Acid
Chemicals such as sodium bisulfate, also called Dry Acid (pH DOWN) or muriatic acid used to lower pH or alkalinity.
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Air Buttons
Topside spa controls used to activate jets and other spa features.
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Air Switches
Electro-mechanical devices used to control motors and other devices in the spa.
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Algae
Microscopic aquatic plant life which can grow on spa surfaces or float in the water. Although harmless to bathers, algae discolors the water and indicates improper sanitization.
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Algaecide
A chemical used to kill algae and prevent the re-growth.
(SPA ALGAECIDE)
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Alkalinity
See Total Alkalinity.
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Bacteria
Microscopic organisms continuously entering the water via bathers, airborne dust, etc. Without proper sanitization hot tubs and spas are the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, many of which can cause disease or infection.
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Balanced Water
Water that is neither corrosive nor scale forming. Water with the proper relationships of pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness is said to be balanced.
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Base
A chemical which raises pH and/or alkalinity when added to the water (pH UP or SPA UP).
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Bather Load
The number of individuals using a pool or spa in a 24 hour period. This is the primary source of bacterial and organic contamination.
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Biofilm
Biofilm is a complex association of microorganisms which adhere to a hot tub surfaces, particularly inside the plumbing, where they are difficult to remove. Biofilm may contain bacteria, viruses, mold, parasites as well as dirt and polysaccharides which add adhesion to a surface. It grows in the nicks and crannies within the plumbing systems and jets, forming a slippery film. Microorganisms inside the biofilm layer are somewhat protected from sanitizing agents such as chlorine, bromine, or algaecides. These microorganisms present a danger because if released into the water, a bather may be contaminated before sanitizers can kill them. It is important to remove biofilm and prevent it from reforming. We recommend the regular use of Spa System Flush (#MT1028) to aid in the removal of films and deposits which form inside the plumbing and jets of your spa.
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Break Point Chlorination
The process of shocking the water with significant quantities of chlorine to oxidize all contaminants and organic wastes and leave all remaining chlorine as free chlorine.
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Broadcast
A method of dosing powdered chemicals into water by spreading them widely over the surface. Most spa chemicals, however, should be dissolved in water first.
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Brominator
A floating device which holds bromine tablets and dispenses a metered amount of bromine sanitizer into the spa water.
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Bromine
The preferred sanitizing agent for hot tub spas that kills bacteria and algae. The tablet form of this product is dispensed using a floating brominator. The granular form is added upon spa startup (initial filling) to establish an immediate bromine reserve.
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Buffer
A chemical that resists pH change in spa water, such as sodium bicarbonate (SPA UP).
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Calcium Carbonate
A compound which forms in unbalanced water to form scale.
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Calcium Chloride
A soluble white compound used to raise the calcium hardness of spa & pool water, to protect equipment. (HARDNESS UP)
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Calcium Hardness
A measure of the amount of calcium dissolved in water. Water with low hardness can lead to corrosion of metal parts. Test strips are available for checking hardness levels (HARDNESS UP).
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Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal Hypo)
A granular form of chlorine which is commonly used in pools, but not recommended for spas because it may leave unsightly calcium deposits at the waterline and scale buildup in heaters.
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Cartridge Filter
The type of filter commonly used in spas consisting of a cylinder of pleated fabric media with end caps.
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Chelating Agent
Stain & scale preventing compounds that sequester dissolved metals to prevent water discoloration. (SPA BRITE)
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Chine
The portion of the stave of a wooden hot tub below the bottom of the croze.
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Chitin
A naturally occurring polymer (pronounced KY-tin) found in crab and lobster shells. As a spa clarifier, it is the best flocculating agent available. Removes oils, dirt, scum, and metal deposits and allows the filtering system to work more effectively (SEA KLEAR).
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Chloramines
Chlorine ammonia compounds formed when chlorine reacts with organic contaminates in the water. Chloramines are not effective as sanitizers and are responsible for eye and skin irritation as well as strong chlorine odors.
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Chlorine
A sanitizing agent that kills bacteria and algae. When Chlorine is used in spas, the proper type is Sodium Dichlor.
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Circuit Board
The electronic brains of a spa, containing relays, contactors, and connecting to all other electrical components.
