spa odds and ends: the odds and ends of spa care

Scroll down to browse through some archived SPA & HOT TUB questions and answers. Please access the Spa Topics Page and other links, at the top of every page, for additional information.

Odds & Ends: that's where you might find information that has not been categorized more specifically. Some subjects just defy simple categories, so always look under related or overlapping topics. All of the archives pages have a list of related or overlapping topics, near the bottom of the page. You never know - you might actually learn something!!! Clicking on the underlined and highlighted "keywords" or "catch phrases," in the archived answers will give you access to additional information on that topic or product. Please refer to the Glossary, if there are terms or phrases that require explanation.

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► Turning Green?

Our spa is turning our hair and nails green! I chlorinate and use water clarifier regularly. What is happening?

Robert B., 2/27/2005

Not a good thing! Your hair and nails are turning green, as a direct result of copper being present, at unacceptably high concentrations. You can confirm this by having an copper analysis performed. However, this is a virtual certainty! Unless you are using poor quality well water, it is coming from the copper heater core. The reason that this happening is because of low pH conditions. You stated that you are using chlorine: the only type you should be using is dichlor granular added directly to the water. Never add chlorine through the skimmer or use trichlor tablets! I suggest that you drain the spa and start with a clean page. You need to pay attention to the pH and total alkalinity, as this type of corrosion cannot occur, with chlorine use, unless the pH is low. You will destroy the heater, if this continues. You might consider having an ozone generator installed, as it will make for better water quality and reduce the amount of chlorine required. Try using an acidic shampoo and conditioner on your hair to help remove the color. You might read through the archives on spa water chemistry, spa water testing and other related topics. Good luck and I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/28/2005

► Spa Water Loss?

I have noticed approx. 3 inches of water loss per week in my 400 gallon hot tub. It is outdoors and it has been cold. I have a good cover. Is this normal water loss or could it be a leak? Thanks.

Rich, 12/26/2003

I have never seen figures for water loss for a spa that remains properly covered, except for periods of actual usage. Depending upon the size and shape of the spa, an inch of water loss could amount to 10-20 gallons. I suggest that you start looking for evidence of a leak. If you conclude that there is a leak, it should be possible to seal the leak, but you have to locate it. Calling in a leak detection specialist would be a sure-fire way to locate the leak and make the necessary repaIrs. For more product information and for a dealer locator, go to: www.poolleak.info Good luck.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/26/2003

► Using Well Water?

I would like to fill a 400 gallon spa with well water. The spa will be sanitized with an ozonator and a bromine floater. I plan on adding some metal treatment before the chemicals. Anything that I should do?

Bill M., 2/4/2006

Have the water tested, to know what you're dealing with. You could use a Micron Pre-Filter, as it will help remove the suspended solids and matter than leads to staining and discoloration. It is far better than just adding chemicals. After the spa is filled, you should continue with a Micron high efficiency filter, to help maintain better water quality and reduce chemical consumption. I hope that this information proves helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/4//2006

► Hot Tub Water Loss?

I have noticed approx. 3 inches of water loss per week in my 400 gallon hot tub. It is outdoors and it has been cold. I have a good cover. Is this normal water loss or could it be a leak? Thanks.

Rich, 12/26/2003

I don't recall ever seeing figures for water loss for a spa that remains properly covered, except for periods of actual usage. From my own experience, it seems to be well beyond what should result from evaporation. Depending upon the size and shape of the spa, an inch of water loss could amount to 10-20 gallons. I suggest that you double check that the cover is sealing reasonably well and then start looking for evidence of a leak. In the final analysis, if you conclude that there is a probability of a leak, it should be possible to seal the leak. FIX A LEAK is a leak sealer that can be used to create a permanent repair, when added to the spa water and/or equipment. However if the leak is a cracked pipe or loose connection, it may not seal. If that is the case, you might benefit from a leak detection service. It should be used according to the product instructions. Good luck.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/26/2003

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► Cool Operator?

I am pregnant and still would like to use our spa. I know our chemicals actually say to have the temperature set at a minimum of 98 degrees. Is it possible to have it cooler and use pool chemicals instead. The temp. I had in mind is the mid to high 80's. Thanks.

Elaine, Orlando, FL, 4/1/2004

Did you check with your doctor? There is no problem using the spa at a lower temperature, provided that adequate amounts of sanitizers are maintained. It is a common practice, especially during hot times of the year. Depending upon the sanitizer being used, you may not have to change anything. I would not suggest using pool chemicals, as you are dealing with a very small amount of water. Pool chlorine tablets, for example, would still dissolve far too rapidly. To be safe, stick with spa chemicals. Good luck with the baby.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/1/2004

► Main Drain Suction?

We bought a house with a custom inground spa. After refinishing the interior and upgrading the pump and filter, I find that the suction, from the bottom drain, is too strong. How should this be fixed, so as not to risk an accident? Thank you for your help.

Debra S., Bonita Springs, FL, 3/12/2007

You need to install an anti-entrapment safety drain cover. The Triodyne Anti Hair Snare Safety Cover will avoid the grave consequences of hair or body entrapment. This cover can be used on virtually all U.S. circular drains and meets or exceeds the highest standards. For more complete information of this important safety product go to: www.antihairsnare.com I hope that this information will be help solve the problem and provide some piece of mind.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/12/2007

► Spa Cover Is Too Heavy?

