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"Miscellaneous Spa Problems"
Odds & Ends that you might not have considered.
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►
Using Epsom Salts?
I recently read an
article talking about the benefits
of soaking in an Epsom salts bath
and wondered if my hot tub would be
damaged if I added Epsom salts to
the water. What do you think?
Ton, 11/19/2011
Epsom salts are used, at
high concentration, in floatation chambers. In
a spa it could cause corrosion, wherever two
dissimilar metals are in immediate proximity.
The same would be true, in a spa equipped with a
salt chlorine generator. While I suspect
that it can be done, I suggest that you contact
the manufacturer of your spa, and ask if it
could adversely affect the spa or equipment.
I hope that I have been helpful.
If so, please tell your friends and dealers
about the website.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster. 11/20/2011
►
Turning Green?
Our spa is turning our hair
and nails green! I chlorinate and use water clarifier regularly.
What is happening?
Robert B., 2/27/2011
Not a good thing!
Your hair and nails are turning green, as a direct result of copper being
present, at unacceptably high concentrations. You can confirm this by
having an copper analysis performed. However, this is a virtual
certainty! Unless you are using poor quality well water, it is coming
from the copper heater core. The reason that this happening is because of
low pH conditions.
You stated that you are using
chlorine: the only type you should be using is dichlor granular added
directly to the water. Never add chlorine through the skimmer or use
trichlor tablets! I suggest that you drain the spa and start with a
clean page. You need to pay attention to the pH and total alkalinity, as
this type of corrosion cannot occur, with chlorine use, unless the pH is low.
You will destroy the heater, if this continues.
You might consider having an
ozone generator installed, as it will make for
better water quality and reduce the amount of chlorine required. Try
using an acidic shampoo and conditioner on your hair to help remove the color.
You might read through the archives on spa water chemistry, spa water testing
and other related topics. Good luck and I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 2/28/2011
► Spa Water Loss?
I have
noticed approx. 3 inches of water loss per week in my 400 gallon hot tub. It is
outdoors and it has been cold. I have a good cover. Is this normal water loss
or could it be a leak? Thanks.
Rich ,
12/26/2008
I have never seen
figures for water loss for a spa that remains properly covered,
except for periods of actual usage. Depending upon the size and
shape of the spa, an inch of water loss could amount to 10-20 gallons. I
suggest that you start looking for evidence of a leak. If you conclude
that there is a leak, it should be
possible to seal the leak, but you have to locate it. Calling in a
leak detection specialist
would be a sure-fire way to locate the leak and make the necessary repairs. Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 12/26/2008
► Spa Cover Is Moldy?
The underside of my spa cover seems to get moldy. I
have to resort to laundry bleach to get rid of the stuff and remove the odor.
Got a better suggestion.
Debbie R., Edison, NJ 1/31/2010
Unfortunately, you sanitize the water,
but the condensate on the underside of the cover is not contacting the water.
Mold and mildew are often the result and your solution is one that will work.
At least for a while. A better, longer
term solution involves some new technology, as opposed to chemical treatment.
The NanoSpray can provide protection, for as long as 12 weeks, without having to
resort to harsh chemicals. The
NanoSpray contains
NanoTitanium, which activates when exposed to light. Once activated, it
oxidizes and decomposes organic matter, that is in contact. It is a safe
product to use and can help prolong the life of your cover.
I hope that this helps solve the problem.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
2/1/2010
►
Using Well Water?
I would like to fill a 400 gallon spa with
well water. The spa will be sanitized with an ozonator and a bromine
floater. I plan on adding some metal treatment before the chemicals.
Anything that I should do?
Bill M., 2/4/2006
Have the water tested, to know
what you're dealing with. You could use a
metals removing prefilter as it will help remove the
metals that lead to staining and discoloration.
It is far better than just adding chemicals. After the spa is
filled, you should continue with the metal removing prefilter, when adding
new water, to help
maintain better water quality and reduce chemical consumption. I hope that
this information proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 2/4//2006
► Hot Tub
Water Loss?
I have
noticed approx. 3 inches of water loss per week in my 400 gallon hot tub. It is
outdoors and it has been cold. I have a good cover. Is this normal water loss
or could it be a leak? Thanks.
