Adding a Spa Sanitizer

Proper spa water maintenance requires using an effective sanitizer to control and prevent bacteria growth. No matter which sanitizing method you choose, spa water must contain a proper residual of bromine or chlorine, to keep the water safe and sanitary.

Leisure Time offers both bromine and chlorine based sanitizers, as well as a natural mineral purification system that enhances spa water clarity in bromine, chlorine, and ozone sanitizing systems.

When adding a sanitizer, remember to circulate spa water for at least 15 minutes before adding another product.

Bromine Sanitizing
Use Sodium Bromide to create a bromide reserve and then maintain bromine levels with Brominating Tablets. Add 1/2 ounce of Sodium Bromide per 100 gallons. Then, add Brominating Tablets in the floater or feeder as directed to obtain proper sanitizing levels. Test water with Spa Water Test Strips to ensure that the bromine level is in the ideal range of 3-5 ppm.

Chlorine Sanitizing
Uses SPA 56 Chlorinating Granules™. Add 1/2 ounce of SPA 56 Chlorinating Granules per 500 gallons. Test water with Spa Water Test Strips to ensure that the chlorine level is in the ideal range of 3-5 ppm.

Ozone Sanitizing
To sanitize a spa with ozone, a special unit called an ozonator is installed in your spa. This ozonator releases ozone into the spa which effectively sanitizes and helps reduce contaminants in the water. Ozone, however, cannot act alone. A residual of bromine or chlorine should be maintained in the water.

If you are sanitizing with ozone, use the Sodium Bromide and Brominating Tablets included in Leisure Time’s OZONE SPA CARE SYSTEM to establish a bromine residual. The application instructions will be the same as those listed above for Bromine Sanitizing.

Mineral Purification
More recently, mineral purification has become a choice for sanitizing spa water. Mineral purifiers are typically placed inside the filter cartridge and slowly release unique metallic ions into the water that help control microbial contamination.

Leisure Time’s mineral purification system, the Spa Mineral Purifier, enhances the effectiveness of Leisure Time’s sanitizing systems. Compatible with bromine, chlorine, and ozone, the unique combination of minerals in this purifier naturally treat bacteria for up to four months when used with a minimal sanitizer residual of 0.5 ppm.

Shocking
No matter which sanitizing system you choose, it will be necessary to “shock” your spa on a routine basis. Your spa water should be shocked weekly or more frequently if the spa is used excessively.

Shocking, also referred to as oxidation, is the process of removing organic materials such as body oils, cosmetics and lotions from the water. When these organic materials build up, the water can become cloudy or hazy.

When using chlorine as a sanitizer, water containing too many organic materials can also have a heavy chlorine odor. This indicates there is not enough effective sanitizer in the water and the water needs to be shocked.

Shocking with Renew or OZ Tablets will oxidize the materials that may be causing foul odors, eye or skin irritation, or dull, cloudy water. Shocking on a routine basis also increases the effectiveness of your sanitizer.

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