 CHLORINE
Every hot tub sanitizer has two key
functions, to sanitize (kill bacteria and all living
organisms) and also to oxidize (destroy contaminants and
waste).
The traditional hot tub chemical is
chlorine. Chlorine is classified as a
disinfectant, meaning that it is capable of killing
bacteria, algae and other organic material instantly.
All chlorine does the same thing when it
is added to the water, regardless of the type of
chlorine used.
Free Chlorine: When added to
water chlorine forms free, available chlorine. Free
chlorine is the form of chlorine that kills bacteria,
algae and disease-causing organisms. If you use chlorine
as a hot tub sanitizer you must maintain free chlorine
at a sufficient level to disinfect potential
contaminants on contact. The more chlorine in the water,
the more it can sanitize and oxidize the water. However,
if the free chlorine level gets too high, it can make
the water uncomfortable for bathers and the water can
become toxic. The trick is to keep the free chlorine
level in the ideal range of 3 to 5 ppm.
Total Chlorine: Chlorine in spa
water may be present in two forms. It is free chlorine
that does the hard work of killing bacteria and
oxidizing contaminants. However, when the free chlorine
combines with contaminants, such as ammonia, oils, soap
and other nitrogen-containing organic compounds, it
forms combined chlorine, or chloramines. In spa water,
this form of chlorine has very little sanitizing ability
and no oxidizing ability. Chloramines smell foul and can
also irritate the skin and eyes of bathers. Total
chlorine is just the sum of both combined chlorine and
free chlorine.
There is no convenient, direct testing
method that measures combined chlorine, or
chloramines. Instead, we can measure total chlorine and
free chlorine and calculate the combined chlorine as the
difference between the two. If the total chlorine level
is higher than free chlorine, it is obvious that
combined chlorine is present and it is necessary to
shock the spa.
Water Balance: When using
chlorine as a hot tub chemical sanitizer you must
maintain the Total Alkalinity and pH of the water within
the following range since, outside this range the
sanitizing effect of the chlorine is greatly reduced
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Required Range |
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Total Alkalinity |
125 - 150 ppm (mg/litre) |
|
pH |
7.2 - 7.6 |
|
Free Chlorine |
3 - 5 ppm |
You should test your Total Alkalinity
and pH daily and adjust as necessary, since the levels
can change rapidly as the chlorine is used to sanitize
the water.
Even if your tub is not in use, you
should test the chlorine level at least twice a week to
prevent any build-up of bacteria or algae.
Problems with Chlorine: Here are some reasons why you
might want to consider reducing your use of chlorine:
The bi-products of chlorine use, Chloramines are smelly
and sting your eyes
chlorine only kills bacteria when the pH of the
spa water is correctly adjusted and the pH of the water
can change rapidly as the chlorine is used up.
chlorine is a potent bleach and is highly carcinogenic.
According to the U.S. Council Of Environmental Quality:
“Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is
93% higher than among those whose water does not contain
chlorine.
To
minimise your use of Chlorine, maintain a level of only 1 ppm
in conjunction with the all natural
Eco One Monthly spa treatment.
Eco One will reduce your exposure to the unpleasant effects of
chemicals and stabilise the pH in your tub so that frequent
water balancing is not required.
CHLORINE SAFETY
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
Highly corrosive. Causes irreversible
eye damage. Causes burns to skin, irritating to nose and
throat. May be fatal if swallowed. Will burn with the
evolution of chlorine and equally toxic gases. Do not
get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Wear goggles or
face shield and rubber gloves when handling. Avoid
breathing dust or fumes. Wash thoroughly with soap and
water after handling. Remove and wash contaminated
clothing before reuse.
FIRST AID:
IF SWALLOWED: Promptly drink one or two large
glasses of water or milk. DO NOT induce vomiting. Get
medical attention. Avoid alcohol. IF ON SKIN:
Immediately brush off excess chemical and flush with
plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing. Wash
clothing before reuse. If irritation persists, call a
physician. IF IN EYES: Flush with plenty of water. Get
medical attention. IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh
air. Call a physician. Probable mucosal damage may
contraindicate the use of gastric lavage.
PHYSICAL OR
CHEMICAL HAZARD: Strong oxidizing agent. Will
burn with the evolution of chlorine and equally toxic
gases. Contact with water slowly liberates irritating
and hazardous chlorine-containing gases. Mix only with
water. Use clean dry utensils. Do not add this product
to any dispensing device containing remains of any other
product. Such use may cause a violent reaction leading
to fire or explosion. Contamination with moisture,
organic matter or other chemicals may start a reaction
with generation of heat, liberation of hazardous gases
and possible generation of fire and explosion. In case
of fire, if possible isolate container in open air or
well ventilated area, flood with large volume of water.
In case of contamination or decomposition, do not reseal
container.
ENVIRONMENTAL
HAZARDS: This product is toxic to fish and
aquatic organisms. Highly hazardous to humans and
domestic animals.
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