Frequenty Asked Questions

General Questions

What is in the Clear Choice Spa Drops, Swim Spa and Pool Treatment?

The ingredients in our products are a blend of several types or classes of natural enzymes and co-enzymes that rapidly start the natural oxidation process and the self-purification of your spa, swim spa and pool.
It contains a non-toxic surfactant (soap) that breaks down organic waste to a smaller size. The smaller waste particles allow for a rapid, natural oxidation process to occur.
Our treatment also contains a special nutrient (food source) that sustains the healthy bacteria but will not feed any type of infectious bacteria we do not want. This ensures that the enzyme system stays alive and healthy between soaking and swimming.

How was it discovered?

This natural spa water system was invented by a leader in the natural bioremediation field, John Warberg. He has replaced traditional toxic chemicals with enzyme formulas in a multitude of industries including medical and dental, food processing, agriculture, wastewater, recreational waters, meatpacking and aquaculture

How long has Clear Choice been proven to work?

This natural system has been on the market since 1996 with great results with hundreds of thousands of happy hot tub owners worldwide.

How much does it cost per month or year to use your hot tub products?

On average the “Start up Kit with Micron Sleeve” ($144.95) lasts at least a year. The bottle of Spa Drops can last up to 18 to 24 months. We figure the average cost of using our products is less than $10 per month.

How much does it cost compared to traditional spa maintenance?
You will spend less time and money maintaining your hot tub with Clear Choice than with any other purification system on the market, much less.
Will your Clear Choice products work with all types of water conditions?
Clear Choice works very well with most water. Those with very hard or very soft water will need to be more patient as the water goes through changes to find it’s balance.
In most cases, people that have these types of water will struggle with just about any system, but Clear Choice will still be a natural chemical free experience for you and your family.
Can I use the Clear Choice Water System in Soft tubs & inflateable ones?
Yes, but you will want to cut the initial and weekly dosage in half.
Chlorine and Bromine makes my skin break out in a rash. Will your products help with this?
Absolutely! Many of our customers come to us for this reason alone and find great relief that they can now use their hot tub again without the side effects that chemicals cause. Our enzymes are very gentle on your skin, hair and clothing, and even soften your skin.
How will Clear Choice affect my hot tub plumbing and mechanical parts, etc.?
The enzyme products are non-corrosive so your hot tub and parts will have much less wear and tear than using normal chemical additives.
How do I know your products are working and my hot tub is safe?
You can order bacteria test strips online to test your water. Most customers can tell by the quality of the water when they lift the lid. If it doesn’t look or smell inviting don’t get in. 
Clear Choice has been selling their products around the world since 1996 and has never had an incident where someone was harmed or became sick from using our products.
If you have any questions about your water condition, give us a call on our toll free number 1-800-730-8582
What is in the Clear Choice Spa Drops, Swim Spa and Pool Treatment?

The ingredients in our products are a blend of several types or classes of natural enzymes and co-enzymes that rapidly start the natural oxidation process and the self-purification of your spa, swim spa and pool.
It contains a non-toxic surfactant (soap) that breaks down organic waste to a smaller size. The smaller waste particles allow for a rapid, natural oxidation process to occur.
Our treatment also contains a special nutrient (food source) that sustains the healthy bacteria but will not feed any type of infectious bacteria we do not want. This ensures that the enzyme system stays alive and healthy between soaking and swimming.

I am chemically sensitive, will your products work for me?
Yes, many of our customers have bad reactions to chemicals and have found us as an alternative. Even our customers with extreme immune deficiency use and love our products.
Are your products safe for my kids?
Yes, our products are safe for every age person.
Do I ever need to shock my hot tub and if so, what should I use?
In most cases you would never need to shock the hot tub with chemicals but if you have a heavy load use and need to bring the water back to balance again quickly, we recommend a non-chlorine product called MPS (MonoPeroxySulfate) which will quickly do the job of oxidizing your water. This will clear the water again and is compatible with our products. You can also use Hydrogen Peroxide.
Do I need to buy anything else besides your Start up Kit for my Hot Tub?
You will need something like a 5 gallon bucket to soak your filters in once a month, some pH test strips and possibly some pH up and down, white distilled vinegar and baking soda are good choices.
What will my local hot tub store or dealer tell me about Clear Choice?
Many retail spa dealers around the world carry the Clear Choice system. Yet some retail spa dealers are unconvinced. The typical spa store applies a 100% mark up on spa chemicals and the majority of store profits come from chemical sales. This limits profits because the Clear Choice system replaces several products that are needed when using chemicals. We have the most cost-effective and completely natural, total spa system on the market today. We also have doctors, clinics, natural food stores and other retailers that sell our products.
What's the difference between your products and other natural products on the market?
The biggest difference is that most if not all the other natural enzyme products still require you to add chemicals (i.e. shock) to your water on a regular bases.

