Spa Definitions
Definitions of some of the verbiage used when discussing your hot tub, or spa :)
Algae
Microscopic plants capable that grow in or around water.
Algicides
Products that prevent or control algae growth.
Bacteria
Microscopic organisms, some of which are harmful to bathers.
Balanced Water
The proper ratio of mineral content and pH that prevents hot tub water from being corrosive or scale-forming.
Bromine
A halogen element alternatively used as a sanitizer for hot tubs.
Calcium Hardness (CH)
The amount of dissolved calcium in water. Ideal range 175 - 275ppm depending on surface type.
Chlorine
A halogen element, compounds of which are widely used in hot tub water sanitation.
Chloramines
Irritating compounds formed by the combination of nitrogenous compounds and free chlorine. Nitrogenous compounds are introduced into the water by urine, perspiration, cosmetics, suntan oils, etc.
Chlorine Demand
The amount of chlorine addition required before a free chlorine residual can be maintained.
Chlorine Residual
The amount of chlorine left to kill new bacteria entering the hot tub. Also, the amount of chlorine left after chlorine demand has been satisfied.
Combined Chlorine (Chloramine)
Chlorine-ammonia compounds that can cause chlorine odor and eye irritation. This compound is a poor sanitizer for hot tub water applications.
Cyanuric Acid (CYA)
A compound added to pools that prevents the dissipation of chlorine residuals by sunlight.
Free (Available) Chlorine
Chlorine in a form capable of bacteria and algae destruction. Preferred range: 1.0 to 3.0 ppm.
Hot Tub
A hot tub is a large tub or small pool full of heated water and used for soaking, relaxation, hydrotherapy, reading, or meditation. In most cases, these units have jets for massage purposes. Hot tubs are frequently located outdoors, although they may be sheltered against sun, rain, wind, or snow.
Jacuzzi
The Jacuzzi name is commonly used to refer to any bath with water jets, and therefore can be considered a genericized trademark. People will refer to a hot tub and/or spa as a Jacuzzi, not knowing that Jacuzzi refers to a company and brand name, not the product itself. Jacuzzi is a company producing whirlpool bathtubs and spas.
Oxidize
(see Shock Treatment)
pH
A way to measure the acidity or basicity of water. Ideal range 7.4 - 7.6.
ppm
Parts Per Million, a measurement for chemical concentration.
Reagent
Tablets, powder or liquid material for use in water testing.
Scale
Coarse calcium deposits on hot tub wall, floors and circulation plumbing.
Saturation Index
A value based on water temperature, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and pH. The value predicts the tendency of hot tub water to be corrosive, neutral or scale-forming.
Shock Treatment
Adding an oxidizing compound to the hot tub water to chemically break up (oxidize) contaminants such as suntan oils, cosmetics, perspiration and chloramines.
Spa
The term spa is traditionally used to mean a place where water is believed to have special health-giving properties. This is usually a mineral or hot spring, and can include cold water treatments. The term is derived from the Belgian town of Spa. The term 'sanus per aquam' (spa) is latin for 'health or healing through water'.
Superchlorination
Adding enough chlorine to reach 10ppm free chlorine residual.
Total Alkalinity (TA)
The amount of the alkaline components in water. TA acts as a buffer against rapid pH fluctuation. Ideal range 125-150ppm.
Undesirable Compounds
Substances introduced in the water by people or the environment that interfere with ideal hot tub conditions.
For more definitions go to wikipedia.org
