In Episode 298 of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar and Zac are joined by industry experts Robbie Walker and Michael Viegas from Solenis to break down one of the most misunderstood areas in the pool industry — spa, hot tub, and cold plunge water chemistry.
If you’ve ever treated a spa like a pool… this episode will change everything.
We dive deep into:
This is a must-listen for pool service pros, repair techs, and anyone looking to level up their understanding of water chemistry — especially in smaller bodies of water like spas and hot tubs.
👉 Bottom line: If you're not treating spas differently, you're doing it wrong.
⏱️ Podcast Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Pool Nation Podcast
02:30 – Meet the Guests: Robbie Walker & Michael Viegas (Solenis)
06:45 – Why Spa Chemistry is NOT Pool Chemistry
10:20 – History of Spas: From Romans to Modern Hot Tubs
15:30 – The Rise of Cold Plunges & Wellness Trends
20:10 – The 3 Biggest Differences in Spa Water Chemistry
25:40 – Bather Load: The Truth About “Human Juice”
30:15 – Chlorine vs Bromine vs Biguanide (What Actually Works Best)
38:20 – Why Your Sanitizer Disappears in Hot Water
42:10 – Aeration, Jets & pH Drift Explained
47:30 – Shocking & Oxidation: What You SHOULD Be Doing
52:45 – Biofilm: The Hidden Problem in Every Spa
58:10 – Drain, Purge & Refill: The Right Maintenance Schedule
1:03:20 – Enzymes, Borates & Supplements (What’s Worth It?)
1:08:15 – Ozone, UV & Mineral Systems (Do They Replace Chlorine?)
1:12:30 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Spa & Wellness Industry
🙌 Special Thanks to Our SponsorsA huge thank you to our Visionary Partners for supporting the Pool Nation Podcast:
We appreciate your continued support in helping us grow the pool industry and build a nation of pool pros.