In order to relax and fully enjoy your spa, proper maintenance and care is essential. Fortunately, the necessary steps only take a few minutes a day. Offering everything from primary cleaners to fragrances, HTH^® Spa Care from Ace offers a simple way to get the most enjoyment from your spa. Below are the chemicals we carry and how they will help you care for your spa, hot tub or pool.

How to Clean Your Spa

The proper cleaning of a hot tub begins with proper chemical treatment. Follow the manufacturers instructions, or see your helpful Ace Hardware & Hearth associate for advice on treating your hot tubs with the appropriate chemicals. Remember to clean your filter on a regular basis. For example, clean the filter when you are cleaning your hot tub. Manufacturers would recommend filter cleaning more frequently, however it maybe more realistic to do so when cleaning your tub. To properly clean your hot tub, drain it completely so you can use a soft cloth or sponge to thoroughly clean the inside of the hot tub.

Use a manufacturer recommended product or mild detergent. Because most tubs are acrylic, do not use anything abrasive. Rinse your tub before refilling to prevent soap suds when turning on your tub. The frequency of cleaning depends on the frequency of use, a general rule of thumb is once every three months.

Body oils can be bothersome in hot tubs. This is lessened by regular cleaning of the tub. You can buy a specialty product called a Zorbie which can be placed directly into your hot tub, it floats and it absorbs body oils keeping your tub that much cleaner.

Cleaning Products

HTH^® Spa Brominating Capsule

The HTH^® Spa Brominating Capsule contains both bromine and chlorine. It floats in your spa continually cleaning the water for your comfort and protection.

Directions

Settings to adjust bromine output into spa go from 0 to 5
To adjust bromine levels, adjust setting per directions on floater
Maintain a level of bromine at 2 to 4 ppm.
Shock-treat with HTH^® Spa Shock weekly

Product Details

Treats up to 350 gallons
Bromochloro Dimethyl Hydantoin (BCDMH)
Carefully read and follow all directions when adding spa chlorinators and shocks.
These products can be used in the same spa water but should not be mixed together in any floater feeder or skimmer.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any other HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder floater or skimmer containing other bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

HTH^® Spa Brominating Tablets
For use with a Spa floater with adjustable setting.

Directions

Prior to use, increase sodium bromide level.
Add 1/2 ounce per 100 gallons.
Use a Spa floater with Adjustable setting.
Fill floater and adjust setting per directions on floater.
Maintain a level of bromine at 2 to 4 ppm.
Shock-treat with HTH^® Spa Shock weekly.

Product Details

Contains both bromine and chlorine
3.53 lb. and 1.65 lb. sizes
Bromochloro Dimethyl Hydantoin (BCDMH)
Note: Be sure to read and follow all product label directions and warnings carefully
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any other HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder floater or skimmer containing other bromine or chlorine compounds a reaction could occur.

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HTH^® Spa Chlorinating Granules
Fast-dissolving granules kill bacteria, destroy organic contaminants and control algae. Also contains cyanuric acid to stabilize chlorine level. These fast-dissolving granules kill bacteria, destroy organic contaminants and control algae; HTH^® Spa Chlorinating Granules also contain cyanuric acid, which stabilizes your chlorine level. Treat daily or as needed to maintain a chlorine level of 4-5 ppm.

Directions

For start up: Add 5 teaspoons of Spa Chlorinating Granules per 500 gallons directly to spa water.

For daily treatment: Add 2½ teaspoons per 500 gallons of spa water.

To shock spa: Add 1 oz. of Spa Shock for each 500 gallons of water directly to spa water.

Product Details

2 lb. bottle
Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazine Trione Dihydrate (dichlor) 99%
Available chlorine 55%
Note: Be sure to read and follow all product label directions and warnings carefully.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any other HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder, floater or skimmer containing other bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

HTH^® Spa Brom-Start
Powerful Disinfectant. For use with HTH^® Brominating Tablets. Recommended for use with HTH^® Brominating Tablets, HTH^® Brom Start uses sodium bromide to establish a bromide reserve in spa and hot tub water. This is necessary to disinfect the water.

