Glossary of Hot Tub Terms

Glossary of Hot Tub Terms

A

• Acid A liquid (muriatic acid) or dry granular (sodium bisulfate) substance used to balance water pH levels or to lower total alkalinity levels.
• Acrylic A durable, non-porous synthetic material used to form hot tub shell surfaces.
• Active Oxygen A powerful oxidiser derived from water, created when energy transferred into the water breaks apart water molecules. Active Oxygen completely breaks down waste and contaminants, leaving behind carbon dioxide and water. It does not leave behind chloramines or other byproducts that can cause hot tub water to be irritating to the skin and eyes, or to cause a strong odour.
• Algaecide Any water treatment product designed to kill algae.
• Alkalis/Alkaline/Alkalinity Alkalis are substances with a pH greater than 7 that dissolve in water. They are the opposite of acids. Alkalinity refers to the amount of carbonates and bicarbonates in water, measured in parts per million (ppm). Total alkalinity is one of the components of balanced water.
• Ambient Temperature Temperature of the immediate surrounding area.

 

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• Balanced Filtration In a HotSpring® spa, the effective filtration area of the filters is matched to the gallon-per-minute flow rate of jet pumps to ensure there is enough filtration area to filter all of the spa water, even when the jet pumps are on.
• Balanced Water The desirable level of chemical composition in hot tub water. Key components of water balance are pH level, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and temperature.
• Bartop The acrylic surface around the perimeter of the spa's interior space.
• Base Alkaline chemicals that counteract acid to achieve a neutral pH level of 7.
• Biguanides A non-halogen sanitiser used for spa water.
• Bromine A non-metallic element that is liquid at room temperature and soluble in water. Bromine is a halogen that bonds easily with other elements, has a strong bleaching action and is resistant to hot water with rapid pH fluctuations. Like chlorine, it is often used in spa water maintenance.

 

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• Cabinet The exterior surface of the spa.
• Calcium An alkaline metallic element.
• Calcium Carbonate Also known as scale, a crystalline deposit that can form on spa water surfaces, equipment or pipes if water is not properly balanced.
• Calcium Hardness A measurement of the dissolved calcium content of the spa water. Can be tested using various methods and is reported as PPM of calcium carbonate. Higher levels can lead to scaling or cloudy water problems and may require chemical treatment.
• Cartridge Filter Used to trap debris before it reaches spa water. Filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly.
• Chelating Agent A chemical additive used to bind metals in water, and prevent metal staining and water discolouration.
• Chloramines Foul smelling compounds in spa water formed by the combination of chlorine molecules, nitrogen and ammonia. The water must be shocked in order to eliminate them.
• Chlorine A member of the halogen family of sanitisers, used in spa water maintenance. When added to water, chlorine acts as an oxidiser, sanitiser, disinfectant, and all-around biocidal agent.
• Circuit Breaker A switch that allows you to manually override an electrical circuit. This enhanced safety device automatically breaks the circuit when it detects harmful fluctuations in the electrical current.
• Circulation Pump Separate from the jet pump, this low amp pump pulls water from the spa and pushes it through filters before returning it to the spa.
• Circulation System The plumbing circuit that continuously moves water out of the spa and through pumps and filters before returning it to the spa. Circulation is a critical component in maintaining spa water balance.
• Coagulant A chemical used to bind suspended particles that cloud spa water. Similar to a flocculent.
• Control Panel Accessible from the inside or outside of the spa, the control panel allows you to adjust your spa's settings such as temperature, jets and lighting.
• Control System The technology that determines how your spa operates.
• Copper A metallic element used as an algaecide in spa water treatment products.
• Copper Sulphate Similar to aluminium sulphate, it is used to bind and coagulate particles in spa water.
• Corrosion The effects of an overly acidic water environment where alkalinity is too low. Corrosion can etch, pit or erode surfaces.
• Cover Lifter A cover removal system that eliminates the need to drag off and pull on the spa cover before and after using your spa. It makes entry into your spa simple and helps prevent unnecessary damage to your spa's cover.
• Co-laminated Process in which acrylic sheet is bonded to an impact-resistant ABS backing, ensuring consistent strength throughout the shell.
• Custom Cabinet An exterior spa surface that can be customised with any material to blend with your outdoor environment.
• Cyanuric Acid Also called CYA, this is a stabilising chemical used as a water conditioner to prolong the efficacy of chlorine additives.

 

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• Disinfectant Any chemical or process that helps destroy harmful micro-organisms and other contaminants. Chlorine, bromine and sliver algaecides are examples of disinfectants.
• Diverter Valve A valve that can be adjusted to control the flow of water from the spa jets.

 

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• Effective Filtration Area The total area, usually defined in square footage, of the filter cartridge(s) capable of filtering water.
• Electrolysis A process that separates chemically bonded elements and compounds by running an electric current through them.
• Enzymes Natural compounds used in spa water treatments to break down and digest oily substances that can enter the water, such as sunscreen.
• Ergonomic Scientifically designed for greater user efficiency, comfort and safety.

