Hot Tub Cleaning and Servicing page 4

Tile soap is sold in standard preparation at the supply house, but I recommend mixing it into another container with 1 part muriatic acid for every 5 parts soap. This will help cut the stubborn stains and oils, but it will also eat into the plastic on the tile brush pads and the plastic of the barbecue brush handle, so keep rinsing them in hot tub water after each application and scrubbing. Don't use other types of soap in place of tile formulations, since they may foam and suds up when they enter the circulation system (especially in hot tubs).

Test Kit

Our advice to you is to buy the best test kit you can afford and keep it in good working order. Your chemical testing is by far the most important aspect of maintaining the hot tub. Since test kits and methods were discussed previously, I will not repeat the information here.

Pumice Stones for Hot Tubs

The soft pumice stone, made from volcanic ash, is abrasive enough to remove scale from tiles and other deposits or stains from plaster surfaces without scratching them excessively. Pumice stones are sold as blocks, about the size of a brick, and as small "bladed" stones which attach to your telepole for reaching tight hot tubces and underwater depths. Since pumice stones disintegrate easily, it is wise to use them before you vacuum a hot tub. Alternately, you can brush the residue to the main drain where it will be carried to the filter.