Alberta is known for its hard water and less-than-ideal pH levels, which can create challenges when maintaining a hot tub.
Starting off on the right foot with your Eco Spa is essential for ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable hot tub experience.
Balancing your water before the first use is not just a routine step — it is the foundation for maintaining a healthy,
efficient, and low-maintenance spa.
Once balanced, your Eco Spa will require minimal maintenance and fewer chemicals, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious,
eco-friendly soak with ease.
pH Values and Water Hardness in Major Alberta Cities
Understanding the typical pH values and water hardness in your area can help you better prepare your hot tub water for
initial use. Most major cities in Alberta have slightly alkaline water, with pH values typically ranging from 7.2 to 8.2.
Water hardness varies, but many areas have moderately hard to hard water, so proper initial balancing is important to
prevent scale buildup and ensure effective sanitization.
Calgary
- pH Value: Around 7.5 to 8.0
- Water Hardness: 150–200 ppm
Edmonton
- pH Value: Around 7.2 to 8.0
- Water Hardness: 160–180 ppm
Red Deer
- pH Value: Around 7.4 to 8.0
- Water Hardness: 150–180 ppm
Lethbridge
- pH Value: Around 7.6 to 8.2
- Water Hardness: 180–220 ppm
Medicine Hat
- pH Value: Around 7.5 to 8.1
- Water Hardness: 180–220 ppm
Fort McMurray
- pH Value: Around 7.2 to 8.0
- Water Hardness: 160–200 ppm
Grande Prairie
- pH Value: Around 7.4 to 8.0
- Water Hardness: 150–180 ppm
Why Balancing Water Is Crucial
- Protecting the Equipment: Unbalanced water can cause corrosion or scale buildup on your spa components, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
- Ensuring User Comfort: Properly balanced water is gentler on the skin and eyes, improving the overall spa experience.
- Maximizing Chemical Efficiency: Balanced water allows sanitizers and other chemicals to work more effectively, reducing the amount needed and making maintenance easier.
Steps to Balance Your Eco Spa Water
1. Test the Water
It is a good idea to test your water source before filling your tub. This gives you a clear understanding of what
adjustments may be needed to achieve proper water balance. For example, if you have hard water, a quality pre-filter
should be used while filling the tub, not after the water is already in it.
Use a reliable water testing kit to check the pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Record the results,
then fill your spa and test again.
2. Adjust Total Alkalinity (TA)
Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH levels, helping to prevent drastic fluctuations. The ideal range for total
alkalinity is 80–120 ppm. If your TA is too low, add an alkalinity increaser. If it is too high,
use an alkalinity reducer or muriatic acid.
3. Balance pH Levels
The pH level measures how acidic or basic the water is. For hot tubs, the ideal pH range is 7.2–7.8.
Water below 7.2 is too acidic and can corrode your spa components. Water above 7.8 is too basic and can lead to scale
buildup. Use pH increasers or reducers as needed to bring the pH into the ideal range.
4. Adjust Calcium Hardness
Calcium hardness is important for preventing both scale formation and corrosion. The ideal range is
150–250 ppm. If your water is too soft, add a calcium hardness increaser. If it is too hard,
use a premium pre-filter during filling.
5. Sanitize the Water
After balancing alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness, the next step is sanitizing the water. Although Eco Spas require
fewer chemicals, a sanitizer is still necessary to keep the water clean and safe. Common options include chlorine,
bromine, or mineral sanitizers. Follow the startup instructions provided when you purchased your spa.
6. Use a Pre-Filter
Because Alberta often has hard water, using the pre-filter included with your Eco Spa while filling can help remove
minerals and impurities. This makes the balancing process easier and helps improve water quality from the start.
Maintaining Balanced Water
Once your water is balanced, maintaining it is much easier. Here are a few best practices to keep your spa water in
excellent condition:
- Test Regularly: During the first few weeks after setup, test your water weekly to monitor pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Once the chemistry stabilizes, testing can usually be reduced to every two weeks or more.
- Add Chemicals Sparingly: Eco Spas are designed to require fewer chemicals, so only add what is necessary to maintain balance.
- Clean Filters: Clean your spa filters regularly to ensure they work efficiently and support proper water circulation.
- Use Your Eco-Hard Cover: Always keep the hard cover on with the power clamps engaged when the spa is not in use. This helps maintain water temperature, reduces evaporation, and improves sanitizer efficiency.
- Drain and Refill Annually: Even with good maintenance, it is recommended to drain and refill your spa at least once per year to keep the water fresh and free from buildup.
Benefits of a Balanced Eco Spa
- Enhanced Enjoyment: Balanced water feels more comfortable and inviting.
- Cost Savings: Properly balanced water reduces the need for excess chemicals and helps prevent costly repairs.
- Eco-Friendly Maintenance: Using fewer chemicals supports the eco-friendly design of your spa.
- Longer Spa Life: Balanced water and regular maintenance help your Eco Spa perform well for many years.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cloudy Water
Cloudy water may be caused by high pH, high calcium hardness, or poor filtration. Test the water, adjust levels as
needed, and clean your filters.
Foamy Water
Foam often results from oils, lotions, soaps, or other organic contaminants. Use a foam reducer and shock the water
regularly with a non-chlorine shock treatment.
Scale Buildup
Scale buildup is usually caused by high calcium hardness. Use a scale inhibitor and keep your pH within the ideal range
to prevent future buildup.
Skin and Eye Irritation
This can happen when pH levels are too high or too low. Make sure the pH stays within the 7.2–7.8 range and always
check sanitizer levels.
Final Thoughts
Balancing the water in your Eco Spa before first use is an essential step for optimal performance, comfort, and long-term
enjoyment. While Alberta’s hard water and varying pH levels can create some challenges, following these guidelines will
help you achieve properly balanced water from the beginning.
Once balanced, your Eco Spa will need minimal maintenance and fewer chemicals, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious,
eco-friendly hot tub experience with ease. Regular testing and upkeep will keep your water in top condition, extend the
life of your spa, and make every soak more relaxing.