Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of common pool and spa questions we're asked by our residential and commercial customers. If you can't find the answer to your question or you need additional support, please give is a call at 603-431-3808 or submit your question and we'll be happy to give you a hand.
Common Pool Related Questions:
- What are the recommended water balance levels for a pool?
- Is the "chlorine” smell caused from too much chlorine?
- How can algae be eliminated?
- What are phosphates?
- Why do pools become cloudy?
- When should the filter be cleaned?
- Are water clarifiers crucial for pool water care?
- What causes discolored water or scale deposits (white flakes) in pool water?
Common Spa Related Questions:
- What are the recommended water balance levels for a hot tub?
- Should I treat my spa water the same way as I treat my pool water?
- How often do I really need to shock my spa water?
- What is the difference between chlorine and bromine?
- How often should a hot tub be drained?
- Is a 115-volt hot tub better than a 220-volt hot tub or vice versa?
- What causes discolored water or scale deposits (white flakes)?
- What causes hot tub water to foam and what is the solution?
- Why does hot tub water become cloudy?
- What causes scum lines and how do you get rid of them?
- What is the hottest temperature a hot tub should be set?
Pool Answers:
1. What are the recommended water balance levels for a pool?
pH: 7.2 to7.8ppm
Total Alkalinity: 80-120ppm
Calcium Hardness: 150-400ppm
Total Dissolved Solids: 2000ppm
Sanitizer: 3-5ppm (never over 10ppm)
2. Is the "chlorine” smell caused from too much chlorine?
Actually, the stinky chlorine odor in a pool is not caused from high levels of chlorine. Rather it is caused from the presence of too many chloramines and a low level of free chlorine. Chloramines are formed when free chlorine bonds with contaminants in the water. To eliminate the odor, shock the pool to remove the chloramines and raise the water’s free-chlorine level.
3. How can algae be eliminated?
The best way to eliminate algae is to adjust the pool’s pH to 7.4, identify the type of algae (Green, Blue-Green, Black, Pink, or Mustard), add the appropriate anti-algae product, and brush. Also, algae thrives in sunlight, warm water, rough surfaces, cracks, crevices, water with poor circulation or not enough sanitizer, and where there is plenty of carbon, phosphates, and nitrates. By eliminating these conditions, you will decrease the occurrence of algae in your pool.
4. What are phosphates?
Phosphates are inorganic salts of phosphoric acid, which cause pool water to become cloudy. Most phosphates found in your pool’s water get there from a swimmer’s body--waste such as sweat and body products such as sunscreens, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. Other sources of phosphates in your pool include soil, plant and lawn products, and, even, pool water care products.
5. Why do pools become cloudy?
Pool water can become cloudy for a number of reasons: low level of sanitizer or free chlorine, poor filtration, weak water flow, buildup of contaminants, high levels of pH, calcium hardness, or dissolved solids.
6. When should the filter be cleaned?
Your pool’s filter should be cleaned per your filter manufacturer’s guidelines. If you do not know what brand filter you have or can not locate your filter’s manual, you should clean your filter before the water pressure reaches 10 pounds above normal.
7. Are water clarifiers crucial for pool water care?
Yes, clarifiers are important in maintaining your pool’s water care. Clarifiers assist in the filtration process. Clarifiers bond tiny particles, which filters are unable to catch, into larger particles, which filters are able to catch.
8. What causes discolored water or scale deposits (white flakes) in pool water?
Typically this is caused by an elevated level of minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, and iron. A good solution to these unpleasant water characteristics is to adjust the pH balance.
Spa Answers:
1. What are the recommended water balance levels for a hot tub?
pH: 7.2 to7.8ppm
Total Alkalinity: 80-120ppm
Calcium Hardness: 150-400ppm
Total Dissolved Solids: 2000ppm
Sanitizer: 3-5ppm (never over 10ppm)
2. Should I treat my spa water the same way as I treat my pool water?
Although the pH and total alkalinity measurements are the same, the sanitizer level (bromine or chlorine) should be kept between 3-5 ppm. In a spa, the filter requires more frequent cleanings. In addition, the water will require more frequent care to assure pH and sanitizer levels are correct.
3. How often do I really need to shock my spa water?
How often you shock spa water depends on the sanitizer used and the bather load. If you are using chlorine or bromine tablets, it is recommended that you shock at least one time per week. It may be necessary to shock more often if the bather load is heavy or the water is cloudy.
4. What is the difference between chlorine and bromine?
Both are sanitizers, and capable of eliminating bacteria and algae. The most notable differences are that bromine tends to be less harsh on the skin and has fewer odors. Whereas, chlorine will not break down as easy when exposed to sunlight—lasting longer in your pool.
5. How often do I need to drain my spa?
The industry recommended duration is every two to four months; however, the frequency can vary depending on the amount of usage, the hardness of the water in your area, how well the water balance levels are maintained, and the brand and model of hot tub. For example, with many hot tub brands, you need to drain and fill every 50 to 90 days, but with eco-friendly models you may only need to drain and fill every 160 days.
6. Is a 115-volt hot tub better than a 220-volt hot tub or vice versa?
Neither voltage is better than the other. A 115-volt hot tub does not need to be hard wired and can be plugged directly to an outlet while a 220-volt hot tub requires a sub-panel and hardwiring. With a 115-volt hot tub the heater turns off when the jet pump turns on while the heater and jet pump can run simultaneously with a 220-volt hot tub.
7. What causes discolored water or scale deposits (white flakes)?
Typically this is caused by an elevated level of minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium, and iron. A good solution to these unpleasant water characteristics is to adjust the pH level.
8. What causes hot tub water to foam and what is the solution?
Foam can occur due to a few reasons: oil buildup, low level of calcium hardness, and an increased volume of dissolved solids. Try adding sanitizer or calcium hardness or refilling the hot tub.
9. Why does hot tub water become cloudy?
Hot tub water can become cloudy for lots of reasons: the water may have contaminants, unbalanced levels, increased calcium hardness, or un-filterable particles. Check the levels of the water, add sanitizer or calcium hardness if needed, and make sure the filter is working properly.
10. What causes scum lines and how do you get rid of them?
Scum lines are most often caused by a buildup of lotions and body oils near the surface of the water. The best way to eliminate them is to use an enzyme cleaner.
11. What is the hottest temperature a hot tub should be set?
Never set your hot tub over or soak in water hotter than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
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