used not only on your spa, but also on boats, cars and in kitchens and bathrooms.

There is no soap, detergent, alcohol or phosphate found in CleanAll. It is a highly concentrated form of spray and is very economical to use. Power Soak is a fast acting and heavy duty granular spa and pool filter cartridge cleaner. It is recommended for use by major manufacturers and professionals as it releases its power when mixed with hot or cold water.

Eco Soak is a concentrated and friendly liquid spa filter cartridge cleaner that reduces lotion residues, body oils, grime and dirt in the spa water. It has no harsh chemicals, is economical to use and does 4 cartridge cleanings.

Eco Spray is an earth friendly amino acid formula that cleans spa and pool filter cartridges. If you have no time to soak them, you just have to spray on it and wait for five minutes and then rinse. As there are no harsh chemicals in it, it does not harm wood decks, shrubs or sidewalks.

TLC is great for cleaning and descaling vinyl liners, concrete and fiberglass. It removes stains, oil grime and mineral scale, and is thus effective in removing scale rings where other cleaners fail. Acid Magic is a great choice for acid washing spa filters while removing the buildup of calcium scale. Its Muriatic Acid replacement does not burn skin and is free from fumes.

Miscellaneous products to protect and provide a better tubbing experience

Foam Free is a strong defoamer that is used where persistent foaming is a problem, and to prevent new foam from developing. It eliminates foam in hot tubs, fountains and swimming pools instantly.

Gel Gloss is a sealant and polish that bonds to the spa shell finish for protection and beautifying the spa. It is durable and non-streaking and helps prevent cracking and fading of the spa finish when used regularly.

303 Protectant helps prevent the spa cover from getting ruined from the weather. It was first developed in the aero space industry and bonds well with vinyl, acrylic and fiberglass surfaces to block the sun's UV rays. This is a non-toxic formula that outlasts the leading brand of vinyl treatment and has no harmful silicone oils.

Hi-Tech Fabric Guard helps restore lost water and stain repellency to outdoor fabrics like umbrellas and stops leaks and resists dirt. It prevents mildew formation while guarding against harmful UV rays of the sun. It is long lasting and adds years to outdoor fabric products.

Scumballs can be placed afloat in the spa, hot tub or pool to remove and absorb all body oils, scum and lotion residue. ZorbO Oil Scum Absorber has is a high-tech material that attracts oils and scrums, while reducing odor associated with these organics. It keeps the hot tub spa water cleaner and fresher and lasts for 6 months.

Seal a Leak is an effective and strong formula that seals plumbing and shell leaks of most spas. It can seal holes of a maximum of 1/8" in diameter to form a permanent bond. All you have to do to use it is to remove the filter, add the solution to the spa water during filtration and let the repair to mend.

David Williams, owner of Spadepot.com, has over 20 years experience in the hot tub and spa business. An expert in his field, David has been working with hot tubs since 1990