Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use chlorine with Nova Spa Water Conditioner?
Nova Spa Water Conditioner inhibits bacterial growth by removing the organic materials that bacteria needs to
grow and multiply. Because Nova Spa Conditioner is not a sanitizer, the EPA recommends using a sanitizing
product in conjunction with our product. Using a shock product once a week works well in most cases. You
can use a chlorine shock, or MPS non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate) if you are sensitive to
chlorine. Depending upon spa usage, Nova Spa Water Conditioner allow you to reduce or eliminate the need for
chlorine.
Nova Spa Water Conditioner inhibits bacterial growth by removing the organic materials that bacteria needs to
grow and multiply. Because Nova Spa Conditioner is not a sanitizer, the EPA recommends using a sanitizing
product in conjunction with our product. Using a shock product once a week works well in most cases. You
can use a chlorine shock, or MPS non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate) if you are sensitive to
chlorine. Depending upon spa usage, Nova Spa Water Conditioner allow you to reduce or eliminate the need for
chlorine.
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How often should I change my water?
60 to 90 days is typically recommended by the spa industry. Using the Nova Spa system, the Conditioner should
last 90 days. If your spa water is clear and cleans up quickly using the water clarifier or shock, just add a new
bottle of Nova Spa Water Conditioner. Depending upon spa usage and water quality preference, some
customers may need to change their water only once a year. Most customers will change their water about
every 6 months.
60 to 90 days is typically recommended by the spa industry. Using the Nova Spa system, the Conditioner should
last 90 days. If your spa water is clear and cleans up quickly using the water clarifier or shock, just add a new
bottle of Nova Spa Water Conditioner. Depending upon spa usage and water quality preference, some
customers may need to change their water only once a year. Most customers will change their water about
every 6 months.
Where should my pH and alkalinity be?
pH - 7.8 to 8.4 where 8.0 is ideal. This range is a little higher than chlorine spas, because the enzymes work best
in this range.
Alkalinity - 80 to 120 ppm. Alkalinity is the waters ability to resist change in pH. pH will change easily below 80
ppm and will be hard to change over 120. High alkalinity can cause water quality issues like cloudy water.
What should I use to adjust my pH and alkalinity?
If your alkalinity is low and your pH is low use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to raise both.
If your alkalinity is high use sodium bisulfate to lower the total alkalinity. Acid Magic is a another alternative. Add
small amounts and adjust over time rather than trying to do it all at once. Adjust pH once alkalinity is in range.
Use sodium carbonate to raise pH without changing the alkalinity. Adjust the water pH a little at a time; checking
as you go until you get the pH between 7.8 and 8.4. (8.0 is optimum). Apple vinegar can be used to lower the pH.
Store brand pH Up / Down are fine to use.
pH - 7.8 to 8.4 where 8.0 is ideal. This range is a little higher than chlorine spas, because the enzymes work best
in this range.
Alkalinity - 80 to 120 ppm. Alkalinity is the waters ability to resist change in pH. pH will change easily below 80
ppm and will be hard to change over 120. High alkalinity can cause water quality issues like cloudy water.
What should I use to adjust my pH and alkalinity?
If your alkalinity is low and your pH is low use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to raise both.
If your alkalinity is high use sodium bisulfate to lower the total alkalinity. Acid Magic is a another alternative. Add
small amounts and adjust over time rather than trying to do it all at once. Adjust pH once alkalinity is in range.
Use sodium carbonate to raise pH without changing the alkalinity. Adjust the water pH a little at a time; checking
as you go until you get the pH between 7.8 and 8.4. (8.0 is optimum). Apple vinegar can be used to lower the pH.
Store brand pH Up / Down are fine to use.
What is calcium hardness and why is this important?
Calcium hardness is the amount of the naturally occurring mineral calcium in your water. I have seen ranges
vary from a low of 80 to a high of 300 ppm. Low calcium hardness will cause the water to be corrosive, and high
levels will cause cloudy water and scale. High pH and high calcium hardness will cause the calcium mineral to
precipitate out of the water. Therefore, I would recommend keeping the calcium hardness between 100 and 200
ppm when using Nova Spa Water Conditioner.
