About Sanitation

The Health Department only recognises a few sanitisers as safe for spa water, Chlorine, Bromine & Hydrogen Peroxide. If using chlorine or bromine as the sanitiser, be aware that these products are corrosive and will destroy soft and plastic fittings in the spa voiding warranties on jets, headrests and cover. Chlorine and bromine stink and may bleach clothing that's worn in the spa, plus you'll more than likely need to shower after use.

Bromine: Comes as a large tablet and is used with an adjustable dispensor. You'll need to keep a close eye on the residual amount of bromine in the water and frequent testing is recommended. If the BR level is consistantly high, you will end up destroying jets and other fittings in the spa so you should be testing and balancing the water every couple of days. You'll need to keep a close eye on the pH & Alkalinity levels as they tend to move a lot and the water can take a fizzy appearance. 

Lithium: Is a granulated form of Chlorine used in spas, it has all the same negative attributes as bromine and tends to require more maintenance than bromine does. Direct links have been found to Asthma so it is a good idea to keep the residual low which involves adding a small amount of Lithium every day. 'Nature 2' is an effective way to keep the Lithium low, it reduces the required amount used by approximately 50% (more info below).

Hydrogen Peroxide (Poppits): This registered Australian made sanitiser is endorsed by the Asthma Council of Australia & New Zealand, has no odour, it leaves your skin feeling clean so you don’t need to shower after use. Poppits is a liquid that is added to the spa water once or twice a week and is the safest sanitiser available for spas. Using Poppits as the primary sanitiser ensures easy water maintenance and less water changes, it protects your warranty on jets and other plastic fittings in the spa. The manufacturers of Poppits make an automatic doser which can be plumbed into the spa reducing the hassle of regular testing and the amount of Poppits required.

Nature 2: Is a great alternative to spa water sanitation but needs to be used in conjunction with a recognised sanitiser. It cannot be used with bromine but works very well with lithium or peroxide. This product is an oxidiser (not a sanitiser) and works much the same as ozone does by oxidising organic matter and most forms of bacteria. If using Nature 2 with lithium or peroxide it reduces the amount of sanitiser required by about 50% and reduces the chance of jets etc. being destroyed by over sanitation.

Blue Light: Or Ultraviolet Disinfection is created by passing water through ultraviolet light. This system is not commonly used in spas because it may destroy bacteria but it does not oxidise organic matter such as body oils, sweat, sunscreens, makeup etc (ozone units are cheaper and significantly more effective in destroying bacteria and  oxidising organic matter). Most types of bacteria are susceptible to Ultraviolet Disinfection but only as the water passes through the ultraviolet light chamber. A recognised sanitiser is still required to be present in the water when using this type of disinfectant.

Ozone: Is commonly used in spas and if fitted properly, can be very effective in reducing the amount of sanitiser required in your spa. Ozone is not a sanitiser as many sales staff like to tell you, it is an oxidiser intended to assist the primary sanitiser used in the spa. If not installed properly, ozone will destroy plastic fittings, head rests, spa cover etc. (while doing next to nothing as far as assisting the sanitiser). Click here for more info on ozone.