I use my spa for my arthritic condition. I find the cover quite heavy to remove and handle. Are there lighter weight covers? The one I have is about 3 inches thick with a plastic cover. Thank you.

I.S., Delray Beach, FL, 3/23/2004

It is possible that the cover has become water logged. I had a similar problem and had to replace the cover. There are cover removers and lifters, that can easily remove the cover without effort. There are lighter weight covers, as well. I suggest that you discuss the matter with a local spa professional. Good luck.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/2//2004

► Remote Freeze Alarm Monitoring?

Is there such a thing as a freeze alarm for hot tubs that can be connected to a home alarm system to notify the owner of loss of the hot tub heater system at a weekend only location. The house is monitored for low temperature (i.e.: furnace malfunction etc.) intrusion and fire. Thank you.

John, 12/20/2004

Waiting until freezing actually occurs would be too late. If the heater is left on during the periods of absence, a sensor could be added to send a signal if the temperature falls to 80°F. This would alert you that something is wrong and still allow plenty of time to avoid freeze-thaw damage. While I don't have specific details on the equipment required, I have no doubt that it could be easily accomplished with a home automation product. Good luck and I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/20/2004

► Draining A Spa?

I have a spa on my screened in patio. The patio is surrounded with planted beds. Can I hurt the plants by allowing the water to drain into these beds? Thank you.

Molly P. Vero Beach, FL, 12/9/2004

Spa Chemicals are not herbicidal and should not cause damage to the plants. If you have no other choice and the area is well drained, I don't see a problem. I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/9/2004

► Not In Control?

When I set my spa to come on at certain times, it will work for maybe 2 or 3 days. Then it will turn off it will not trip the breaker. I tested all the fuses. I can reset the time, but it goes for another 2 or 3 days. Then off again. Sometimes it goes off when it turns on after 20 or 30 minutes. Any answers? Thanks.

Phil, 4/1/2004

Obviously, it is possible that you can have a controller problem and I can offer little assistance. It is also possible that your controller is set incorrectly. For example. Some controllers can be set so that operation is based solely under the control of the timer. Other units can be controlled based on temperature control. Check to see if your controller has a selector for choosing either timer control or temperature control. It may be set to temperature control and that could explain the situation. Other than this, there's not much that I can add. Over the years, there's been a lot of different equipment in use and not everything applies to all. Check to see if the spa manufacturer has an online trouble-shooting guide. Good luck.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/1/2004

► Orange Spots?

We found recently many orange spots on our 5 spa filters that are not disposable. We have used a degreaser/cleaner but there still there. Scrubbing doesn't work either. Could these orange spots contribute to our constantly cloudy water? What are the orange spots and how do we get rid of them? Could they also be in our pipes? Please help. Thanks.

Concerned, 3/5/2005

This is not something that I can recall ever having come up before. The most likely cause of the orange spots is rust. There could have been iron flecks in the water used to fill the spa. Trying using a vitamin C tablet on a spot. Rub it in a form a wet paste. Give it 30 minutes, If this works, it is definitely a metal problem. Acid alone might remove the spots. You could soak the filter in a acidic solution that contains some ascorbic acid. I would add some metal treatment to the spa to prevent more stains. DO NOT ADD METAL TREATMENT, IF YOU ARE USING A MINERAL SANITIZER, AS IT MAY INTERFERE WITH ITS ACTION. If this doesn't work, it may be a bacterial problem. Try soaking the cartridges in a solution to which 8 ounces of liquid chlorine has been added. Give it an hour or two. If this works, this is proof that the problem is a microorganism and is related to inadequate sanitation. This would also explain the cloudy water problems, as well. You need to review the sanitizing practices. This sounds like a commercial unit and you should have an ozonator in operation, in addition to some other backup sanitizer. I hope that this information will prove helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/5/2005

► Indoor Spa?

We are planning to finish off part of an extension, in order to enclose our spa. The room will have an exhaust system and is separated, by sliding patio doors, from the rest of the house. Do we have to keep the cover on the spa?

H. P., Rutland, VT, 9/12/2005

The exhaust is a good thing. However, unless you are going to run the exhaust all of the time, eventually the humidity will lead to problems. Having the spa covered when not in use will not only save on electricity, it might save the room from the effects of humidity. My advice would be to find a contractor that understands what a spa enclosure will require. Good luck.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/12/2005

► Frogs In The Spa?

I have a spa and I often see small frogs inside the spa. How do I get rid of them? Are there any chemicals?

Kirit P., 7/9/2004

My wife collects frogs, but they don't belong in your spa. You'll have to scoop them out of the spa, but perhaps you can keep more from joining them. Here's something that worked for me. Try it so long as it will not present a problem with small children or pets. I did it once and no more frogs or snails. Drop some moth balls around the outside perimeter of the spa (not in the water) and in nearby beds. This was suggested to me by my exterminator. I did it once and I don't see them anymore.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/9/2004

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