Calcium hardness is the amount of the naturally occurring mineral calcium in your water. I have seen ranges
vary from a low of 80 to a high of 300 ppm. Low calcium hardness will cause the water to be corrosive, and high
levels will cause cloudy water and scale. High pH and high calcium hardness will cause the calcium mineral to
precipitate out of the water. Therefore, I would recommend keeping the calcium hardness between 100 and 200
ppm when using Nova Spa Water Conditioner.
What is scale and how do I remove it?
Scale is caused when calcium levels are too high and the calcium mineral has precipitated out of the water and
attached to the plumbing or shell. It will often appear as white flakes or a sandpaper feel on the walls of the spa.
The solution is to use a scale remover. Lowering the pH during the cleaning process will help to remove the
scale, but remember to raise the pH back to 8.0 before using your spa. If you have high calcium in your source
water, you will want to filter out some of the calcium and / or use a calcium reducing or sequestering agent to
reduce the calcium below 200 ppm. Keep your alkalinity on the low end of the scale and the pH between 7.8 and
8.0.
Scale is caused when calcium levels are too high and the calcium mineral has precipitated out of the water and
attached to the plumbing or shell. It will often appear as white flakes or a sandpaper feel on the walls of the spa.
The solution is to use a scale remover. Lowering the pH during the cleaning process will help to remove the
scale, but remember to raise the pH back to 8.0 before using your spa. If you have high calcium in your source
water, you will want to filter out some of the calcium and / or use a calcium reducing or sequestering agent to
reduce the calcium below 200 ppm. Keep your alkalinity on the low end of the scale and the pH between 7.8 and
8.0.
My spa has a rough gritty feel on the surface of the spa.
I see white flakes in the water and settling to the bottom of my spa.
These are forms of scale caused by high calcium hardness. Please read the calcium hardness and scale
sections for solutions.
I see white flakes in the water and settling to the bottom of my spa.
These are forms of scale caused by high calcium hardness. Please read the calcium hardness and scale
sections for solutions.
My water turned cloudy and what should I use to clean it up?
Cloudy water is generally caused by contaminant or a water unbalance. Contaminants are organic material,
minerals and metals. When water becomes unbalanced, minerals like calcium that are dissolved in the water can
precipitate out and cloud the water.
Green Water
Green water is generally caused by organic materials and is often accompanied by an odor. Use a water clarifier
and / or shock to remove the organics in the water. The other cause, but less common is high copper levels. Use
a metal reducer to solve this condition.
White or Hazy Water
Most likely this is a mineral in the water. Check you calcium hardness, pH and alkalinity. High pH and /or
alkalinity can cause the mineral to cloud the water especially when calcium levels are over 300 ppm. Use a
calcium reducing or sequestering agent to reduce the calcium below 200 ppm. Keep your alkalinity on the low
end of the scale and the pH between 7.8 and 8.0.
Cloudy water is generally caused by contaminant or a water unbalance. Contaminants are organic material,
minerals and metals. When water becomes unbalanced, minerals like calcium that are dissolved in the water can
precipitate out and cloud the water.
Green Water
Green water is generally caused by organic materials and is often accompanied by an odor. Use a water clarifier
and / or shock to remove the organics in the water. The other cause, but less common is high copper levels. Use
a metal reducer to solve this condition.
White or Hazy Water
Most likely this is a mineral in the water. Check you calcium hardness, pH and alkalinity. High pH and /or
alkalinity can cause the mineral to cloud the water especially when calcium levels are over 300 ppm. Use a
calcium reducing or sequestering agent to reduce the calcium below 200 ppm. Keep your alkalinity on the low
end of the scale and the pH between 7.8 and 8.0.
How does the EcoOne Pre-filter work and when should I use one?
The EcoOne Pre-filter removes metals and other contaminants from your source water by filtering the water
through a granular activated carbon (GAC) and a reduction/oxidation media. In the case of calcite, the filter will
change the molecular structure of the mineral so that the mineral stays suspended in the water, instead of
clouding the water.
The Pre-filter was created for people with well water or water systems that contain heavy metals and / or other
contaminants. Using the Pre-filter when filling your spa will reduce the contaminants in the water in your spa and
result in fewer water quality issues. The Pre-filter is most effective at removing contaminants when filling at low
rates of flow (1 or 2 gallons per minute), so it will take some time to fill a large spa.
