This document discusses different spa sanitation systems. It explains that systems contain sanitizers to kill bacteria and shock to break down contaminants. Common systems include bromine, chlorine, Nature2, and @ease. Bromine works well over a wide pH range and can regenerate with shocking. Chlorine tablets dissolve too fast for spas. Nature2 uses silver ions without high chlorine levels. @ease combines minerals and SmartChlor technology to reduce chlorine usage. The best system depends on a spa's usage frequency; switching systems may require water changes.

1. SC101: SPA SYSTEMS
SMART START Pool School

2. WHAT IS A SYSTEM?
➤ The system approach to spa care ensures that your spa looks
beautiful and is ready to use whenever you are.
➤ Spas have a wide variety of system care options to maintain
them, ranging from traditional systems like chlorine and
bromine to more modern technologies like silver ions and
SmartChlor®.
➤ In order to keep your spa safe for use, be sure that the system
you choose is certified to kill bacteria! The Pool & Spa House
only recommends EPA-certified spa systems—so you know
you’ll be protected if you follow the product instructions.

3. WHAT IS A SYSTEM?
➤ Spa systems contain two major products:
➤ Sanitizer: This is what kills bacteria. When we talk about types
of systems, like chlorine or bromine, we’re usually talking about
the choice of sanitizer. Spas need continuous sanitation to stay
safe.
➤ Shock: This breaks down contaminants, like sweat and dead skin
cells, that are brought in by bathers or by the environment. Spas
need routine oxidation to prevent a buildup of contaminants;
the frequency will depend on which sanitizer you use.
➤ Other products, like balancers, are not considered part of a spa
system, but they are a crucial part of good water care! We’ll cover
balancers and other spa care products in other courses.

4. SYSTEM OPTIONS
➤ These are the available systems to
keep your spa clean:
➤ Bromine
➤ Chlorine
➤ Nature2
➤ @ease®
➤ Soft Soak®
➤ Soft Soak® TRIO™
➤ We’ll cover each system and the
recommended shock for it to help you
decide which system is best for you.
➤ We will cover Soft Soak® and Soft
Soak® TRIO™ in their own
presentations.

5. BROMINE
➤ Bromine is the most popular
sanitizer for spas because it
works over a wide pH range—
ideal for the high pH
environment of a spa—and,
with regular shocking, can
regenerate itself, saving on
chemical usage.
➤ Bromine can be added in either
tablet (SpaGuard® Brominating
Tablets) or granular (SpaGuard®
Brominating Concentrate) form.
➤ Pair with SpaGuard® Spa Shock-
Oxidizer for best results.

6. CHLORINE
➤ Chlorine, while more popular
in pools than in spas, is still a
viable choice to keep a spa
clean.
➤ Chlorine should only be added
in granular (SpaGuard®
Chlorinating Concentrate)
form. Chlorine tablets will
dissolve too quickly, resulting
in way too much chlorine!
➤ Pair with SpaGuard®
Enhanced Shock for best
results.

7. NATURE2
➤ The Zodiac® Nature2 spa stick is a
silver ion sanitizer that kills bacteria
without the need to maintain higher
chlorine levels.
➤ The Nature2 is designed to last four
months in spas under 500gal. A small
amount of chlorine should be added
to “start” the Nature2.
➤ Pair with SpaGuard® Enhanced Shock
for best results; you can also use
SpaGuard® Spa Shock-Oxidizer for a
chlorine-free treatment in low-use
spas, but you will still need to add
chlorine at start-up.
➤ Note that you should shock before
and after use with Nature2 for
optimal results.

8. @EASE
➤ The FROG® @ease® system is a
two-part sanitizer, combining the
benefits of a mineral sanitizer and
the exclusive SmartChlor® chlorine
technology to reduce chlorine usage.
➤ The blue mineral portion of the
@ease® system is designed to last
four months in spas under 600gal;
the silver SmartChlor® cartridges
last 3-4 weeks and should be started
with a small amount of chlorine.
➤ Because you only need to “shock”
the system when you replace one of
the SmartChlor® cartridges, pair
with a FROG® JUMP START®
packet once a month.

9. WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE?
➤ None of these systems is “better” than any other; they all
have their benefits and limitations. Ultimately the best system
for you is the one you like best, the one that fits into your life.
➤ For example, spas used every day would do best on
chlorine, while a spa used less than once a week would do
best on Nature2 or @ease®.
➤ Switching between systems is possible, though it may require
changing out the water entirely to switch systems.
➤ Need help picking a system or have questions on changing
systems? Visit or call your nearest The Pool & Spa House and
we’ll help you pick out the system that’s right for you.

10. CONGRATULATIONS!
You have completed the activity!