This article comes from swimuniversity.com.
Should You Use Enzymes In Your Hot Tub?
If you’re a hot tub owner, chances are you have heard some pool and spa experts talk about enzymes. But should you use enzymes in your hot tub?
To answer that question, first, we must learn exactly what enzymes are and how they affect your hot tub. Once we understand what enzymes are and what they do, we can then make a decision on whether to use them.
What Are Enzymes?
The biggest enemies of hot tub water quality come from straight from our bodies. These contaminants are oils and grease that enter the water when we enjoy a nice soak in the warm water. Over time, or even after a heavy bather load, these oils and greases can accumulate in the filters of our spas and even coat the shell.
Now, in the past, the only way to remove these contaminants was by draining and cleaning the hot tub. After the hot tub is cleaned, you then have to refill it and use a chemical such as chlorine or bromine to properly sanitize the water. All in all, that is a very time-consuming solution. Never mind the elbow grease it takes to get everything clean.
In recent years, there has been a big push away from chemicals as more and more consumers look to reduce their exposure to what many consider to be harsh chemicals. At the same time, hot tub makers were looking for easier and more efficient ways to properly remove grease and oils from hot tubs. Thus, enzymes were born.
Enzymes use natural ingredients that target grease and oil to break them down before they accumulate in your hot tub. In many ways, they act as a natural sanitizer in your hot tub just like chlorine or bromine.
Early Problems with Enzymes
Early versions of spa enzymes weren’t without their problems. Many enzymes needed to be in liquid form in order to be effective, but the shelf life of this liquid was very short. That meant that the enzymes would break down before they were even used. Another big problem was normal sanitizers such as chlorine and bromine would actually break down the enzymes before they even had a chance to do their job.
Modern Enzymes
However, today, things are a bit different. Most modern enzymes have been created to withstand the effects of sanitizers and most even have a pretty decent shelf life. They’re made with natural ingredients that will target grease and oil and break it down in your water before it ever has a chance of reaching your filter.
Are Enzymes Enough?
With the big push to be more natural and rely less on chemicals, many hot tub owners are now considering going natural with their water care. They do this by only using enzymes to clean and sanitize their spas. Unfortunately, while they do a good job on grease and oil, they are not as effective against bacteria and other types of organic contaminants. When all is said and done, you can probably reduce your dependence on chemical sanitizers if you use enzymes, but I would not recommend using them alone.
Remember, you have to consider all the different types of contaminants when you clean your water, and not just one or two specific types of contaminants. That’s why you are probably better off if you use a combination of chlorine or bromine alongside enzyme treatments for your water.
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If you have read this article and determined that adding enzymes to your hot tub is right for you, then be sure to shop our chemicals or contact us today!