Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my water?
60 to 90 days is typically recommended by the spa industry. Using the EcoOne system, Spa Monthly should last 30
days. If your spa water is clear and cleans up quickly using the water clarifier or shock, just add a new
bottle of Spa Monthly. 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 - 7.2 to 8.2. This range is a little wider than chlorine spas, because the enzymes work in a wider 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 8.2. Apple vinegar can be used to lower the pH. Store brand pH Up / Down
are fine to use.
What should I use to clean my filter?
The EcoOne Filter Cleanser is specifically designed for filters and remove organic materials and dirt that plug the
pores of the filter.
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.
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 into range 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 7.2 and 7.8.
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.
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 7.2 and 7.8.
How does the EcoOne Pre-filter work and when should I use one?
The EcoOne Hose 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.
Are EcoOne products compatible with …….?
Chlorine and Bromine. Yes. Chlorine (sodium dichlor) shock and Bromine will not harm the enzymes.
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 the EcoOne enzymes
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.
I am a first time user. What should I buy?
Spa Cleanser. If you have not done a thorough cleaning for 9 months or more, I would recommend buying a
cleanser. The Pipe 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.
SPA Monthly. SPA Monthly works constantly for 1 month to clean the water. Purchase the number of bottles that fits
you usage and save money on larger quantities.
Water clarifier. They work 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. ONEshock
is a chlorine shock in convenient easy to use packets. 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.
How often should I change my water?
60 to 90 days is typically recommended by the spa industry. Using the EcoOne system, Spa Monthly should last 30
days. If your spa water is clear and cleans up quickly using the water clarifier or shock, just add a new
bottle of Spa Monthly. 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 - 7.2 to 8.2. This range is a little wider than chlorine spas, because the enzymes work in a wider 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 8.2. Apple vinegar can be used to lower the pH. Store brand pH Up / Down
are fine to use.
What should I use to clean my filter?
The EcoOne Filter Cleanser is specifically designed for filters and remove organic materials and dirt that plug the
pores of the filter.
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.
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 into range 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 7.2 and 7.8.
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.
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 7.2 and 7.8.
How does the EcoOne Pre-filter work and when should I use one?
The EcoOne Hose 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.
Are EcoOne products compatible with …….?
Chlorine and Bromine. Yes. Chlorine (sodium dichlor) shock and Bromine will not harm the enzymes.
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 the EcoOne enzymes
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.
I am a first time user. What should I buy?
Spa Cleanser. If you have not done a thorough cleaning for 9 months or more, I would recommend buying a
cleanser. The Pipe 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.
SPA Monthly. SPA Monthly works constantly for 1 month to clean the water. Purchase the number of bottles that fits
you usage and save money on larger quantities.
Water clarifier. They work 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. ONEshock
is a chlorine shock in convenient easy to use packets. 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.
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