What should be done if chloramines are found to be too high in spa water?

When chloramines are found to be too high in spa water, shocking the water is the recommended action to eliminate these contaminants. Chloramines are formed when chlorine combines with organic substances such as sweat, urine, and other contaminants introduced by bathers. High levels of chloramines can cause irritation to the skin and eyes and can contribute to unpleasant odors.

Shocking the water involves adding a higher dose of chlorine or a non-chlorine shock treatment to break down chloramines and other organic materials in the water. This process effectively restores water quality by converting chloramines back into usable chlorine forms or by completely removing them from the water, ensuring a safe and pleasant bathing experience.

In contrast, increasing bather load would likely exacerbate the problem by introducing more organic matter. Performing regular maintenance is important for overall pool management but does not directly address high chloramine levels. Reducing water temperature does not influence chloramine concentrations and might not be effective in resolving the issue. Thus, shocking the water directly targets and mitigates the high chloramine levels in the spa water.