Non-Toxic Sanitizing of Your Hot Tub
REAL PEOPLE NOT "BUY IT" BUTTONS
Non-Toxic Sanitizing
With a soaking tub, as in anything, cleanliness is next to Godliness, and how
you choose to deal with sanitization has a far-reaching affect on the overall
satisfaction youll receive from your soaking tub. Using harmful chemicals such
as chlorine or bromine are contrary to the very purpose of a soaking tub,
because they undermine the natural and healthy quality of the experience. At
Island Hot Tub Company, we recommend an easy and effective method of maintaining
pristine water quality without harmful chemicals. This allows you to enjoy the
rejuvenating benefits of your soaking tub with complete confidence.
What is the problem?
Bacteria from human bodies are the primary health concern in any tub. However,
in a freshly-filled tub of water, bacteria are diluted to such a low
concentration, they are not a significant problem. Only when bacteria are
allowed to multiply in warm water, along with organic matter from the skin, do
they pose a health risk. The primary need for sanitizing, therefore, is not
while people are in the tub, but after they get out.
Many Chofu customers avoid water-sanitizing problems altogether by draining
their soaking tub after each use (most practical with low-volume tubs). But for
those who wish to conserve the water for longer periods, its absolutely
necessary (as with any spa or hot tub) to use a sanitizer to eliminate bacteria.
What is the solution?
To maintain the natural integrity of a soaking tub, we recommend using only
sanitizers that kill bacteria without harming people. We've found only one
substance that meets this requirement oxygen, in the form of oxygen ions (O1),
also referred to as unpaired oxygen. This substance is elegantly simple to use
and very effective. An interesting fact: it is several thousand times more
potent than either chlorine or bromine.
Unpaired oxygen is found in both hydrogen peroxide and ozone. Both do an
excellent job of killing bacteria, but most importantly, they leave no harmful
residue. They both kill bacteria by releasing oxygen ions (O1) into the water.
When the reaction is completed, oxygen atoms (O1) have joined together to form
stable oxygen molecules (O2). The process is quick, safe, and sensible.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a truly amazing and wonderful sanitizer. For the
soaking tub, it should be used in a high-strength 27% solution (not the 3%
variety that comes in the brown bottles). When poured into a soaking tub,
hydrogen peroxide immediately disassociates into water (H20) and oxygen ions
(01). These ions are so unstable that they quickly attach to anything within
reach, destroying bacteria on contact. Within several hours the reaction is
completed, leaving stable oxygen (O2) and water (H2O). Beautiful!
How to use it
To sanitize a soaking tub, hydrogen peroxide is thoroughly mixed into the water
at 1/4 to 1/2 cup per 100 gallons. CAUTION: Concentrated hydrogen peroxide is a
powerful oxidizer which can cause skin burns when poured directly from the
bottle. Care must be taken to follow all indicated precautions on the bottle.
Maintenance dose
Hydrogen peroxide is also safe to use while people are in the tub (our white
blood cells secrete it to kill invaders). To control bacteria, pour in 1/8 cup
H2O2 per 100 gallons of water a few minutes before people get in.
Where to get hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is available at most spa stores, under the category of
oxidizers or shock treatments. Since it is sold as a cleaning agent, most spa
stores are unaware of its value as a sanitizer. Several brands dont even
indicate the contents on the bottle. (A Federal MSDS Report can be requested
from any manufacturer for a list of ingredients and potential health hazards.)
These three brands are certified to contain 27% hydrogen peroxide:
1. Clear Comfort Clarifier
2. Soft Swim-C (Soft Swim-B is only 15%)
3. Baqua-Shock
Ozone
Ozone (O3) is stable oxygen (O2) with an added oxygen ion (O1). An electrical
device called an ozone generator, or ozonator, is used to inject microscopic
ozone bubbles into tub water to kill bacteria. Ozone sterilizes water in
essentially the same way as hydrogen peroxide by releasing unpaired oxygen atoms
(O1) into the water. As with hydrogen peroxide, O1 seeks to become stable by
attaching to itself to another molecule. While ozone is effective at killing
bacteria in water, it is not as effective for sterilizing tub walls because
ozone bubbles do not make good contact with surfaces. Therefore, hydrogen
peroxide must also be used to sterilize tub surfaces if water is kept for an
extended period. Many people who rely strictly on ozone for sanitizing will
change their tub water frequently.
The Solar Biz offers an effective ozone generator made by the Clear Water Tech
Co (See Price List).
It plugs into an 110-volt outlet and delivers ozone into the water through a
long plastic tube placed over the side of the tub. It must be used in
conjunction with our self-contained filter pump to assure thorough distribution
of ozone in the water.
Sanitation is easier with demand-heated
soaking tubs
When it comes to keeping water sanitized, demand-heated tubs with Chofu heaters
have a great advantage over spas:
1. Since water volumes are usually lower, it becomes practical to drain the tub
frequently, and sanitation is much easier when water is kept for only shorter
periods of time.
2. Water that is not kept continually warm is much less conducive to bacteria
growth, requiring lower levels of sanitizers.
How to maintain a healthy soaking tub
1. Encourage tub users to shower before entering. This will eliminate most of
the loose organic matter and oils from the skin.
2. Use non-toxic sanitizers: high-strength hydrogen peroxide or ozone.
3. Sterilize the water immediately after the tub is used to kill bacteria before
it can start multiplying.
4. Drain and clean the soaking tub frequently.
5. Apply a weekly maintenance dose of hydrogen peroxide if water is kept in the
tub.