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Clarifier
A compound used to remove dissolved solids, metals, dirt, oils, or other contaminants from spa and pool water. Products containing Chitin do this naturally. (SEA KLEAR CLARIFIER)
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Combined Chlorine
The portion of the total chlorine in water in chemical combination with ammonia, organics, and nitrogen, most of which are chloramines.
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Contactor
A relay-type device in a spa's electrical circuit which controls power to another device.
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Corrosion
The etching away of metal fixtures and pump seals due to improperly balanced water.
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Cover Protectant
A special formulation for vinyl spa covers which prevents deterioration caused by sunlight and weather (303 PROTECTANT).
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Cover Removal Device
A device to aid in the removal, storage and reinstallation of insulated spa covers.
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Croze
The milled grooves in the stave of a wooden hot tub which accommodate the floor planks.
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Cyanuric Acid
Also known as Stabilizer, Isocyanuric Acid, Triazinetrione, or conditioner. A compound that reduces the loss of chlorine in water due to the UV sunlight.
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Defoamer
A compound used to reduce or eliminate foaming in spa water. Products containing Chitin do this naturally. (SEA KLEAR DEFOAMER)
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Dichlor
See Sodium Dichlor
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Disinfect
To kill and inhibit growth of harmful microorganisms spa water through the use of a sanitizer such as bromine.
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Dry Acid
A granular chemical, sodium bisulfate (SPA DOWN) used to lower the pH and/or total alkalinity.
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Effluent
The water that flows out from a pump or filter.
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Enzymes
Biodegradable proteins which break-down oils, films and digest scum in spa water (SCUM BUSTER).
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Filter Media
A pleated, porous synthetic fabric in filter cartridges, used to trap foreign matter. Filter cartridges must be cleaned regularly with filter cleaning compounds to maintain spa water quality (POWER SOAK, ECO SOAK).
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Flocculent
A compound which clarifies of "flocs" spa water by gathering small contaminant particles into larger globules, which then can be easily trapped in the filtering system (SEA KLEAR).
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Flow Switch
See PRESSURE SWITCH
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Free Chlorine
The amount of chlorine available to kill bacteria or algae. Also known as Available Chlorine.
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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
A fast acting electrical device designed to cut off electricity before it can harm anyone in its path. Required on spas.
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Gunite
A mixture of cement and sand, sprayed with machinery onto a contoured and reinforced surface to form a pool or spa.
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Hard Water
See Calcium Hardness
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Heater Element
The portion of an electric heater unit through which electricity flows to produce resistance heat.
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Heater Manifold
A housing for the heater element through which water flows.
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Heat Exchanger
A device with plates or coiled tubes which transfers heat to a fluid.
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High Limit Switch
A safely switch in a heater assembly which shuts-off power to the heater element if the temperature becomes too great.
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Hoops
The circumferential bands of a wooden hot tub which prevent the staves from separating.
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Hydrotherapy Jets
Jet fittings in a spa which blend air with water to create a high-velocity, turbulent stream which is stimulating to the skin and body.
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Hypobromous Acid
The strongest disinfecting form of bromine in water.
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Hypochlorous Acid
The strongest disinfecting form of chlorine in water.
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Influent
Water entering a pump or filter.
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Ion
An atom or group of atoms carrying an electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons. Also a charged subatomic particle (as a free electron). Nature2 works by releasing silver ions, in very small amounts, into the spa water.
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Jets
See Hydrotherapy Jets
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Lightweight Portable Spas
The new generation of "take anywhere" portable massage spas which can be broken-down, and set-up in minutes; boxed for easy transport, and require only a standard "plug in" electrical connection. (SPA-TO-GO)
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Make-Up Water
Fresh source water used to fill or top-off a spa or pool.
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Monopersulfate Compound (MPS)
See Potassium Monopersulfate
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Nature2
An alternative proprietary spa sanitizing system which does not require the addition of bromine or chlorine. With this product, water must merely be dosed regularly with non-chlorine shock (OXY SHOCK). pH should be monitored and balance adjusted, as needed (SPA UP, SPA DOWN). Lasts 4 months.
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Non Chlorine Shock
An oxygen-based shocking compound, potassium peroxymonosulfate, (OXY SHOCK). Non-chlorine shock is fast dissolving so it allows hot tub use just 15 minutes after application (see Shock).