Rich ,
12/26/2005
I don't recall ever seeing
figures for water loss for a spa that remains properly
covered, except for periods of actual usage. From my own experience, it
seems to be well beyond what should result from evaporation. Depending
upon the size and shape of the spa, an inch of water loss could amount to 10-20
gallons. I suggest that you double check that the cover is sealing
reasonably well and then start looking for evidence of a leak. In
the final analysis, if you conclude that there is a probability of a leak, it
should be
possible to seal the leak.
FIX
A LEAK is a leak sealer that can be used to create a permanent
repair, when added to the spa water and/or equipment. However if the leak
is a cracked pipe or loose connection, it may not seal. If that is the
case, you might benefit from a
leak detection
service. It should be used
according to the product instructions. Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 12/26/2005
►
Cool Operator?
I am pregnant and still would like to use
our spa. I know our chemicals actually say to have the temperature set at a
minimum of 98 degrees. Is it possible to have it cooler and use pool chemicals
instead. The temp. I had in mind is the mid to high 80's. Thanks.
Elaine, Orlando, FL, 4/1/2004
Did you check with your doctor?
There is no problem using the spa at a lower temperature, provided that adequate
amounts of sanitizers are maintained. It is a common practice, especially
during hot times of the year. Depending upon the sanitizer being used, you
may not have to change anything. I would not suggest using pool chemicals,
as you are dealing with a very small amount of water. Pool chlorine
tablets, for example, would still dissolve far too rapidly. To be safe, stick with spa
chemicals. Good luck with the baby.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
4/1/2004
► Main
Drain Suction?
We bought a house with a custom inground spa.
After refinishing the interior and upgrading the pump and filter, I find that
the suction, from the bottom drain, is too strong. How should this be
fixed, so as not to risk an accident? Thank you for your help.
Debra S., Bonita Springs, FL, 3/12/2007
You need to install an anti-entrapment safety drain cover.
There are VGB compliant safety drain covers, that will help avoid the grave consequences
of hair or body entrapment. Check to make sure that all safety features
meet the requirements of your local regulations.
I hope that this information will be help solve the problem and provide
some piece of mind.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 3/12/2007
►
Spa Cover Is Too Heavy?
I use my spa for my arthritic condition. I
find the cover quite heavy to remove and handle. Are there lighter weight covers?
The one I have is about 3 inches thick with a plastic cover. Thank you.
I.S., Delray Beach, FL,
3/23/2004
It is possible that the cover has become water
logged. I had a similar problem and had to replace the cover. There
are
spa cover removers and lifters, that can easily remove the cover without effort.
There are lighter weight covers, as well. I suggest that you discuss the matter with
a local spa professional. Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
3/2//2004
► Asking The Right Questions?
We are going to be looking for a spa within the next few months. We will
probably want something that can accommodate 4 people. We realize that
there are lots of features to choose from and ways to sanitize. But, what
should be ask of the dealer?
Steve & Jill N., 8/25/2009
Some questions are always best asked before you sign on the dotted line.
Here are some things to ask. All may not apply to every situation.
Ask how long the dealer has been in business! Has he done business under
other names? Is he licensed, bonded and insured? Will he provide
complete start up instructions? Make sure the warranties are spelled out
completely! Does he provide service after installation? Will he be
responsible for any damage to property during installation? If a permit is
required, who applies and obtains it? Good luck with the spa and enjoy the
hot water experience.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/25/2009
►
Season's Greetings From Spa
Owner!
Good news Alan! I have no
intentions of harassing you for info today. I wanted to wish you happy holidays
and to thank you for the advice you provide for distraught spa owners
everywhere. You've helped me out of a couple of jams in this, my first year as a
spa owner and made the experience more fun, and learning curve a much
smoother one. Thanks again.
Robin W., Freligshburg, Quebec, Canada,
12/16/2007
Thank you for the kind thoughts. I'm glad to have been of
assistance. Best wishes for the holidays.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
12/16/2007
►
Permanent Installation?