The EcoOne Pre-filter removes metals and other contaminants from your source water by filtering the water
through a granular activated carbon (GAC) and a reduction/oxidation media. In the case of calcite, the filter will
change the molecular structure of the mineral so that the mineral stays suspended in the water, instead of
clouding the water.
The Pre-filter was created for people with well water or water systems that contain heavy metals and / or other
contaminants. Using the Pre-filter when filling your spa will reduce the contaminants in the water in your spa and
result in fewer water quality issues. The Pre-filter is most effective at removing contaminants when filling at low
rates of flow (1 or 2 gallons per minute), so it will take some time to fill a large spa.
Is Nova Spa Water Conditioner compatible with …….?
Chlorine and Bromine. Yes. Chlorine (sodium dichlor) shock and Bromine will not harm the enzymes in Nova
Spa.
MPS. Yes. Non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate or MPS) is an oxidizer and will help remove organic
materials from the water.
Baquacil (biguanide). No. Baquacil and Softswim are bactericides and will destroy the enzymes in Nova Spa.
Ozone. Yes. Ozonators also remove organic materials through oxidation.
Hydrogen peroxide. Use at your own risk. While hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer, it is also a strong and
dangerous acid at 25% to 35% concentration. Since everyone’s source water is different, we do not know what
kind of chemical reactions might occur when using hydrogen peroxide, therefore we do not recommend using it.
Using hydrogen peroxide regularly would lower the pH and you may end up having to adjust the pH often.
Water Clarifiers. Yes. I have used several different water clarifiers and have had no problems. Enzyme based
water clarifiers seem to work the best because they break down organic materials similarly to Nova Spa Water
Conditioner.
Metal Treatment / Removers. Yes. Nova Spa enzymes are not affected by metals, so if you have a metal problem,
then use a metal treatment to sequester the metals.
Mineral Sanitizers. Yes. Mineral Sanitizers will not harm the enzymes in Nova Spa, but while they have
sanitizing abilities, they still recommend using chlorine or bromine with their products for the oxidation of
organic materials.
Spa fragrance Use at your own risk. Since we do not know what is in them, we do not recommend using
fragrances.
Spa Up / Spa Down (pH up/down) Yes. These products are fine. We offer alternatives to the store brands.
Ionizers Yes. The ionizer electrodes have a small DC voltage applied to them which forces copper, silver, and
zinc ions to pass from one electrode to the other. They still recommend using chlorine or non-chlorine shock
with their products for the oxidation of organic materials.
Defoamers Compatible, but may not solve the problem. Defoamers only change the water surface tension and
hide, rather than correct, the problem. Foam is caused by many sources: soft water, body lotions and suntan
oils, tile cleaners, high Total Dissolved Solids levels, air pollution, body fats secreted by the sweat glands, oils
from the skin, etc. Water should be drained and replaced when total dissolved solids exceed 1,500 ppm. Using a
shock may reduce the organic solids (oils, lotions, etc.) and help reduce the foam, but will have little affect on
inorganic materials like calcium.
Soft Water Yes. Just be sure to check the calcium level. Calcium should be between 100 and 200 ppm.
Chlorine and Bromine. Yes. Chlorine (sodium dichlor) shock and Bromine will not harm the enzymes in Nova
Spa.
MPS. Yes. Non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate or MPS) is an oxidizer and will help remove organic
materials from the water.
Baquacil (biguanide). No. Baquacil and Softswim are bactericides and will destroy the enzymes in Nova Spa.
Ozone. Yes. Ozonators also remove organic materials through oxidation.
Hydrogen peroxide. Use at your own risk. While hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer, it is also a strong and
dangerous acid at 25% to 35% concentration. Since everyone’s source water is different, we do not know what
kind of chemical reactions might occur when using hydrogen peroxide, therefore we do not recommend using it.
Using hydrogen peroxide regularly would lower the pH and you may end up having to adjust the pH often.
Water Clarifiers. Yes. I have used several different water clarifiers and have had no problems. Enzyme based
water clarifiers seem to work the best because they break down organic materials similarly to Nova Spa Water
Conditioner.
