Spa Chemicals

Assuming the water chemistry of a spa is the same as that of a swimming pool is a rookie move. In this section, you’ll learn about the differences between pool and spa chemistry, how to sell more spa chemicals and more.

 

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When It Comes To Water Care, Don't Think Of A Spa As Just A Small Pool

Conceptually, it's easy to think of a spa as simply a warm swimming pool of manageable size. And after years of experience with swimming pools, some may consider spa water care to be a scaled down version of the same process. But there are important differences that make spa water care very much its own field.

Selling spa chemicals in today's market

Chemicals are a necessary part of spa ownership, so while hot tub sales have seen a decline over the past few years, chemical sales remain strong. But just like any other business that made it through the perils of '09, spa retailers have made adjustments and plan to market their products more efficiently in the new year. A few tweaks in the ordering process, new marketing tactics and simple customer service have left some spa retailers confident in a successful 2010.

An Artisan's Approach to Water Chemistry

"I've come to firmly believe that we should regard water quality as our primary selling point. That means implementing water chemistry programs that are based on what I describe as an artisan's approach to serving water that appeals to all the senses."

Succeed In Spa Sales By Doing What Costco Can't Do

The dedicated, brick-and-mortar spa retailer faces tough adversaries in warehouse stores and internet sites, both of which offer low prices for equipment and chemicals. That's no secret. What is less commonly known are the ways today's successful spa retailers take advantage of the cut-rate competition's weaknesses to remain competitive and keep selling spas in a recession.

Sell more spa chemicals by listening to your customers

Common everyday interactions are a retailer's best, most frequent opportunity to bind customers into the store, fend off competition from the big box, and in the long term, maximize total chemical sales.

Is Superchlorinating The Best Way To Eliminate Chloramines?

Chlorine is a great sanitizer for pools. It's been the backbone of our effort to keep pool water clean, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. But a controversy has emerged in recent years about the process of superchlorinating — what we call "shocking" — pools to reduce the buildup of chloramines.

Explaining Chlorine Demand To Customers Requires Simple Approach

It's difficult for dealers toconvey complex information about pool chemical maintenance to customers who come in with questions or complaints about their water. Use concepts and language they already understand.

Clean Water, Clean Earth

Manufacturers, distributors, dealers and builders are finding their customers increasingly tuned into the green scene, and they're responding with an array of products designed to appeal to those customers. Those products include spa chemicals.

Spa Soup: Why We Dump Spa Water

"Does my spa really need to be drained?" your customer asks. Yes, it does — here's why.

The Right Way to Approach Hot Water Care

An industry pro explains what service techs should keep in mind when managing hot tub water.

The Basics: Boric Acid and Sodium Borates

Boric acid and sodium borates can be used as more than just pH buffers in swimming pools and spas.

Understanding Ammonia & Nitrates

Here's a primer that sorts out some important but lesser-known chemistry issues as they apply to ammonia and nitrates.

Total Dissolved Solids: The Facts

The rising use of chlorine generators means pool technicians should be on alert for high TDS levels.

Ozone Generating Systems: The Facts

Learn about the creation of the molecule and its place in pool and spa sanitizing.

Chemistry Automation: Always in Command

Innovations in chemical control and automation support water quality, efficient service, effective management and a positive consumer experience.

Tech Notes: Biguanide

Learn more about biguanide and how it's used as an alternative water sanitizer in place of chlorine or bromine.

Swim Spa Purifier Puzzle

We know how to sanitize swimming pools. We know how to sanitize spas. But what about swim spas?

Tech Notes: Potassium Monopersulfate

Learn about potassium monopersulfate and its role providing effective non-chlorine oxidation.

Unique Aspects of Hot Water Chemistry and Testing

Learn the important differences between pool and spa water care.

Algae Wars

Chlorine and basic pool maintenance remain the frontline in the fight to prevent and kill algae, but there's much more to it than that.

CYA and Chlorine in Plain Language

The CMAHC now recommends the ratio of cyanuric acid to free chlorine be reduced from 45-1 to 20-1. Here’s their explanation, in layman’s terms.

Swimming in Spreadsheets: Cyanuric Acid, Ratios and Problematic Models

The Great CYA debate is one that has raged within the pool and spa industry for decades. Now, a new mathematical model has been created and has begun to enter into this debate.

School’s in Session: Teaching Water Chemistry to Homeowners

Teaching pool owners the basics of water chemistry carries significant implications for pool and spa companies, especially retailers.

Bob Lowry: A Practical Take on the "Great CYA Debate"

Water chemistry expert Bob Lowry shares his response to our “Great CYA Debate” panel held at the PSP Expo in New Orleans.

Pool Sanitizing: A Return to the Simple

Learn the practical benefits of liquid sodium hypochlorite.

Adjusting pH and Alkalinity May Not Be as Simple as You Think

Customers can tailor their spa with popular add-ons and accessories, from cover lifters to spa steps to fragrances and more.

Misconceptions About Chlorine Demand

Different ways to deal with low sanitizer residual situations.

Metals and Metal Staining

Learn methods to control the introduction of metals into pools and hot tubs and the chemicals used to prevent and remove them.

The Cyuranic Acid Debate? Not For Hot Tubs

While the trade continues to debate the pros and cons of cyanuric acid (CYA) for swimming pools, there are a number of studies including a conclusion from the CDC that CYA has no place in a hot tub.

Most of What You Need to Know About Chemicals for the Upcoming Season

Follow this rulebook to take good care of your customers’ water this season.

In the information age, the key to success is rapid access to the exact information you need, the needle in the great haystack of digital content. That's why we created the AQUA Toolbox — to help you quickly zero in on the facts and background necessary for good business decisions. The AQUA Toolbox gathers the most important features and stories from the magazine and website under the most important content categories, and provides them to you in a clean, easy-to-access PDF. Simply complete the free online registration and this modern library of pool and spa related learning is yours!

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