When you go shopping for pool and spa chemicals, you may notice some great similarities. After all, they are made to sanitize and balance your water. But are they actually interchangeable? Can you just substitute your pool chemicals in your spa if you need to? You may think chemicals are the same for pools and hot tubs; unfortunately, you are not going to get the results you need if you place them in the wrong water. It’s not that simple, even if the ingredient lists are strikingly similar. Here’s why.

Concentration

One reason chemicals are not the same for pools and hot tubs has to do with the chemical composition and levels for each type. Companies sell chemicals created for pools with significantly higher concentrations for use in a much higher volume of water. Conversely, hot tub chemicals are specifically formulated for use in the smaller volume of a hot tub. Interchanging the different chemicals would be nearly impossible to calculate accurately because of the differences in chemical concentration. Misuse of the chemicals then results in a drastic fluctuation in the needed amount of chemicals for your pool or spa, Then, rebalancing your chemicals becomes a huge challenge. In short, it’s simply not worth it and has the potential for harmful consequences. 

Damage Potential 

There is potential for damage to your pool and spa equipment if you use the incorrect chemicals. Pumps and filters are made to function at optimal chemical balance. When those balances fluctuate drastically, as they would if you use the wrong type of chemical, that can lead to buildup over time on your pool or spa equipment. This buildup can lead to needing replacement parts. 

In addition, it’s important to think about why we balance the chemicals in pools and hot tubs in the first place. Proper chemical balance ensures that your water is free from harmful bacteria while also being comfortable for human skin and eyes. If you use improper chemicals, you run the risk of bacteria overgrowth or irritated skin and eyes for your soakers. 

Temperature Differences

Another consideration for using proper pool and hot tub chemicals comes in the temperature differences. The average temperature of a hot tub ranges somewhere from 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average temperature of a pool is more like 83 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher temperature of the hot tub allows for a faster chemical reaction than the average pool. The formulation of hot tub chemicals allows for this difference, making it a wise decision to use the appropriate chemicals. 

Circulation

Finally, you should consider the different circulation of pools versus hot tubs. Both pools and hot tubs use jets to circulate chemicals, but the power and number of jets varies greatly. In addition the capacity of pools versus spas is substantial. The chemicals designed for use in hot tubs are formulated for a much smaller volume of water with many, many more powerful jets. Likewise, the chemicals for use in pools operate in much higher concentrations for the much larger volume of most pools and a much slower circulation. For this reason, you should stick to the recommended usage instructions on your chemical packaging. 

While it may seem like a reasonable idea to interchange your pool and hot tub chemicals, it’s just not possible. They are not the same, and the damage that could happen to your treasured investment just isn’t worth it. For all of your pool and hot tub questions, give us a call at A-Quality Pools. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and get you set up with the proper chemicals for your pool or spa!