Metal Treatment / Removers. Yes. Nova Spa enzymes are not affected by metals, so if you have a metal problem,
then use a metal treatment to sequester the metals.
Mineral Sanitizers. Yes. Mineral Sanitizers will not harm the enzymes in Nova Spa, but while they have
sanitizing abilities, they still recommend using chlorine or bromine with their products for the oxidation of
organic materials.
Spa fragrance Use at your own risk. Since we do not know what is in them, we do not recommend using
fragrances.
Spa Up / Spa Down (pH up/down) Yes. These products are fine. We offer alternatives to the store brands.
Ionizers Yes. The ionizer electrodes have a small DC voltage applied to them which forces copper, silver, and
zinc ions to pass from one electrode to the other. They still recommend using chlorine or non-chlorine shock
with their products for the oxidation of organic materials.
Defoamers Compatible, but may not solve the problem. Defoamers only change the water surface tension and
hide, rather than correct, the problem. Foam is caused by many sources: soft water, body lotions and suntan
oils, tile cleaners, high Total Dissolved Solids levels, air pollution, body fats secreted by the sweat glands, oils
from the skin, etc. Water should be drained and replaced when total dissolved solids exceed 1,500 ppm. Using a
shock may reduce the organic solids (oils, lotions, etc.) and help reduce the foam, but will have little affect on
inorganic materials like calcium.
Soft Water Yes. Just be sure to check the calcium level. Calcium should be between 100 and 200 ppm.
My water turned brown after I used a shock. What is causing this?
High iron in the water when oxidized will turn the water brown similarly to metal rusting. Iron may be stable state
in your water until a shock product is used. Shock is an oxidizer and the oxidation process changes the state of
the iron, which in turn colors the brown. Often a metal remover for spas will solve this issue by stabilizing the
iron. If your iron content is too excessive, you may need to install an iron removal system on your source water.
High iron in the water when oxidized will turn the water brown similarly to metal rusting. Iron may be stable state
in your water until a shock product is used. Shock is an oxidizer and the oxidation process changes the state of
the iron, which in turn colors the brown. Often a metal remover for spas will solve this issue by stabilizing the
iron. If your iron content is too excessive, you may need to install an iron removal system on your source water.
I am a first time user. What should I buy?
Cleanser. If you have not done a thorough cleaning for 9 months or more, I would recommend buying a cleanser.
The cleanser will remove chemical build up from chlorine or bromine products, as well as organic build up in the
plumbing. We recommend using the cleanser at least once a year.
Conditioner. The conditioner works constantly for 3 months to clean the water.
Clarifier. Water clarifier works quickly, but only lasts a few days. A small quantity application once a week will
help remove oils, lotions and other hard to remove organic substances.
Shock. Using a shock once a week will oxidize organics and reduce the potential for high bacteria counts. 10%
of chlorine shock goes toward sanitation, killing bacteria, and the remaining 90% goes toward oxidation of
organic materials. Non-chlorine shock is 100% oxidation and is less irritating. (Available at spa stores or on the
internet. I do not sell due to USPS shipping restrictions.)
Cleanser. If you have not done a thorough cleaning for 9 months or more, I would recommend buying a cleanser.
The cleanser will remove chemical build up from chlorine or bromine products, as well as organic build up in the
plumbing. We recommend using the cleanser at least once a year.
Conditioner. The conditioner works constantly for 3 months to clean the water.
Clarifier. Water clarifier works quickly, but only lasts a few days. A small quantity application once a week will
help remove oils, lotions and other hard to remove organic substances.
Shock. Using a shock once a week will oxidize organics and reduce the potential for high bacteria counts. 10%
of chlorine shock goes toward sanitation, killing bacteria, and the remaining 90% goes toward oxidation of
organic materials. Non-chlorine shock is 100% oxidation and is less irritating. (Available at spa stores or on the
internet. I do not sell due to USPS shipping restrictions.)
What should I use to clean my filter?
The FilterOne Filter Cleaner is specifically designed for filters, but the Penetrating Spa Cleanser can be used for
filter cleaning with cold water as well. For more cleaning tips click here.
The FilterOne Filter Cleaner is specifically designed for filters, but the Penetrating Spa Cleanser can be used for
filter cleaning with cold water as well. For more cleaning tips click here.