Looking for an "in-ground" spa
near Atlanta and don't know where to start. I live near Atlanta, Georgia,
and I want to buy a spa - not a hot tub - which is designed to be
permanently installed in the ground but all I have found on the web so far are
"portable spas" which include all the costs associated with making the damn
things "portable." I would rather spend my money on a bigger spa that is
NOT portable and have it professionally installed in our back yard (in a hole in
our deck where the air conditioners used to be). We even have a water
supply right next to the spot where we want the spa. Where should I look
for such a thing in the Atlanta area? Who are the "reputable" dealers?
How does one avoid the "problem" dealers? How much should I expect to pay
for a big in-ground spa that has TWO LOUNGES? Thanks for your time.
Steve, Atlanta, GA, 7/9/2010
What you want is doable.
And I can understand your justification. So far as a dealer and
pricing, I can offer little direct assistance. You could start with a
local spa dealer and see if the product can be ordered with the external
cabinetry.
There is one more important thing that you must check into. In most
areas, what you are contemplating is akin to an inground pool and might require
all of the permits associated with inground pools. In addition, it could
impact your property taxes. Portable spas do not usually have these
problems. How would you access the equipment or the plumbing?
Where would the heater and filter pump go? You need to do some homework.
That's one of the reasons the portable spa is so popular. Good luck with
your decision. If you ever have a spa water problem, please come back
and visit the website.
Sincerely, Alan Schuster,
7/9/2010
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►
Buying A Spa?
We are
looking to buy a 350 gallon Spa. We have a small child and I have several
allergies, including nickel allergy sensitivity to chlorine and eczema. So, what would be the best and most cost-efficient sanitation system to purchase
with the Spa? Thanks.
Dorothee,
4/1/2004
Cost
efficiency shouldn't be your prime interest. Effectiveness should!
An
ozonator and a
mineral sanitizer,
to act as a backup sanitizer, would be both effective and cost efficient.
Spas are available with built-in ozonators and mineral sanitizers are simply
add-ons. This combination contains no nickel compounds, chlorine or
bromine, should be easy on the skin and keeps chemical treatment at a
minimum. I hope that this information proves to be helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/1/2004
►
Planning For An Indoor Spa?
We plan on using an addition
to our house for a spa. What should we do to the room to prepare for the
spa? How big a spa would you suggest for a family of four? What's
the best and easiest way to sanitize the water? Thanks for the help.
Gordon H., 3/1/2006
The spa will create a lot of
moisture. It would be best to keep the spa room isolated from the rest of
the house. Make sure that the proper materials are used in the
construction. Choose a contractor that is familiar with the special
requirements of a spa enclosure. An exhaust fan would be a good idea.
A spa of 250-300 gallons will usually be set up for 4-5 bathers. The choice of
jets is an individual matter and be tailored to suit your preferences.
Make sure that the height of the spa will go through the entrance to the
room. It is easier than ever to sanitize a spa. Spas can be equipped
with
ozonators,
UV sanitizers, ionizers or
mineral sanitizers for convenient and effective
sanitizing. Plan on keeping the spa covered, while not in use. This
will help keep the moisture level down and will save on electrical usage.
Light-weight covers and cover removers are available. I hope that this
information will prove helpful. Please come back and visit the website, if
you ever need help with spa water chemistry, spa water quality or maintenance
issues. Enjoy the spa.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
3/1/2006
►
Too Heavy
to Handle?
I find the spa cover a bit too
heavy to handle. I am not as young as I used to be and my wife certainly
can't remove the cover by herself. I bought the spa because of arthritis
and I would like to minimize the effort. I think that I recall seeing some
type of cover appliance in a magazine picture. Appreciate the help.
Regards.
Neal H., Boynton Beach, FL, 12/1/2008
You remember correctly.
There are spa cover removers that tilt the cover out of the way with the flip of
a finger or the push of a button. Your local spa professional should be
able to decide on a product suited for your needs. Enjoy the spa.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
12/3/2008
►
Considerations Before Spa Purchase?
I want to buy a home spa,
but am now confused about a couple of things. Under the topic of salt water spas
in 2006 you said: "Saltwater
chlorinators are available for use in spas and offer similar advantages:
complete elimination of chlorine chemical products, easy maintenance and
improved water quality - just to name a few".
Does your positive opinion of salt water chlorinators still stand today in 2008?