 

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• Filter A device used to remove solid particles from spa water by pumping it through a porous medium such as polyester fiber.
• Filtration Area (see Effective Filtration Area)
• Filtration Cycle In spas that do not utilise an independent circulation pump to ensure continuous filtration, this is a regularly occurring interval in which the jet pump automatically switches on to circulate the spa water.[KC2]
• Filtration Rate The rate at which spa water is pumped through a filter, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
• Flocculent Chemical such as alum used to combine suspended alkaline material into a heavy gel that sinks to the spa floor where it can be vacuumed. Similar to a coagulant.
• Flow Rate The amount of water that flows past a specific point during a specific period of time, typically measured in gallons per minute (gpm).
• Foaming A term used to describe surface foam on your spa's water. Foaming is caused by high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water combined with soft water and oils. Enzymes are typically used to control foam.
• Foam Insulation See also Polyurethane Foam or Urethane Foam. A polymer-based material that is typically sprayed onto the underside of a spa shell to help retard the loss of heat escaping through the shell.

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• GFCI Grounded Fault Circuit Interrupters are required by the National Electrical Code in home electrical wiring for receptacle outlets installed for use with hot tubs, etc.

 

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• Halogen Any of the four elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine that are often used in spa water care.
• Hard Water Water that is high in dissolved minerals, specifically calcium, magnesium, or other salts that can corrode hot tub components and feel harsh to the skin.
• Heater The opposite of an air conditioner, a heat pump removes heat from the surrounding air via cooling coils, then runs the air through condenser coils and transfers it as heat to the spa water.
• Heater Elements The components inside the heater housing that create and transfer heat to the water.
• Heater Housing Watertight unit that facilitates the movement of water through and by the heater elements.
• HP Short for horsepower, a non-metric measurement unit of power, typically associated with a mechanical device or engine. 1 unit of horsepower is equal to 745.7 watts.
• Horsepower, Continuous Duty The maximum horsepower a motor can produce continuously.
• Horsepower, Breakdown Torque The maximum torque a motor can produce without abruptly losing motor speed.
• Humidity Warm, moist air that can cause mould and mildew to form when present in excess amounts and when combined with a lack of air circulation.
• Hydrogen Peroxide A non-chloride oxidiser and sanitiser used in biguanide systems. Can be used to shock spa water
• Hydromassage Massage using pressurised water.
• Hypochlorite A family of liquid and granular chlorine compounds which release hypochlorous acid, a sanitising agent, when they come into contact with water.

 

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• IS0 9001 A quality management system designed to help organisations ensure they meet the needs of their customers and other stakeholders. It is considered the highest international standard for design and manufacturing excellence.
• Ion An atom or molecule that possesses an electrical charge.
• Ioniser A devise that generates copper, zinc and/or silver ions to kill bacteria and algae.
• Iron A metallic element that can be introduced into spa water through plumbing or well water. It can stain surfaces or turn water a clear green.

 

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• Jet An outlet, such as a nozzle, used for emitting a high velocity stream of water. Jets affect the direction, volume and velocity of water flow.
• Jet Pump Used to provide thrust to spa jets.

 

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• NA

 

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• Laminating A process for layering and bonding different materials together to achieve greater strength, lower heat transfer and better sound absorption.
• Langelier Index A system for determining water balance by assigning values to pH levels, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and water temperature. When all values are balanced, water will not be corrosive or scaling. Also known as the Saturation Index.

 

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• Magnesium A metallic element which can cause spa staining and scaling when present in high non-chelated concentrations.
• Minerals Natural substances such as calcium, copper, silver, iron and aluminium which can cause spa staining and scaling when present in high non-chelated concentrations.
• Micro-organisms Microscopic animal life that can be harmless, beneficial or harmful. Harmful micro-organisms can be removed from spa water by using disinfectants such as chlorine, bromine and silver algaecides.
• Muriatic Acid A diluted, liquid form of hydrochloric acid used to lower pH and alkalinity levels and to remove mineral stains and scale. Extremely caustic and corrosive.

 

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• Nitrogen When combined with chlorine, nitrogen creates undesirable chloramines in spa water, and is often introduced by sunscreen and perspiration.
• No-Bypass Filtration A balanced filtration system that ensures all spa water passes through the filter before it re-enters your spa, even when the jets are on.
• Non-Chlorine Shock A granular form of potassium monopersulphate used to oxidise micro-organisms, chloramines and other contaminants.
• NSF International A leader in public-health safety, this organisation has been helping people Swim Safer™ by responding to the needs of public health inspectors, product manufacturers, aquatic facility managers, facility users, and homeowners through a vast array of testing and certification services.

