Calspas hot tub being used in a family setting

Sanitation

Sanitizers kill bacteria and other organic waste by breaking them down to non-harmful levels and are filtered out. Before you fill your spa, you need to decide which chemical sanitizer you wish to use. Consult your Cal Spas dealer for the right decision with regards to your lifestyle and spa usage. We recommend either bromine or chlorine as your sanitizer. Both work well when maintained regularly.

warning

DO NOT use trichlor. Trichlor is very acidic and the hot temperature of the spa causes it to dissolve too quickly. It will cause damage to your spa and will void your warranty.

Whichever plan you decide on, follow it completely and don't take shortcuts. It will provide you with clean, safe, clear spa water with a minimum of effort. Spa owners with an ozonator still need to use a chemical sanitizer.

Using Chlorine as a Sanitizer

If you choose to use chlorine as a sanitizer, only use granulated chlorine, not liquid chlorine.

Once a week, check the chlorine level using either a test strip or a reagent kit. See the table on the following page for the ideal range.

Add one or two tablespoons granulated chlorine to the spa water weekly. Note that chlorine dissipation rate will be faster at higher water temperatures and slower at lower temperatures.

When you add chlorine, open all of the jets and run the spa at high speed with the cover open for at least 30 minutes.

Follow the maintenance schedule.

Using Bromine as a Sanitizer

Bromine is a very effective sanitizer that produces low chemical odors. Unlike chlorine, it can break down bacteria and other impurities to a safe level with a low burn-out rate.

Bromine is available in granulated form. Use granulated sodium bromide to establish your bromine base.

When you begin with fresh water, add 2 ounces of granulated bromide. Open all of the jets and run the spa at high speed with the cover open for at least 30 minutes. This is your base bromine level.

Follow the maintenance schedule.

Shocking the Water

In addition to using a chemical sanitizer, you will periodically need to shock the water. Shocking the water helps remove burned-out chemicals, bacteria, and other organic material from your spa's water and improves your sanitizer's effectiveness.

Do not use chlorinating shock, which will damage your spa's jets and pump seals. Only use an oxidizer shock. It can be used with either chlorine or bromine sanitizers.

Add two ounces of oxidizer shock per 500 gallons once a week, after heavy bather loads, or if water has a strong odor.

Spa must be running with all of the jets on high for 30 minutes with the cover open. If necessary, repeat oxidizer shock in 30 minute intervals.