Hot Tub Maintenance Glossary
Essential terminology for understanding hot tub water care and automatic chlorination.
- Automatic Chlorinator
- A device that automatically dispenses chlorine or other sanitizing chemicals into your hot tub water without manual intervention. Traditional automatic chlorinators release chemicals at a fixed rate, while intelligent systems like the Auto Chlorinator™ adjust dosing based on real-time water conditions.
- Alkalinity
- Total alkalinity measures the water's ability to resist pH changes. Proper alkalinity (80-120 ppm) helps stabilize pH levels and prevents rapid fluctuations that can reduce sanitizer effectiveness and damage equipment. Think of it as a pH buffer.
- Bromine
- An alternative sanitizer to chlorine that remains effective at higher temperatures, making it popular for hot tubs. Bromine has less odor than chlorine and remains active longer in warm water. The Auto Chlorinator™ works with both chlorine and bromine solutions.
- Chlorine Dosing
- The process of adding chlorine to hot tub water in precise amounts to maintain proper sanitizer levels. Over-dosing wastes chemicals and can irritate skin; under-dosing allows bacteria growth. Smart dosing systems calculate the exact amount needed based on current conditions.
- Chloramines
- Combined chlorine compounds formed when chlorine reacts with organic contaminants like sweat, oils, and cosmetics. Chloramines cause the "chlorine smell" and eye irritation. Regular shocking breaks down chloramines and restores free chlorine effectiveness.
- Free Chlorine
- The amount of chlorine available to actively sanitize water by killing bacteria and contaminants. Ideal levels are 1-3 ppm (parts per million) for chlorine, 3-5 ppm for bromine. The Auto Chlorinator™ maintains optimal free chlorine levels automatically.
- Hot Tub Maintenance
- The regular tasks required to keep hot tub water clean, safe, and balanced. Traditional maintenance includes testing water chemistry, adding chemicals, cleaning filters, and shocking. Automatic chlorinators significantly reduce maintenance time by handling sanitizer dosing automatically.
- In-Line Chlorinator
- A type of automatic chlorinator installed directly into the hot tub's plumbing system. Water flows through the device, dissolving chlorine tablets at a fixed rate. Installation requires professional plumbing work, unlike floating chlorinators like the Auto Chlorinator™.
- pH Level
- A measure of water acidity or alkalinity on a scale of 0-14. Ideal hot tub pH is 7.2-7.8 (slightly alkaline). Low pH corrodes equipment and irritates skin; high pH reduces chlorine effectiveness and causes scaling. Test and adjust pH weekly for optimal water balance.
- PPM (Parts Per Million)
- A unit of measurement for chemical concentrations in water. One ppm equals one milligram of a substance per liter of water. Used to measure chlorine levels (1-3 ppm ideal), alkalinity (80-120 ppm), calcium hardness, and other water chemistry parameters.
- Sanitizer
- A chemical that kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in hot tub water. Common sanitizers include chlorine, bromine, and mineral systems. Maintaining proper sanitizer levels is essential for safe, clean water that's pleasant to soak in.
- Shocking
- Adding a large dose of oxidizing chemicals to break down organic contaminants, eliminate chloramines, and restore water clarity. Shock your hot tub after heavy use, weekly for regular maintenance, or when water appears cloudy or smells strongly of chlorine.
- Test Strips
- Paper strips with chemical reagents that change color when dipped in hot tub water, indicating levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and other parameters. Test strips provide quick readings but are less accurate than liquid test kits. Test water at least weekly.
- Water Balance
- The proper relationship between pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and temperature that creates comfortable, equipment-safe water. Balanced water prevents corrosion, scaling, and cloudiness while allowing sanitizers to work effectively. The Auto Chlorinator™ optimizes sanitizer effectiveness by maintaining consistent levels.
- Water Chemistry
- The science of maintaining proper chemical levels in hot tub water. Key parameters include sanitizer levels, pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid (for outdoor tubs). Understanding water chemistry helps you maintain safe, comfortable water with minimal effort.
Simplify Your Hot Tub Maintenance
The Auto Chlorinator™ eliminates the complexity of manual chlorine dosing by automatically testing and treating your water. Spend less time worrying about chemistry and more time enjoying your hot tub.
Learn More About Auto Chlorinator™