Our enzymes are so highly active that that shocking is not necessary (unless under extreme heavy load situations).
The cost of our products is also less expensive than many of the other products on the market.
Do your products sanitize the water?
The enzymes and surfactants in our products break down the organic matter in the hot tub so fast that it eliminates the food change for harmful microorganisms to live. This makes a purified, living water, not a sanitized, dead water.
Can I use scents and aromatherapy salts with your products?
Once you have established a good balance in your hot tub water, you can begin adding additonal products. We recommend you do so slowly and watch the results before adding too much of anything.
How long have you been in business for?
Clear Choice has been selling their products since 1996 and Nature’s Hot Tub Treatment has been in business since 2010 selling Clear Choice products all over the United States and Canada.
Can I go on vacation and leave my hot tub alone for periods of time?
Yes, just put in your normal weekly dose; leave the maintenance cycle on, as normal and lower temperature. It should be fine without adding any more drops while no one is using it.
Is there a temperature that is too high or too low for your enzymes to work?
If you can put your body in it, the enzymes can also be in it.
Will Clear Choice still work if I have an ozone or ultra violet light installed in my spa?
Yes, our products are compatible with ozone and UV lights.
Why can't I find your products in Hot Tub stores?
Although some Spa and Pool stores do carry our products most of them make their money selling chemicals and products to keep those chemicals balanced which keeps customers coming back again and again.

With our products, once you buy the Start up Kit we may not hear from you for another year or so.
Your products sound too good to be true. Why isn't everyone using your products?
We hear this all the time along with how much our customers love our products and tell their friends and family about them.
More and more people every year are realizing the health hazards of soaking in water that has chemicals in it and are looking for alternatives. 
We hope they find us.

Ordering & Shipping

How long does it take to get my products once my order is placed and what does it cost?
We ship all products usually the same day or within 24 hours of ordering, via 2 to 3 day Priority Mail, within the US only. Start up Kits with Micron Sleeve is Free Priority Mail shipping and handling.

$6.95 Priority shipping and handling on all orders under $144.00
How do we ship, what does it cost?
We ship all products usually the same day or within 24 hours of order being placed via 2 to 3 day Priority Mail within the US only. Start up Kits with Micron Sleeve is Free Priority Mail shipping and handling. All other orders under $144 are charged $6.95 for Priority shipping.
Do you ship to other countries and what does it cost?
Please call us at 800-730-8582 for cost information on shipping to your country prior to placing an order.

Soft & Inflatable Hot Tubs

Will your products work with Soft or inflatable hot tubs?
Yes, our products are compatible with Soft Tubs. You will enjoy a longer life span of your vinyl and components due to the noncorrosive nature of the enzymes.

 

With soft, small and inflatable hot tubs
Reduce the amount of Spa Drops for Soft Tubs by 1/2 the suggested dose on the bottle. If you are not getting the results you are looking for, please give us a call at our toll free number 1-800-730-8582 so we can assist you.

Water Changes & Maintenance

How often should I change out my water in the hot tub?
If you keep the right balance of Spa Drops in your spa, you can go as long as you want between water changes. The water won’t lock up like it does with chemicals. Most customers go a full year, some six months. It is really just your personal preference.
How do I clean the spa filters and the Micron Sleeve with your system?
We recommend that you rinse all your filters and Micron Sleeve once a week and soak your filters and Micron Sleeve once a month in a 5 gallon bucket with 5 cups of distilled vinegar or ¼ cup of bleach to approximately. 5 gallons of water.

