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Has the interior of your spa developed a "sandpaper" feel? You are not alone. This is one of the most common problems associated with spas. Scale can sometimes form on the spa surface, causing a gritty, sandpaper-like feel to the seats and walls.
What is causing the problem? Several factors contribute to scale build up on the walls of a hot tub:
- pH - Check the pH of your spa. High pH combined with the warmer water temperature cause calcium to fall out of solution and attach to the surfaces of the spa. Water pH should be kept between 7.4 - 7.6.
- Total Alkalinity - The total alkalinity of your water is a combination of buffers in the water that control the pH. If the total alkalinity is high the pH will also be normally high and the water will become scale forming. Total alkalinity should be kept between 125-150 ppm (parts per million). Most test strip will test the total alkalinity. We can also test this for you for FREE in our Dodge City and Garden City stores.
- High Calcium Hardness - Hard water also contributes to scale forming on the spa surfaces. Of course we don't have that problem around here, right? Ha!
What can be done to solve the problem and prevent it from happening again?
- Scrub the spa surfaces to remove the calcium build up. If the scale is pretty "new" it can sometimes be brushed loose with a rag. Take a clean rag and wipe the sides. You can do this with the water still in the spa. If the scale is more stubborn, it is best to drain the spa and use a surface cleaner to remove the scale. We have 3 great products for doing this. Spa Guard makes a Surface Cleaner and also new Spa Cleaning Mitts. The Mitts have surface cleaner built into them. A package comes with 5 disposable Mitts. All you have to do is scrub and throw them away. Another really good cleaner is BioGuard's Off The Wall. It is tough on calcium (and also great for cleaning the bathroom!) Whatever you use, make sure that it is designed to be used in a hot tub. Normal household cleaners are not a good choice. They leave a residue that can affect the spa water chemistry. Also be sure to rinse the spa very well after cleaning. Small amounts of anything can cause a spa to foam.
- Adjust the pH. Lower the pH to the lower side of normal. Then check often and adjust when needed.
- Adjust the Total Alkilinity. This is a harder thing to do. Here in SW Kansas, the water comes out of the tap with high total alkalinity. This must be brought down over days. To bring it down you will need to use pH decreaser over several days. If possible, bring in a water sample for FREE testing and our computer will print out instructions that will tell you exactly how much pH decreaser to use and for how many days to use it.
- For our hard water use Spa Guard's Stain & Scale. Add only 1-2 oz. of Stain & Scale each week. This will help prevent scale from forming and also remove metals from the water.
Please bring in a sample for FREE water testing or call us with your questions (1-800-477-9916) - it is a pleasure to help you!
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