How should I maintain my filter cartridge for best results?
Your filter cartridge is a very important component in your hot tubs operation. It is responsible for filtering particulate and some organic waste from your water. Without effective filtration, maintaining an acceptable level of clarity would not be possible. Proper maintenance of a filter cartridge looks like this:
- Remove and rinse your cartridge(s) once per week to remove large debris. Running under a tap or using the normal stream from a garden hose is the proper way to rinse a cartridge. Never use any form of high pressure like a power washer or garden hose attachment on ‘jet’ stream. This can damage the fabric of your cartridge by blowing it apart.
- Once per month, perform a more thorough cleaning using Dazzle Rapid Action Filter Cleanse, Mineraluxe Filter Revive or Power Blue Cartridge Cleaner. Follow label directions.
- Tip: Consider purchasing a spare cartridge(s) to make maintenance simple and convenient. Simply swap the cartridge and allow yourself ample time to go through the cleaning process.
- Tip: After cleaning, allowing the cartridge to dry thoroughly before re-use. This allows the fibers to tighten and pull together, creating the best filtration profile.
What level should I maintain my sanitizer at?
Whether you use chlorine or bromine to sanitize your hot tub water, the recommended level is 3 – 5 ppm, as measured with a reliable test method. There are many test methods available that make testing easy and accurate including test kits, test strips and more automated methods. Maintaining this level will prevent harmful bacteria and other microorganisms from being able to establish in your tub water, keeping it safe for your family. For best results, this 3 – 5 ppm level should be maintained consistently in the water (all the time). For this reason, a compressed, slow-dissolving form of sanitizer like Dazzle Bromine Tablets, is a popular choice. Dazzle Bromine Tablets, when fed through a flow control device like a floater or built-in device, dissolve very slowly, allowing bromine to be added to your water continuously to maintain the desired 3 – 5 ppm. A little bit of trial and error at the beginning will ultimately give you the number of tablets you need to use weekly to maintain this level consistently. That being said, there may be times when the demand for bromine increases (ie. high bather usage) and the level drops. For this reason, we also recommend the sister product, Dazzle Bromine Granules, be kept on standby should the level ever drop below 3 ppm. Dazzle Bromine Granules dissolve immediately in water, instantly raising the level back up should that be needed. This two-product method helps make the maintenance of a consistent 3 – 5 ppm, a simpler process. This two-step product process is also available in a chlorine form with Dazzle Mini Chlorinating Tablets and Dazzle Chlorinating Granules.
Remember to also test and adjust your pH on a regular basis.
My cover has gotten waterlogged and extremely heavy to lift. Are there things I can do to prevent this and extend the life of my cover?
As you probably already know, purchasing a new cover can be an expensive proposition. Once a cover looses its seal and absorbs moisture, it will need to be replaced. But you can prevent that or delay it with proper care and maintenance. What happens to covers is that mold and mildew grow on the seams, stitching and materials of the cover, eventually compromising them and allowing moisture to penetrate into the foam. You can increase your hot tub cover’s life by simply cleaning it and preserving it on a regular basis. Indoor or covered tubs will require cleaning less often than outdoor tubs. The added benefit is you get a cover that consistently looks brand new. Let’s face it, most of the time you look at your tub, it will have the cover on. A quick periodic cleaning keeps it looking great.
For the underside of the cover, use Dazzle Tub Cleanse. Simply apply with a sponge and remove any dirt, mold, mildew, etc.. Dazzle Tub Cleanse is perfectly compatible with your hot tub water so no need to worry if some drips or washes in. Dazzle Tub Cleanse is formulated with hydrogen peroxide to aid in the removal of mold and mildew and retard future growth. While you’re at it, give the waterline of your tub a quick cleaning as well as any pillows or ornamental fixtures to keep them looking new and free of water marks and unwanted growths.
After cleaning the underside, flip the cover back on and give the topside a cleaning with Dazzle Cover Cleanse & Protect. Again, use a sponge to work this product on the top to remove stubborn debris and tackle mold, mildew and other soils that can prematurely break down a cover. This product also leaves a protective coating on your cover, keeping it looking great and making future stains and growths harder to attach. Use Dazzle Cover Cleanse & Protect whenever needed. You’ll be glad you did.
I find I get foam building up in my water shortly after I drain and refill that stays with me until I drain and start again. Is this normal? What am I doing wrong?