I have not purchased my spa yet, and am really trying to investigate this
beforehand, as I want to make the right decision. Recently a spa salesperson
advised against the salt water chlorinator, saying it wasn't less maintenance or
chemicals. Was he mistaken? Is a salt water chlorinator the same as
a salt chlorine generator? Is there a brand of salt water chlorinators for spas
that you recommend? If you get one for your spa, would it make sense to
add an ozonator or uv sanitizers or a micron high efficiency filter? Or do
they become redundant or overkill if you have the salt water chlorinator? I am
looking for a spa with minimal maintenance, low chemical usage, and one that we
can leave for a month when we go on holidays. I don't want to add chemicals and
check levels all the time, especially before and after each use. Does such a spa
exist? The second issue is that one manufacturer does not use any foam
insulation and argues that his hot tub is designed for energy efficiency in a
cold climate, while another manufacturer says that you have to have spray foam
insulation in order to achieve this. Can you speak to that? Thanks so much
for your time, your website is great!
Lori M., Canada, 2/13/2008
Yes, I still like
salt chlorine
generators and so do millions of
other pool and spa owners. A salt chlorine generator does not mean
"no work or no chemical," but it does make for easier maintenance and no
chlorine handling or storage. A completely, chlorine-free system is hard to
come by. The correct terminology is salt chlorine generator,
saltwater chlorine generator or salt chlorinator. Salt water generator is
incorrect, but it is referring the same piece of equipment.
It is far more popular is the swimming pool application. Adding an ozonator or uv
sanitizer has advantages: it will allow you to maintain a lower
chlorine level. An
ozonator
is not a stand alone sanitizing system. It needs back up. However, it
provides oxidation without the addition of chemicals that lead to chemistry
changes or buildup.
UV
sanitizers add no chemicals,
but helps assure that the return flow is almost devoid of microorganisms,
allowing for lower chlorine levels. A spa
without insulation would not be overly energy efficient, as it would be
subject to unwanted and unnecessary heat loss. Electricity is
expensive enough, without wasting it due to poor insulation. I would
look for an energy efficient brand. Having an ozonator or UV sanitizer will help provide the sanitation, during
periods of absence, as they can be operated, with the timer controlling the
pump and filter. Adding a
SPA FROG Mineral
Sanitizer will provide consistent backup sanitation and
works well with chlorine, ozone and UV. It is the equipment, that you choose to add,
that makes sanitizing easier and more effective. Good luck and
enjoy the hot water experience.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/13/2008
►
A Spa Or A Hot Tub?
My wife and I are considering
buying a spa. We can't even agree on the name. She says that a hot
tub is not a spa and I say that the terms are used loosely. What are the
advantages or disadvantages? And who's right? Thanx.
S & A, Pt. Pleasant, NJ,
5/13/2003
Who's right?
Both! The terms hot tub and spa are used interchangeably, but they are
different. Hot tubs are constructed like a barrel split in two.
There can be vinyl liner inside to prevent leaks and keep the water away from
the wood. Jets, blowers, heaters, filters can be present, in both types of
units. Spas are usually made from a resin material surrounded by a
cabinet. They come in all types of sizes and shapes. Interiors are
shaped with seating and loungers. Jets and blowers can be used to great
effect. The hot tub tends to be higher than the spa and that can make
entering the water require a step or steps. Spas have a much more modern
appearance - hot tubs a more rustic look. Hot tubs are built for
soaking. Spas are made for sitting or lounging, while experiencing the
relaxing agitation and aeration of the water. Call it whatever you want.
The choice is yours to make! Pick out a spa or hot tub that will make
you both happy, because you'll be in hot water together! Good luck with your choice.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 5/13/2003
►
Remote Freeze Alarm Monitoring?
Is there such a thing as a freeze alarm for hot tubs that
can be connected to a home alarm system to notify the owner of loss of the hot
tub heater system at a weekend only location. The house is monitored for low
temperature (i.e.: furnace malfunction etc.) intrusion and fire. Thank you.