Leave overnight and rinse thoroughly before reinstalling in the hot tub.
Is it okay to use bleach or chlorine to sterilize my filters and Micron Sleeve?
Yes, as long as you rinse your filters and Micron Sleeve thoroughly before reinstalling them back into your hot tub.
Do I need to buy anything else besides your Start up Kit for my Hot Tub?
You will need something like a 5 gallon bucket to soak your filters in once a month, some pH test strips and possibly some pH up and down (vinegar and baking soda work well).
Do I need to use the Spa Prep and purge my filter with each water change?
Yes, we recommend that you do that to give your plumbing a good cleaning. Though once you start using our products you only need to use 1/2 the bottle and run it for just 2 to 3 days.
Can I use my old filters when I change over to the Clear Choice System?
Yes, you can but be sure to sterilize them and rinse them out very well before replacing them back into your hot tub. You should replace filters that are over 2 years.
Do I need to purge my hot tub with the Spa Prep even though my hot tub is brand new?
Yes, sometimes there is left over oils, antifreeze and curing from the plastics that need to be cleaned out to help make the system work easily and smoothly for you. You can run the Spa Prep for 1 to 2 days in this case.
Can I leave the tub running with the Spa Prep for longer than 7 days?
Yes, it’s fine to run it longer without harming the process or your hot tub.
We only use our hot tub once or twice a week. Should we adjust the weekly dosage?
Yes. The dosages recommended on the bottle are for 4 to 6 usages per week, so if you are using the tub 1/2 of that amount then cut back on your drops by 1/2. If your not using the hot tub at all that week then do not add drops that week.
We use our hot tub everyday, should we use more of the Spa Drops?
Only if you are experiencing a lack of water quality and then only a 10% increase at a time to see if that balances things out. Be careful not to overdose.
What is the best way to clean our hot tub cover while using your products?
We recommend using dish soap that will cut through any oils and dirt that may have built up on the cover. Be sure to rinse the cover thoroughly before putting it back on your hot tub.
How do I figure how many gallons my hot tub is?
Since there are many variables to your hot tub it is best to contact the manufacturer of your hot tub brand and size for that information.
How often should I use the 'Spa Prep' product?
Use this every time you drain your hot tub. If you have an extra-scummy or old hot tub, you may need to use it a few times initially to thoroughly clean the insides of the tub.
Do I add the Spa Drops when I am using the 'Spa Prep'?
No, there are enough enzymes and other natural cleansers in the Spa Prep to do the job for the recommended period of flushing.
Can I reuse the 'Clear Choice pre-filter' for the garden hose to fill my tub?
The filter has a 350-500 gallon capacity to successfully filter out all of the unwanted minerals and metals in the water. It’s best to use one filter to fill the hot tub and for topping off. The next time you drain and fill the hot tub again start over with a new pre-filter.
How often should I clean and/or change my spa filter?
We recommend you keep an eye on the pH for the first 2 months then the Clear Choice System will automatically settle water pH at 7.8 through 8.2 and stabilize alkalinity. Your spa and skin are protected by the water pre-filter and special conditioning agents contained in the Spa Prep and Spa Drops.
How often should I clean and/or change my spa filter?
We recommend you keep an eye on the pH for the first 2 months then the Clear Choice System will automatically settle water pH at 7.8 through 8.2 and stabilize alkalinity. Your spa and skin are protected by the water pre-filter and special conditioning agents contained in the Spa Prep and Spa Drops.

