What types of chemicals do I need for my spa?

Maintaining a spa requires a careful balance of various chemicals to ensure safe and enjoyable water quality. First and foremost, chlorine or bromine is essential for sanitation, acting to eliminate harmful bacteria and contaminants. Chlorine is typically more common, whereas bromine may be preferred for its stability at higher temperatures. Next, you will need pH balancers to maintain the correct water chemistry. Regularly testing the pH of the water is crucial, as it should ideally fall between 7.2 and 7.8. A pH that is too low can irritate the skin and eyes, while a pH that is too high can cause scaling and reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers. Alkalinity increasers, often made from sodium bicarbonate, are also necessary to stabilize the pH levels. Proper alkalinity levels help prevent drastic pH swings, making it easier to maintain balanced water chemistry. Additionally, it is wise to incorporate a shock treatment, either in chlorine or non-chlorine form, to oxidize organic contaminants and refresh the water. Lastly, you may want to include products for foam control and clarifiers to enhance water clarity. It is highly advisable to regularly monitor and adjust these chemical levels according to the usage and specific requirements of your spa. For more detailed recommendations tailored to your specific setup, looking at the resources available on the Zager's Pool & Spa website can offer valuable insights.