The ABCs of Spa
When most people get ready to buy a new spa, they find they have to learn a whole new language. This language is full of terms and vocabulary that explains the functions, possibilities, and needs of a spa. In order to help you out with this spa language, we’ve pulled together a list of spa ABCs. Knowing these terms will help you as you talk to your pool and spa professional, and sure that you pick the best spa for you.
- Algae: Small plants that tend to grow in or around water and that need to be controlled and/or prevented.
- Algaecides: The products that help you prevent or control the growth of algae in your spa.
- Bacteria: Organisms that can grow in the water and be potential harmful to spa users.
- Balanced Water: This is the optimal ratio between your water’s pH level and mineral content.
- Bromine: A spa water sanitizer.
- Calcium Hardness: Indicating the level of calcium in the water, with the ideal range being 175-275 ppm.
- Chlorine: One of the most popular forms of spa water sanitizer.
- Chloramines: The irritating compounds that form when your chlorine combines with nitrogenous compounds, such as perspiration, cosmetics, sunscreen, and urine.
- Cyanuric Acid: An element added to your spa’s water in order to counteract the effect of sunlight on your chlorine.
- Jets: Hydrotherapy components to you spa that circulate the water for both comfort and health.
- Oxidize (Shock Treatment): When you add an oxidizing element to your water in order to neutralize any contaminants.
- Ozone System: A powerful oxidizer treatment for your spa water.
- pH Level: The number that identifies your water’s level or acidify or basicity. Ideal pH levels fall between 7.4-7.6.
- Reagent: The liquid, powder, or tablets that are used to test your water.
- Scale: The calcium deposits that harden on your walls and floors.
- Saturation Index: The number that measures your pH levels, calcium hardness, alkalinity, and temperature in order to determine if you water is neutral, corrosive or scale-forming.
- Total Alkalinity: The number that measures all of the alkaline elements in your water, with an ideal range of 125-150ppm.