Spa Prep

Do I have to use the Spa Prep for the system to work and how long do I leave it in the hot tub for?
Yes, the Spa Prep removes old chemicals, salts, dirt and film that may be in your plumbing. We recommend that you use the Spa Prep with each water change. If you do not the Spa Drops enzymes will slowly break down what ever might be in your plumbing and cause your water to be cloudy.
You should use the Spa Prep for 3 to 7 days.
Brand new spas for 1 to 2 days, regularly used spas for 3 to 5 days.
Really old dirty spas for 7 days.
What is in the Spa Prep and can I use the spa during the purge?
The Spa Prep is a strong dose of enzymes, surfactants and organic soaps. 
Yes, you can use the hot tub during the purge if it feels and looks inviting. If it’s too dirty from cleaning out the spa, wait until you refill it.
Why do I need to remove the filters when I use the Spa Prep for the purge?
If there is a lot of debris in your lines, it may clog your filters thus restricting the water flow through the system. This is also a time when you are cleaning the hot tub not the water. The filters are there to clean the water. 
The only exception to this is if you have large debris getting into your tub like leaves, etc. In this case, check your filters once or twice a day and clean as needed.
How long should I run my hot tub with the Spa Prep? Does the hot tub need to be hot and do I run the jets each day during the purge time?
We recommend you let it heat and run as normal with the usual maintenance cycle though it is important to let your jets run a little each day to give them a chance to clean out as well.
My hot tub is overflowing with foam during the purge time, what should I do?
This is normal and should just last for a few days and can be easily scooped off with a dust pan shaped device.
Do I need to use the Spa Prep and purge my hot tub even if I a have been using your system with each water change?
Yes, we recommend that you do that to give your plumbing a good cleaning though you only need to use 1/2 the bottle and run it for just 3 days
Do I need to purge my hot tub with the Spa Prep even though my hot tub is brand new?
Yes, sometimes there is left over oils, antifreeze, and curing from the plastics that need to be cleaned out to help make the system work easily and smoothly for you. You can just run the Spa Prep for 3 days in this case.
Can I leave the tub running with the Spa Prep for longer than 7 days?
Yes, it’s fine to run it longer without harming the process or your hot tub.
How often should I use the 'Spa Prep' product?
Use this every time you drain your hot tub, which should be about every 6 to 12 months. If you have an extra-scummy or old hot tub, you may need to use it a few times initially to thoroughly clean the insides of the tub.
Do I add the Spa Drops when I am using the 'Spa Prep'?
No, there are enough enzymes and other natural cleansers to do the job for the recommended period of flushing.

Spa Drops

How do I know if I'm adding too many to too few Spa Drops to my water?
An overdose of Spa Drops can make your water cloudy and tinted, can create a brown build up on and around your filters and can create a strong musty smell. If this occurs stop adding drops for a week or two. Then, if the water has improved, reduce your drops by 1/3.
An under dose of drop can create build up of scum at the water line of your tub, cloudy water and a stinky, sour gym sock smell. Increase your weekly Spa Drops by 1/3. If you experience a stinky sour smell, immediately add a full initial dose of Spa Drops and increase your weekly dosage by about 1/3.
How long will my bottle of Spa Drops last for and how can I tell if it's still good?
We guarantee the quality of our Spa Drops for one full year but many of our customers get 18 to 24 months of use out of one bottle of Spa Drops. You can tell if the quality has expired if all of sudden you can’t keep the water balanced anymore after a year or more of great success. If the Spa Drops has a foul or ammonia smell to it then it’s expired. If this happens within the one year warranty, we will quickly and happily send you a new bottle.
What's the best way to store my bottle of Spa Drops?
We recommend that you store the Spa Drops in a cool or warm, dry and dark place when not in use.

Micron Sleeves

What is the Micron Sleeve and how many do I need?
The Micron Sleeve is a specially textured material that grabs certain types of particles that most filters miss. It is a looser micron than normal filters so it will not restrict the natural flow of water.
You only need one Micron Sleeve per Hot Tub but using more is acceptable.
Install the Micron Sleeve by tying it around your main pleated filter. It doesn’t need to cover the whole filter for it to work. It’s okay to cut it smaller if needed or fold the edges to get it to fit.
How do I clean the filters and the Micron Sleeve with your system?
We recommend once a month soak you your filters and Micron Sleeve in a 5 gallon bucket with 5 cups of distilled vinegar ratio or ¼ cup of bleach to approximately 5 gallons of water ratio. Leave overnight and rinse thoroughly before reinstalling in the hot tub.
How long with the Micron Sleeve last for?
Depending on how it is cared for and cleaned, a Micron Sleeve could last for 1 to 4 years or more.

Hose Pre-Filter

How does the Hose Pre-filter work?
The Hose Pre-filter is specially designed to work with our system to filter out metals and minerals from your water.
I already have a house water filter system, do I still need to use your Hose Pre-filter?
Yes, it’s important to use our whole system as directed to get the best results and to qualify for our Money Back Guarantee.
How long will my Hose Pre-filter last?
Our Hose Pre-filter is not a normal carbon water filter but specially designed to work with our products.
We recommend you use one Hose Pre-filter with each water change and topping off the hot tub in-between water changes for large hot tubs.
For smaller hot tubs around 200 gallons, you should get 2 fill ups and topping off.
Most of our customers go a full year between water changes.
The water flow in my Hose Pre-filter is coming out very slowly?
On rare occasions something can clog the filter. Back flush the filter by unscrewing the coupler from its original end and thread it into the other end, attach the hose and run the water for a minute in the opposite direction. Then replace the coupler and hose to its original place.
If this doesn’t fix it please give us a call.

