Old Tyme Spa & Flame Frequently Asked Questions

I am constantly struggling with the PH in my hot tub. Just when I think I have it right, it crashes! How can I fix this?

My first response to your question would be... How are you testing your water? If you are using the Yellow OTO and Phenol Red drops, then your testing is very inaccurate and you are actually trying to fix the wrong thing! Always remember that your PH rides in an Alkalinity *buffer*, and in order to fix the PH, the Alkalinity must first be corrected. If you find yourself constantly having to add PH Increaser to your spa water, then, chances are that the problem really isn't the PH at all, but rather the Alkalinity. Once the Alkalinity is adjusted properly, the good news is that the PH follows!!!!

Remember to maintain your Alkalinity levels between 125 and 150 ppm. Many "strips" will indicate the proper levels to be much lower (usually 80 - 120). If you follow what the strip indicates, you may still run into troubles. Go a wee bit higher in the Alkalinity levels... I am certain you will be very pleased with the outcome!

Sometimes, I notice that my tub has a really bad chemical smell and when I turn my jets on, I find it very difficult to breathe. My sanitizer levels are bang on! What am I doing wrong and how do I fix this?

You aren't doing anything wrong... you just haven't been informed about "balancing" your tub! When I write about "balancing" I am meaning that the Alkalinity, PH and Calcium levels are in the appropriate ranges.

So firstly, you need to ensure that you are testing your water correctly (with a proper test kit) which is able to give you a reading for both the Alkalinity and the PH.

If the Alkalinity is low (then your PH will be low as well) and this is called acidic water. Let's assume that your spa water is balanced after a fresh fill. That balanced spa water won't last for long! Why? Because WE are acidic. Yes, we are born alkaline and we will go to the grave as acidic as can be. Truly! Our bodies will always lower the Alkalinity and PH in the spa, also there are some products as well which are acid based, and this will also bring the levels down. Here are some signs that the water is acidic:

Water stinks like a locker room (low sanitizer/acid water); Water has a real chemical odor (reg sanitizer/acid water); Bathtub ring where the water line is around the spa; Haziness in the water; Foaming in the water; Jewellery such as finger and toe rings may turn fingers/toes black; Adjusting jets may become difficult and there's more!

Always fix the Alkalinity in the spa, and the PH will automatically rise. Remember that the Alkalinity should be between 125 and 150 ppm. Sometimes, after adjusting the Alkalinity, the PH may be a bit too high. If this is the case, you will need a very small amount of Lo N Slo (PH decreaser). It's really easy actually. Drop into the store or call me if you need more assistance on this!

I am hearing so much about ozone systems for spa water. What will ozone do? Will I still need to use chemicals?

Ozone is an oxidizer and not a sanitizer, but it reduces the work of the sanitizers and lowers the level of sanitizers needed in the spa to keep it clean. The ozone process requires that your hot tub is equipped with a piece of equipment called an “ozonator.” Even if you have an ozonator, you will need to supplement your water with a low level of sanitizer like bromine or chlorine. (Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The idea that a hot tub can be thoroughly sanitized with ozone alone is a myth.) I always tell my customers that Ozone is an "assistant" to your water. It gives your water that extra "kick", but it is never in lieu of regular sanitizers! Ozone is compatible with bromine, chlorine and mineral systems. By the way, Ozone has been around for spas and pools for over 50 years, it is nothing new! There are UV light ozone generators and Corona Discharge ozone generators. With the UV system, a special lamp gives off a specific wavelenth of UV light which converts oxygen molecules into ozone molecules by splitting the oxygen molecules into individual oxygen atoms which then recombine with oxygen molecules to form ozone! This all occurs instantly inside the ozone chamber in the ozone generator. With a UV system, when the spa jets are running, the ozone system ceases to run. A Corona Discharge ozone generator produces ozone by passing air through a high voltage electrical discharge or corona. Corona discharge ozonators typically produce more ozone than UV bulbs and are more efficient than the older style UV ozonators. The Corona Discharge system also runs 24/7 (even when the jet pumps are on). So the quick and dirty on this.... yes, ozone is good, it will assist in the killing of bacteria and yes, you will still need to use chemicals!

I am having a very difficult time with my spa chemicals, so much so, that I am ready to call it quits! I have heard really good things about Old Tyme's chemical line and your service, do you think you can help me?

Sounds like you've been on a "system" that doesn't work too well. Let me guess, Part A, Part B, I, II and III, Wait 6 hours, add 2 cups and 3/4 of a teaspoon and a pinch? Feel like your baking a cake? Not to worry, I assure you. We have a very simple way of sanitizing your water, and it's so easy! Old Tyme is an authorized BioGuard Spa and Pool dealer. We don't have the "calcium fillers" that the other brands have, and our only "filler" in our liquid products is distilled water! Drop by the store anytime, and I will personally give you a free Chemical 101 Lesson :)