Directions

Before using Brominating Tablets for the first time, and whenever the spa or hot tub is drained and refilled, add one-half ounce of Sodium Bromide per 100 gallons of spa water to establish a 30 ppm bromide reserve.
When used with Brominating Tablets, Sodium Bromide will ensure that the disinfection of spa or hot tub water is completely bromine-based and will eliminate chlorine odors.

Product Details

2 ounce pouches
Note: Be sure to read and follow all product label directions and warnings carefully.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any other HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder, floater or skimmer containing any other bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

HTH^® Spa Shock
Destroys organic contaminants and restores water clarity. For clean spa water without chlorine odors. HTH^® Spa Shock destroys organic contaminants, eliminates chlorine odor and restores water clarity.

Directions

To shock:

Add 1 oz. of this product for each 500 gallons of water.
Thoroughly clean spa, vacuum and cycle through filter.
Resume normal treatment program when chlorine residual reads 2 to 3 ppm.

Treat weekly or as needed.

Product Details

1 lb. bottle
Approximately 1/2 of product by weight is cyanuric acid
Sodium Dichloro-s-Triazine Trione Dihydrate 99%
Available chlorine 55%
Note: Be sure to read and follow all product label directions and warnings carefully
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any other HTH® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder, floater or skimmer containing any other bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

HTH^®Spa pH Increaser
Raises pH and total alkalinity of spa water.

Directions

pH and total alkalinity should be tested and compared together.
When the pH value of the water drops below 7.2, turn on the air blower or filter system.
Add 1 oz. pH Increaser per 200 gal. of spa water.
Wait 60 minutes and retest.
Repeat this procedure until pH is in the proper range of 7.2 to 7.8 and total alkalinity is in the range of 80 ppm to 120 ppm.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any HTH® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder, floater or skimmer containing bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

Product Details

Potassium Carbonate
Liquid Form
Safe and effective
1 pint bottle

Be sure to read and follow all product label directions and warnings carefully

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HTH^® Spa pH Decreaser
Easy to use liquid lowers pH and total alkalinity, balances water.

Directions

When the pH value of the water is above 7.8 as determined by your test kit, turn on the air blower or filter system and add 1 oz. of HTH^® Spa pH Decreaser per 200 gallons of spa water.
Wait 60 minutes and retest.
Repeat this procedure until pH is in the proper range of 7.2 to 7.8 and total alkalinity is in the range of 80 ppm to 120 ppm.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder, floater or skimmer containing bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

Product Details

Sodium Bisulfate
Liquid Form
Lower pH and total alkalinity
1 pint bottle

Be sure to read and follow all product label directions and warnings carefully.

HTH^® Spa Algaecide
Keeps algae out of your spa or hot tub. Our highly effective algaecide for spas and hot tubs. HTH^® Spa Algaecide is a non-foaming formula.

Directions

Initial Treatment

For visible algae growth or slimy interior surface, add 6 to 8 fl. oz. of algaecide per 500 gallons of water.
For maximum effectiveness, spas containing heavy growth of algae should be drained and cleaned prior to treatment.

Maintenance

After initial treatment, to keep your spa free of algae growth, add 1 to 2 fl. oz. per 500 gallons of capacity every 5 to 7 days.
This algaecide can be used in conjunction with chlorine or bromine chemicals and may reduce the amount of those chemicals required.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any HTH® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder, floater or skimmer containing bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

Product Details

1 Quart bottle
Non-foaming
Kills and prevents algae

HTH^® Spa Clarifier
HTH^® Spa Clarifier clears cloudy water and should increase filter performance – all without affecting chemical balance. Spa Clarifier represents the latest generation in water clarification. Spa owners will find filters last longer and operate better. Spa Clarifier is a cationic polymeric flocculant that will coagulate and floc suspended particles from spa water, while adding no solid residues of its own. The floc that is formed may readily be filtered from the water by conventional filtering systems.

Directions

It is not necessary to adjust pH of the spa water before or after using this product.
The performance of Clarifier is not affected by chlorine.
Shake bottle before using.
Add 4 ounces of this product per 500 gallons of water for initial treatment.
For weekly maintenance add 2 ounces per 500 gallons of water.
For either treatment, sprinkle dosage evenly over entire water surface while water is circulating.
Continue to circulate for 45 minutes.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder, floater or skimmer containing bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

Product Details

Cationic Polymeric Flocculant
Thick blue liquid
1 Quart container

HTH^® Spa Calcium & Scale
HTH^® Spa Calcium and Scale inhibits scale and staining in spas or hot tubs. It also prevents calcium build-up on spa surfaces. Regular application of this product as part of the total spa maintenance program will keep spa surfaces and plumbing in excellent condition.