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Organic Contaminants
Wastes such as body oils, perspiration and sun tan residues which bathers introduce into the spa. Most organic wastes will not filter out and must be broken-down by shocking with an oxidizer.
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ORP
The oxidation reduction potential or redox produced by strong oxidizers in water. Primarily of concern in pools.
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OTO
A test reagent used to test bromine and chlorine in pool and spa water in liquid test kits.
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Overflow System
See SKIMMER
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Oxidizing
The process of breaking down organic wastes by the addition of a shocking compound (OXY SHOCK) to the spa water.
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OxyShock
See SHOCK
OxySpa
See SHOCK
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Ozone
The triatomic (three atom) very reactive form of oxygen that is formed naturally in the atmosphere by a photochemical reaction. In spas, it is produced by an Ozonator, used for oxidizing contaminants and helping with the disinfecting process.
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Ozonator
An electrically-powered device which produces Ozone. Ozone is a helper disinfectant, but due to its very short half-life in hot water, cannot do the job of sanitizing spa water all by itself.
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pH
A scale of the relative acidity/alkalinity of water. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral midpoint. A pH reading of less than 7 indicates water which is on the acid side of the scale. A pH of more than 7 is on the basic (alkaline) side. In spas, the acceptable range is between 7.2 and 7.8.
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pH Decreaser
An acidic chemical used to lower pH or alkalinity (SPA DOWN).
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pH Hold
A product which locks the pH of spa water into perfect balance for up to 3 months or until the next water change (pH HOLD). After setting initial pH, use of this product eliminates the need for continual pH adjustment.
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pH Increaser
A base compound, sodium carbonate or soda ash, used to raise pH & Total Alkalinity (pH UP). Not to be confused with sodium bicarbonate.
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pH Meter
A hand-held electronic device for instantly measuring the relative pH of spa water without the need for test strips or reagent solutions.
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Phenol Red
Chemical reagent used for testing pH in the range of 6.8 - 8.4. Found in liquid test kits.
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Potassium Monopersulfate
An oxygen-based shocking compound, (OXY SHOCK). This non-chlorine shock is fast dissolving so it allows hot tub use just 15 minutes after application (see Shock). Also called Potassium Peroxymonosulfate. Oxy Shock is also essential for the activation of sodium bromide (bromine tablets). The bromide ion by itself has no disinfecting capability. The monopersulfate compound in OxyShock activates the bromide ion to become bromine, which then rapidly becomes the active sanitizer: hypobromous acid, in spa water. Upon reaction with bacteria and other contaminants, hypobromus acid is reduced back to bromide ion, ready to be reactivated again by the next dosage of Oxy Shock.
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PPM
Parts per million. (Example: 5 cents in $10,000 = 5 PPM).
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Precipitate
A solid which is forced out of solution in water to form flakes or haze (turbidity) in suspension.
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Pressure Switch
A safety switch which shuts-off power to the heater element if water flow is not detected.
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Relay
A device in a spa's electrical circuit which controls power to another device.
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Return Inlet
The fitting through which water returns into a spa from the circulating pump.
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R-Value
The measure of resistance to the flow of heat through a given thickness of a material (as insulation) with higher numbers indicating better insulating properties. In spa covers, a higher R-Value will save energy costs.
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Safety Cover
A spa cover which meets strict ASTM standards for strength, construction, and anchoring, which reduces the drowning risk to small children. (Our covers are built to the ASTM safety standard). Not all covers on the market meet this important rating.
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Sanitizer
A compound such as bromine or chlorine used to kill microorganisms in spa water.
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Scale
Calcium crust or buildup caused by unbalanced water. These mineral deposits forms on spa surfaces and clog filters, heaters and pumps. The regular use of stain prevention chemicals can prevent scale formation.
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Scale & Stain Preventer
A product which prevents the formation of calcium scale and metal stains on spa fittings caused from copper and iron plumbing (SPA BRIGHT).
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Sequestering Agent
See CHELATING AGENTS
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Scum Digester
An enzyme product which breaks down body oils, soap film and lotion residues in spa water (SCUM BUSTER).
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Shock
Addition of an oxidizer (OXY SPA) or superchlorinator to break-down the organic contaminates on which bacteria feed.