Foaming is a popular issue with hot tub owners but it needn’t be that way. Foam is an indication that something is amiss in your maintenance or routine with your hot tub. A product like Dazzle Defoamer instantly suppresses foam so you are able to live with it, but it doesn’t address the underlying root causes of why it is forming in the 1st place. Let’s look at some of the more common causes of foaming and how to deal with them;
- One of the more common causes of foam is the presence of detergents and foam-based cleaning products in your water. A couple thoughts here; be sure to thoroughly rinse all bathing suits with water after washing to ensure all the detergents have been removed. Even a small amount of laundry detergent will foam up a hot tub. Avoid using any cleaning products around the hot tub that are not designed for hot tub use and compatible with hot tub water. Dazzle Tub Cleanse will not foam should the product enter the water during the cleaning process. The only products in the Dazzle line-up that could foam are Dazzle Drain Prep and Dazzle Rapid Action Filter Cleanse. When using Drain Prep, it is made to foam to aggressively clean the pipes and hard to reach areas of the tub. After draining the tub, rinse a few times to ensure any leftover Drain Prep is removed. With Dazzle Rapid Action Filter Cleanse, simply make sure the cartridge is rinsed well after cleaning. With both of these products, should some make their way back into the hot tub water, the foaming will be short-lived as the products biodegrade readily, especially in the presence of shock treatments and a sanitizer.
- Another common cause of foaming is organic waste buildup. As hot tubs are used, they accumulate bather wastes which are organic in nature. Sweat, the natural oils and greases from the body, personal care products, all accumulate in the water. The primary purpose of shocking hot tub water on a routine basis is to break down and control the accumulation of these wastes. If left unchecked, they will contribute to foam buildup. With Dazzle, we use a two-step approach to keeping organic waste under control. First, we oxidize or shock regularly, at least once a week and immediately after any heavy use with Dazzle Amaze or Amaze Plus. These powerful oxidizers break down organics quickly and effectively. You can re-use the tub in 15 minutes after application. After waiting 15 minutes from the application of the oxidation treatment, we apply Dazzle Botanical Cleanse. This is a powerful, all natural enzyme product that digests what remains of the organic matter, finishing the job. When organics accumulate to a point where they cause foaming, it is because the maintenance system isn’t including these two very important steps.
Alternatively, consider using the Mineraluxe Hot Tub care system. This mineral-based system is amazing at removing organic waste as it enters a tub so it never builds up in the water. Foaming is an extremely rare occurrence with the Mineraluxe system. - A final thought on foaming relates to water balance. pH plays a role in foaming. As pH increases, the ability for foam to form increases. When in combination with organic waste, you basically start to make soap in your water. Organic matter and alkaline salts were the principal ingredients in the making of soap throughout history. Remember to test and adjust pH regularly in your hot tub for best results. Maintain a consistent level of 7.4 – 7.6. Some routine adjustment is always needed in hot tub water as pH does have a tendency to shift. The simple fact of aerating water through the hydrotherapy jets will raise pH.
Your Dazzle Professional can give you more information on foaming and how to prevent it.
I’m going on vacation for two weeks. When we get back and/or before we leave what should we do so that we can use hot tub as soon possible when we get back?
Before you leave, make sure the water is properly balanced (pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness). Take a sample in to your Dazzle Professional and follow their recommendations for balancing. In addition, shock the water with Dazzle Amaze or Amaze Plus and add your maintenance dosage of Dazzle Botanical Cleanse. You’re best to make sure the water is as clean as possible before you go. As an added step, raise your chlorine or bromine level closer to 5 ppm. Don’t be afraid to go slightly over this as it will allow you more protection against your sanitizer running out. Use Dazzle Bromine Granules or Chlorinating Granules for this. One capful of either product will add approx. 3 ppm to your residual in 1,000 litres. This added level of protection will allow you a greater margin for error against your level diminishing over the time you are aware. Remember to refill your floating or built-in dispenser with Dazzle Bromine Tablets or Mini Chlorinating Tablets to ensure there are sufficient tablets for the duration of the vacation.
A quick filter cartridge cleaning with Dazzle Rapid Action Filter Cleanse will make sure the filter plays its part.
Remember to lock down your cover, closing it securely.
Once you return, test the water to determine the pH and bromine or chlorine level and adjust as needed. Once you have the pH at 7.4 – 7.6 and the sanitizer between 3 – 5 ppm, you should be good to go. If the sanitizer level has dropped below 3 ppm, use your Dazzle Bromine Granules or Chlorinating Granules to quickly re-establish this minimum level. Another option would be to perform an oxidation treatment with Dazzle Amaze or Amaze Plus but since there was no use during this time, there shouldn’t be an organic load that requires removal.
Should the bromine or chlorine level still be above 5 ppm, run the pump and hydrotherapy jets with the air on or dilute the water with fresh to help reduce the level to 3 – 5 ppm before use.