Spa Chemicals

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.

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.

"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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn the important differences between pool and spa water care.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Learn the practical benefits of liquid sodium hypochlorite.

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

Different ways to deal with low sanitizer residual situations.

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

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.

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