Maintaining a Swim Spa

Do I need to use chlorine with the Swim Spa Treatment?
No, you just need the Swim Spa Treatment along with some pH test strips and pH up or down as needed.
Can I use just the Swim Spa Treatment without changing my water?
Yes, but if the plumbing has a lot of build up, the enzymes in the treatment will slowly dissolve these particles and cause your water to become cloudy.

Swimming Pool Maintenence

Do I need to use chlorine with the pool treatment?
Yes, but only about 1/4 that you would normally use. Your chlorine levels need only be around .5 ppm, similar to that of city drinking water.
Will the pool treatment work with sand filters?
Yes
How much pool treatment do I need to order for my pool?
You will need a 16oz bottle of Pool Treatment per 10,000 gallons of water per year.
Do I need to drain the pool to start using the pool treatment?
No

Hot Tub Troubleshooting

Overdosing with Spa Drops
Using too many Spa Drops in your spa is the most common error. Everyone’s water is different and spa usage can vary to a large degree. In some cases you need to adjust the dosage accordingly. The more frequently you use the spa, the more drops you may need.
On the other hand, if you are not using the spa for a week or so, you don’t need to add any drops at all. It’s best to start off with the recommended dosage on the bottle.
If you notice a brown gooey substance beginning to develop along with a strong musty smell that doesn’t go away; this is a sign of overdose.
Skip a week or two or until water balances and then cut your weekly dosage down by 1/3.
Under dosing with Spa Drops
If you detect a sour, gym sock or dirty washcloth smell when you lift the cover of your hot tub you have an under dose and you should immediately add another initial dose of Spa Drops and increase your weekly dosage by 1/3 to 1/2. Wait until this smell is gone before you enter the spa.
Adjusting your pH
You don’t need to adjust the pH with our system unless calcium deposits build up on the shell of your spa. If this is happens use can use any standard pH up or down or white distilled vinegar as a pH down and baking soda as a pH up.
You will need to experiment to determine how much you may need to use.
We suggest adjusting your pH slowly as to not over correct.
Circulation and Filtering
Adequate circulation and filtering in your spa is THE most important thing you need in order to enjoy pristine spa water. The water in your spa needs to be moving and passing through your spa’s filter for at least four hours a day. This is a healthy, living body of water and must be oxygenated! We can’t state it enough that adequate movement and filtering is paramount in order for the Clear Choice system (and indeed, any spa maintenance system) to work properly.

The circulation and aeration of the water allows the Clear Choice enzymes to adequately break down organic contaminants and ensures that the spa water is oxygenated, thus deterring the growth of pathogenic organisms. Adequate filtration ensures that organic matter is trapped and removed from the water.
Your Filters
If you your spa filters are over two years old, it’s time for a new one. We have had people struggling to maintain clear water, astounded by the difference they see after they have invested in a new filter.

To thoroughly clean your filter, a regular garden hose attachment that has a jet spray is fine; a high- pressure water cleaner is too hard on the filter fabric. As you spray the filter, try and get into each pleat and remove built up hair and other material.

The Clear Choice system works best with regular white pleated filters. Filters with a very fine weave, like Microban or Sundance Micro Clean filters, may require more frequent cleaning than once a week.

 

The circulation and aeration of the water allows the Clear Choice enzymes to adequately break down organic contaminants and ensures that the spa water is oxygenated, thus deterring the growth of pathogenic organisms. Adequate filtration ensures that organic matter is trapped and removed from the water.
Patience
These are completely natural organic products. Sometimes it may take a few weeks for the water to go through the necessary molecular changes before you get the clear and clean conditions you can expect from using our products.

If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to give us a call so we can assist you in finding the right amount of Spa Drops for your particular situation.