Directions

Doses should be added once a week.
Add 2 ounces of this product per 500 gallons of water.
Add directly to the spa water while pump is circulating.
No waiting is required. You may enjoy your spa while this product is working.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder floater or skimmer containing bromine or chlorine compounds a reaction could occur.

Product Details

1-Hydroxyethane
1,1-Diphosphonic Acid
1 Quart bottle

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HTH^® Spa Clear It
HTH^® Spa Clear it destroys contaminants that cause unpleasant odors and restores fresh, clear water. Contains: Potassium Peroxy-Monosulfate 32%. This product will reduce odor-causing contaminants resulting in fresh, odor free, clear water.

Directions for Use

For best results use once a week. Add to your spa or hot tub with the re-circulation and filtration system on. Use 2 oz. for every 250 gallons. Run system for one hour. This product is not a disinfectant. chlorine, bromine or other chlorinators are still necessary to properly disinfect the water.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder floater or skimmer containing bromine or chlorine compounds a reaction could occur.

Product Details

2.5 lb. container

HTH^® Spa Metal Control
HTH^® Spa Metal Control eliminates and prevents metal stains in spas. It also helps to disperse precipitated iron and other staining agents in spa water. Apply it to spa water whenever the spa is refilled.

Directions

To prevent stains:

Add 16 ounces of this product per 500 gallons of water directly to the spa as it is filled.
Operate the filter for at least an hour after this product is added.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Shock product. Add only to water, never to any feeder, floater or skimmer containing bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

For gradual removal of an existing stain:

Double the above dose and operate the filter for at least an hour.

Product Details

1 Pint bottle

HTH^® Spa Fragrances
HTH^® presents a soothing blend of exotic scents and moisturizers to enhance your spa experience. HTH^® are oil-free and totally water-soluble so you won't have to deal with any residue. Just apply to your spa water, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy these beautiful scents.

Available in Honeysuckle, Tropic Breeze, Jasmine, and Citrus.

Directions

With spa system on, add approximately 1 ounce for every 250 gallons of water.
For maximum enjoyment, add product each time you use the spa.

Product Details

Non-Foaming
Water soluble
Masks Chemical Odors
Will not affect pH
1 pint bottles

HTH^® Spa Cartridge Cleaner
HTH^® Spa Cartridge Cleaner provides deep cleaning for cartridge filters. It removes oil, grease, dirt and soap from all makes of cartridge filters.

Directions

Remove cartridge from filter.
Empty contents of the bottle into 4 gallons of water in a PLASTIC bucket, pail or trash can. (This is enough solution to clean up to 55 square feet of cartridge area.)
Place cartridges upright in solution.
Soak cartridges for 3 to 6 hours or overnight.
Remove cartridges from solution, hose off with high-pressure nozzle and replace cartridges in filter.
CAUTION: This product should not be mixed directly with any HTH^® Spa Chlorinator or Spa Shock. Add only to water, never to any feeder, floater or skimmer containing bromine or chlorine compounds (a reaction could occur).

Product Details

1 Pint bottle

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HTH^® Spa Water Moisturizer
HTH^® Spa Water Moisturizer contains a unique blend of moisturizers, employing, among other elements, the soothing, healing qualities of aloe. Add it to your spa, hot tub or bath water for soft, smooth skin.

This unprecedented spa formula has the following features:

Prevents dryness caused by spa use
No oils or residue
pH balanced
Skin-softening conditioners

Directions

With the spa system running, pull up the cap and gently squeeze the bottle twice (adds approximately 1 ounce).
For best results, add 1 ounce of this product each time you use the spa.

Product Details

1 Pint bottle

HTH^® Spa Tab Dispenser
A convenient, low-maintenance, refillable floater for automatic spa chlorination.

HTH^® Spa & Kiddie Pool Vac
For fast, efficient clean-up of splasher pools, spas, fountains, and decorative ponds.

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Spa & Hot Tub Information