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Skimmer
The skimmer is a basket, usually located above the filter. Its purpose is to collect large debris and prevent it from reaching the filter. Use of a Scum Sock over the skimmer will further decrease the amount of debris which would otherwise reach the filter, and make filter cleaning easier. (SCUM SOCK)
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Soda Ash
Common term for sodium carbonate (pH UP) which is used to raise pH and Total Alkalinity of spa water.
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Sodium Bicarbonate
Commonly used to increase the Total Alkalinity (TA) of spa water (SPA UP). The uncommon chemical name is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (not to be confused with Sodium Carbonate.) If the water's pH is below the normal range, raising the TA with this chemical will often bring the pH into proper range.
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Sodium Bisulfate
Also known as dry acid, the chemical used to lower pH and total alkalinity of spa water (SPA DOWN).
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Sodium Carbonate
See SODA ASH
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Sodium Dichlor
The type of chlorine which is most effective for use in spas. Sometimes used as a sanitizer, and is a very good shock for problem spas, particularly when cloudiness due to high bather load is a factor. Also called Dichlor (GRANULAR DICHLOR).
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Sodium Hypochlorite
The form of chlorine in liquid household bleach. Not recommended for spas because it has limited effectiveness in hot water, adversely affects pH balance, and can damage spa surfaces if spilled or splashed.
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Soft Water
Water with very low levels of dissolved calcium. Can be corrected with calcium hardness increaser (HARDNESS UP).
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Spa Fragrance
Special perfumes designed to enhance the hot tub experience and overcome chemical odors. These are designed for spas, and will not alter water balance or clog filters (InSpaRation scents).
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Spa Pack
An integrated unit consisting of electronic or mechanical controls, which may include a water pump, GFCI and other devices.
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Stabilizer
See CYANURIC ACID
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Staves
The vertical boards of a wooden hot tub.
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Suction Outlet
The fitting, often near the skimmer, through which the water is drawn from the spa.
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Superchlorination
Application of large shock dosages of chlorine to destroy buildup of organic contaminates in water. An alternative is to use a non-chlorine shock (OXY SHOCK).
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Test Kit
A set of chemical solutions and color references for testing pH, total alkalinity and sanitizer levels of spa water. We recommend instead the use of Test Strips which are very accurate and much easier to use.
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Test Strips
Easy-to-use dip strips for measuring the pH, total alkalinity and sanitizer levels of spa water. Strips are also available for testing water hardness levels.
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Thermostat
A device, either electronic or mechanical, which controls the operation of the heater by sensing water temperature.
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Timer
A clock that automatically controls the pump and other devices in a spa.
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Topside Controls
A set of button or knob switches, either pneumatic or electronic, for controlling a spa's pump, jets, heater, and other features.
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Total Alkalinity (TA)
The measure in PPM of all the dissolved base/alkaline material in the water. The acid-neutralizing capacity of water which indicates its buffering ability, or resistance to fluctuations in pH.
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Total Chlorine
The sum of combined and free chlorine.
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Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
A measure of the amount of matter which is in solution in spa water. This includes: calcium, magnesium, carbonated, bicarbonates, metallics, etc.
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Trichlor
Another form of chlorine, often supplied in tablet form, and used for pools. Not recommended for spas and hot tubs because of its acidic nature. Prolonged contact with spa shell may bleach or permanently mar the surface.
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Turbidity
A cloudy condition in water due to the presence of suspended particulates or precipitated material such as scale.
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Ultra Violet (UV)
With regard to spas, Ultra Violet light is a part of the light spectrum that is particularly damaging to vinyl spa covers. Use of a Cover Protectant blocks UV rays to prolong cover life.
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Vacuum Ultra Violet (VUV)
The light frequency in which ozonators operate.
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Venturi
A tube with a tapering constriction in the middle that causes an increase in the velocity of flow of a fluid and a corresponding decrease in fluid pressure. In spas, venturis with side drafts are sometimes used to introduce air into jet features, and to pull ozone from Ozonators into the spa water.
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Winterizing
The procedure of preparing spas for freezing weather, in cold climates when the spa will not be operated. May include draining and cleaning the shell, and opening connections to release water from plumbing and heaters. Most people continue to heat and operate their spas in winter; for them, winterizing is not necessary if appropriate measures are taken to prevent freeze-up.
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