 

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• Oxidiser A shocking compound that removes or destroys built-up contaminants, chloramines and organic waste in spa water.
• Ozone A colourless gas (O3) soluble in alkalis and cold water. Its strong oxidising capabilities make it a powerful organic oxidiser. It can be produced by UV radiation, corona discharge (an electric discharge caused by the ionisation of water surrounding a conductor, which occurs when the strength of an electrical field exceeds a certain value but is not great enough to cause a complete electrical breakdown), or by a chemical reaction.
• Ozone System A water care system that continuously injects millions of tiny, highly-concentrated ozone bubbles into the water, thereby neutralising contaminants on contact.

 

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• Polymer - A naturally-occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers. The type of polymer plastic material used in HotSpring® Spas Polymer Steps and ABS plastic substructure is durable, "weather-able" and long-lasting.
• pH The relative acidity or alkalinity of water, expressed in a numeric scale ranging from 0-14, with low pH ranging from 0-6 (acidic), high pH ranging from 8-14 (alkaline), and 7 representing a neutral and desirable pH level.
• Polyurethane Foam See also Foam Insulation or Urethane Foam. An insulating plastic material used to reinforce the shell of a spa for added support and to retard heat loss.
• PPM Short for Parts Per Million, this unit of measurement is used to express the concentration of chemicals in water.
• PVC Short for polyvinylchloride, PVC is a plastic used for plumbing pipes.
• Precipitate To cause a solid substance to be separated from a solution via chemical action. Precipitates forced out of water will settle, stain, scale or remain suspended in water.
• Pump Part of the spa's circulation system, a pump is a mechanical device powered by an electric motor, which makes water flow under pressure.
• Pump Shroud Patented by HotSpring®, a pump shroud vents heat from the equipment compartment and transfers it back to the water, thereby decreasing energy consumption. This also creates a cooler working environment for the motors and electronic components, ultimately contributing to a longer life for your HotSpring® Spa.
• Pump Strainer Basket A removal basket on the suction side of a pump used to trap large debris such as leaves and prevent them from restricting water flow to the pump.

 

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• NA

 

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• Reagents Chemical indicators used to test water balance.
• Residuals The free available chlorine level that remains in a spa after initial treatment for contaminants.

 

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• Sanitiser A product used to kill bacteria or other micro-organisms in spa water. EPA-approved sanitisers for spas are chlorine, bromine, and biguanide.
• Scale A hard deposit of calcium carbonate that can attach to spa surfaces and equipment. Scale can damage heater effectiveness. Usually whitish in colour, scale is the result of out-of-balance pH or alkalinity levels.
• Sequestering Agent A chemical that bonds with metals to deter staining or discolouration. Similar to chelators.
• Shell The interior surface of the spa that holds both the water and the bathers.
• Shock - The act of bringing spa sanitiser level up high enough to reach breakpoint chlorination, eliminate chloramines and achieve water purification.
• Silver IonsSilver ion technology can be used to sanitise water, making it possible to use less chlorine. Silver ions disinfect water so that micro-organisms such as bacteria may not cause disease.
• Seating Capacity The total number of designated seats.
• Skimmer Part of the suction side of a spa's circulation system. A surface skimmer can help remove debris from the water's surface.
• Soft Water Water that has a naturally- or chemically-generated low calcium and/or magnesium content. Soft water can leave skin feeling silky.
• Stainless Steel A material that resists staining caused by minerals and is impervious to rust.

 

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• Titanium A strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant metal with a silver colour.
• TDS Short for Total Dissolved Solids, TDS is a unit of measurement for anything that can dissolve in water and be present in a solution. High levels of TDS can over-saturate spa water and cause undesirable reactions, and can ultimately result in the need to drain and refill the hot tub.
• Test Kit A range of products used to periodically test spa water for balance and sanitising levels.
• Test Strips Paper strips used to measure spa water pH and other chemical balances.
• Tetra Borate Compounds Borate can be used in combination with sanitisers (chlorine, bromine and biguanide) to inhibit algae development. The combination of chlorine and borate may reduce chlorine consumption. In addition to suppressing algae growth, borate improves water clarity, reduces eye and skin irritation, and makes the water feel softer.
• Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione A chemical compound used as an industrial disinfectant and bleaching agent, usually sold in tablets or granular form and responsible for the strong chlorine odour often found in spas.

 

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• Urethane Foam See also Polyurethane Foam and Foam Insulation. An insulating plastic material used to reinforce the shell of a spa for added support and to retard heat loss.

 

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• Valves Devices placed on plumbing lines to direct, restrict or obstruct water flow, such as the diverter valves used with spa jets.

 

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• Water Capacity The total number of gallons of water your spa can contain.
• Weir A pivoting flap, door or dam in a skimmer that prevents debris from re-entering spa water while allowing water to recycle through the filtration system.

 

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• NA

 

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• NA