John, 12/20/2004
Waiting until freezing actually
occurs would be too late. If the heater is left on during the periods of
absence, a sensor could be added to send a signal if the temperature falls to
80°F. This would alert you that something is wrong and still allow plenty
of time to avoid freeze-thaw damage. While I don't have specific details
on the equipment required, I have no doubt that it could be easily accomplished
with a home automation product. Good luck and I hope that I have been
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
12/20/2004
►
Draining A Spa?
I have a spa on my screened in patio. The
patio is surrounded with planted beds. Can I hurt the plants by allowing the water
to drain into these beds? Thank you.
Molly P. Vero Beach, FL,
12/9/2004
Spa Chemicals are not herbicidal and should not
cause damage to the plants. If you have no other choice and the area is well
drained, I don't see a problem. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
12/9/2004
►
Not In Control?
When I set my
spa to come on at certain times, it will work for maybe 2 or 3 days.
Then it will turn off it will not trip the breaker. I tested all the
fuses. I can reset the time, but it goes for another 2 or 3 days. Then
off again. Sometimes it goes off when it turns on after 20 or 30
minutes. Any answers? Thanks.
Phil,
4/1/2004
Obviously, it is possible that you can have a controller
problem and I can offer little assistance. It is also possible that your
controller is set incorrectly. For example. Some controllers can be
set so that operation is based solely under the control of the timer.
Other units can be controlled based on temperature control. Check to see
if your controller has a selector for choosing either timer control or
temperature control. It may be set to temperature control and that could
explain the situation. Other than this, there's not much that I can add.
Over the years, there's been a lot of different equipment in use and not
everything applies to all. Check to see if the spa manufacturer has an
online trouble-shooting guide. Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
4/1/2004
►
Orange Spots?
We found recently many orange spots on our 5 spa filters
that are not disposable. We have used a degreaser/cleaner but there still
there. Scrubbing doesn't work either. Could these orange spots contribute to
our constantly cloudy water? What are the orange spots and how do we get rid of
them? Could they also be in our pipes? Please help. Thanks.
Concerned, 3/5/2005
This is not something that I can recall ever having come
up before. The most likely cause of the orange spots is rust. There
could have been iron flecks in the water used to fill the spa. Trying
using a vitamin C tablet on a spot. Rub it in a form a wet paste.
Give it 30 minutes, If this works, it is definitely a metal problem.
Acid alone might remove the spots. You could soak the filter in a acidic
solution that contains some ascorbic acid. I would add some metal
treatment to the spa to prevent more stains. DO NOT ADD METAL TREATMENT,
IF YOU ARE USING A
MINERAL SANITIZER, AS IT MAY INTERFERE WITH ITS ACTION.
If this doesn't work, it may be a bacterial problem. Try soaking the
cartridges in a solution to which 8 ounces of liquid chlorine has been added.
Give it an hour or two. If this works, this is proof that the problem is a
microorganism and is related to inadequate sanitation. This would also
explain the cloudy water problems, as well. You need to review the
sanitizing practices. This sounds like a commercial unit and you should
have an ozonator in operation, in addition to some other backup sanitizer.
I hope that this information will prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/5/2005
►
Indoor Spa?
We are planning to finish off part of an extension,
in order to enclose our spa. The room will have an exhaust system and is separated,
by sliding patio doors, from the rest of the house. Do we have to keep the cover on
the spa?
H. P., Rutland, VT,
9/12/2005
The exhaust is a good thing. However,
unless you are going to run the exhaust all of the time, eventually the humidity will lead
to problems. Having the spa covered when not in use will not only save on
electricity, it might save the room from the effects of humidity. My advice
would be to find a contractor that understands what a spa enclosure will require.
Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
9/12/2005
►
Frogs In The Spa?
I have a spa and I often see
small frogs inside the spa. How do I get rid of them? Are there any chemicals?
Kirit P., 7/9/2004
My wife collects frogs, but they
don't belong in your spa. You'll have to scoop them out of the spa, but
perhaps you can keep more from joining them. Here's something that worked
for me. Try it so long as it will not present a problem with small children or pets. I
did it once and no more frogs or snails. Drop some moth balls around the
outside perimeter of the spa (not in the water) and in nearby beds. This was
suggested to me by my exterminator. I did it once and I don't see them anymore.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
7/9/2004
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