Once you find the right balance of Spa Drops you won’t find an easier or more natural product to use in keeping your spa clean and safe.
The circulation and aeration of the water allows the Clear Choice enzymes to adequately break down organic contaminants and ensures that the spa water is oxygenated, thus deterring the growth of pathogenic organisms. Adequate filtration ensures that organic matter is trapped and removed from the water.
Milky white water
If the water becomes an obious white cloudiness during the first initial week and dosage of Spa Drops add another full dose of Spa Drops right away. This white cloudiness is caused by the water going through molecular changes and is in need of an extra one- time boost.
Light musty odor
This is normal for new customers during the first to fourth week while the natural spa water adjusts. During that time odor (trapped Co2 gas) should only be noticeable when you first open your spa cover and release the steam.

This could also be the beginning of an overdose of Spa Drops. If you suspect an over dose skip a week of Spa Drops and see if the musty smell diminishes. If it does, lower your weekly Spa Drops by at least 1/3.
Green or brownish tint
This can be due to a number of factors.
1. Phosphates in your source water will create a green tint. This is harmless and should disappear with time.
2. Metals like copper or nickel oxidizing in the water can turn slightly green. Iron oxidizing will result in a brownish tint.
3. Algae growing in your spa can also cause a greenish tint. This is mainly due your spa water being exposed to excess sunlight, which occurs if you are not covering the spa with a lid. If you suspect this is the case make sure that you cover the spa at all times when not in use and treat the water with a shock dose of chlorine to 5ppm.

Refrain from using the spa until the chlorine level is 2ppm or less. The chlorine shock will not interfere with the Clear Choice system.
Cloudy water
Occasionally, during the first week or two with Clear Choice, you may get some cloudiness. Try to be patient as the water goes through these changes.

Cloudy spa water can also be due to heavy use. With enough time your spa water will return to its original state, to speed things up a little, give your spa filter a good clean, and then run the spa pump for 5 -6 hours. If the water is really cloudy, you may need to hose out your filter a couple of times during this process.

If the water is still cloudy, you may need to treat it with some non-chlorine shock like MPS to more quickly break down organic matter. The shock dose will dissipate from your spa water fairly rapidly; so don’t worry if you occasionally need to resort to a shock dose.

Cloudy water beginning to appear past the first couple of weeks could be a sign of overdose. Skip a week or two of adding Spa Drops and if this fixes the problem reduce your weekly dosage of Spa Drops by 1/3.
Slippery sides to the hot tub
This is a temporary issue due to the enzymes breaking down the manufacture’s coating on the vinyl or an overdose of Spa Drops (Not to worry, our enzymes will considerably extend the life of you vinyl!).

The slipperiness will dissipate with time either from the enzymes breaking down this coating or the lowering of your dosage. If you notice a brown gooey build up or strong musty smell then its an overdose issue.
Foamy water
Foamy water is always caused by detergents being introduced into the water from bathing suits, etc… There is nothing in the Spa Drops that will cause foaming. (Spa Prep can cause foam, which is normal).
Rough surface deposits forming on hot tub walls
Sometimes soft or hard deposits will form on the spa shell. This can be a result of some final chlorine or bromine salt deposits being flushed from your spa’s plumbing.

Normally, these deposits will break down and disappear within two weeks. If deposits remain, reduce your pH levels to 7.2 and rinse your filters more frequently until the problem is resolved.
Flakes in the water
Brown flakes in the water are a non-toxic buildup from the spa’s plumbing that has been loosened by the enzymes in Clear Choice. Your spa’s filter will eventually remove these flakes from the water.

You may hose out your filter more often until the flakes are gone. Flakes that are whitish in appearance may be due to white mold in your spa’s plumbing. If this is the case you will need to shock dose your spa with chlorine to 5ppm to remove the mold from your system.

Chlorine shock will dissipate from your spa water and will not interfere with the Clear Choice system. Refrain from using the spa until the chlorine level drops to 2ppm or below.
Slippery feel to walls of hot tub
Clear Choice contains positively charged ions and your spa surface has a negative charge. Occasionally a bond between these two charges will occur resulting in a slight film that may develop on the spa walls.

Simply wipe the surface with your hand or a cloth (rinsed well to remove any existing detergents) to break this bond.
Skipping steps
If your having issues and you skipped some of our outlined steps, please back up and start again using our tried and true process for a happy, clean hot tub experience.