Table of Contents
Foreword 11
Introduction and History 21
Chapter 1 What Are You Looking For? 27
Health Benefits 31
Patio Design 35
Making the Decision 39
Chapter 2 The Spa and Equipment 43
Soft-Sided Spas 44
Acrylic Spas 45
Cleaning 47
Cabinets 48
Pumps 54
Skimmers 59
Filters 61
Suction Ports or Drains 68
Jets and Special Water Features 68
Covers 71
Ozonators 73
Heaters 76
Permanent Spas 79
Blowers 81
Spa Packs 83
Steps 88
Chapter 3 Spa Plumbing 91
Types of Products Used 98
Chapter 4 Water Chemistry 101
What Water Wants, It Usually Gets 103
Basic Water Analysis 110
Total Alkalinity 114
Hydrogen Power (pH) 115
Repeat 118
Calcium Hardness 118
Temperature 120
Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) 121
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) 121
Recommended Guidelines for Water Quality 124
Problems with Spa Water 125
Chapter 5 Chemicals and Cures 127
Sanitizers 129
Chlorine 132
Cyanurates: Trichlor and Dichlor 133
Dichlor 134
Bromine 135
Potassium Monopersulfate (PM) 139
Biguanicides 140
Additional Chemicals 141
Alternative Treatments 145
Saltwater Spas 148
Chapter 6 Therapy from Your Spa 151
How Water Aids in Repairing Your Body 154
Helping You Sleep 158
Safety and Health Issues 159
The Dangers of Hot Water Treatments 161
Hydrotherapy 163
Reflexology 168
Aromatherapy 170
Watsu 178
Therapy Options Overview 178
Chapter 7 Other Equipment and Controls 181
Air Buttons and Switches 181
Air Controls 183
Control Panels 184
Lights 185
Stereos and Televisions 186
Chapter 8 Cleaning and Maintenance 189
Test Kit 190
Telescoping Pole 191
Leaf Rake 191
Corner Brush 192
Spa Brush 192
Sponge 192
Spa Vacuum 193
Spa Leaf Vacuum 193
Cleaning Products 194
Chapter 9 Purchasing a Used Spa 203
Before You Buy a Used Spa 203
Location: Indoors or Outdoors 207
Getting Your Spa in Working Condition 211
Chapter 10 Chemical Treatment Charts 215
To Raise pH Using Soda Ash 220
Super-Chlorination (Shocking) 221
Algae Removal 223
Chapter 11 Specialty Tubs and Spas 225
Wooden Hot Tubs 229
Interior Whirlpool Tubs 231
Chapter 12 Step-by-Step Maintenance 235
Conclusion 241
Glossary of Terms 243
References: Important Contacts 275
Bibliography 277
Author Biography 283
Index 285