Ultimately, pool and spa chemicals are not the same. In fact, using pool chemicals in your hot tub can cause a lot of damage to both the spa itself and the people who use it. Always read the instructions on the chemical packages and consult with a professional if you have any questions.
Can you use pool chemicals in a hot tub?
You shouldn’t use pool chemicals in your hot tub because the pool chemicals will unbalance the water chemistry of the hot tub and cause several damages to the hot tub components. So how do pool chemicals harm hot tubs? If you can’t use pool chemicals in a hot tub, can you use hot tub chemicals in a pool?
Are pool chemicals the same as Spa chemicals?
Ultimately, pool and spa chemicals are not the same. In fact, using pool chemicals in your hot tub can cause a lot of damage to both the spa itself and the people who use it. Always read the instructions on the chemical packages and consult with a professional if you have any questions.
Can you use pool chlorine tablets in a spa?
Never use chlorine tablets in a spa, as they're formulated for use in swimming pools. In addition, they are often too strong for spas. Using pool chlorine tablets in a hot tub or spa can damage surfaces and equipment.
What happens if you over-concentrate pool chemicals in a hot tub?
This means that, as the water evaporates the chemicals in the water become more concentrated. Hot tub chemicals are designed to compensate for this but, if you use more highly concentrated pool chemicals then you can run into serious problems of over-concentration of chemicals.
Can I use spa chlorine in my pool?
When you chlorinate spa pool water with granules, they dissolve and mix with the liquid to create a solution of different chemicals. Liquid chlorine, on the other hand, isn't recommended for spa pools, though it's fine for pools.
Can you use spa pH increaser in a pool?
It's easy to use. Our PH increaser comes in granular form so it's very easy to use. All you have to do is pour Pool pH Plus into your swimming pool, hot tub, or spa, and it will correct the acidity level in lightning speed.
Can you use spa algaecide in a pool?
While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.
Can you use spa shock for pool?
That's great—shock is super important to use in pools, too. But whatever you do, don't overlook spa shock. Essentially, it's an intense dose of oxidation. And unlike your basic chlorine, it enacts a more specific function than simply sanitizing your pool water—though it does that, too.
Can I use spa selections clarifier in my pool?
Chlorine is traditionally used in pools and is an effective sanitizer and oxidizer. Spa Selections Chlorinating Granules are easy to use and keep the water sparkling clean!
Will baking soda raise pH in pool?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity. Many commercial pool products for raising alkalinity utilize baking soda as their main active ingredient.
In what order should I add chemicals to my pool?
1:504:03What's the RIGHT Order to Add POOL CHEMICALS? | Swim UniversityYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst can help bring your ph. Into range if you need to raise your alkalinity. You can use anMoreFirst can help bring your ph. Into range if you need to raise your alkalinity. You can use an alkalinity increaser or baking soda. If you need to lower your alkalinity.
How do you clear up a green pool fast?
3:346:33How To Clear A Green Pool FAST | Swim University - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipVideo. Four run your pool filter for eight hours and shock again if needed as you let the shock.MoreVideo. Four run your pool filter for eight hours and shock again if needed as you let the shock. Work run your filter system for at least eight hours overnight.
What kills algae in pools?
Use chlorine as your go-to algae killer. "Shocking" the pool with a large dose of chlorine is the most effective way to kill the existing algae and bring your pool back to sanitary conditions. This usually works within 1–3 days, but can take up to a week if pool conditions are poor.
What is the difference between spa shock and chlorine?
Hot tub shock is not the same as chlorine sanitizer. Hot tub shock, which can be chlorine-based, is an oxidizer that has higher chemical strength and is designed to reactivate sanitizers such as chlorine. While most hot tub shock is chlorine-based, there are others that are non-chlorine-based.
What's the difference between pool shock and hot tub shock?
1:029:41Can You Use Pool Shock in a Hot Tub? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell the chlorine shock is much more concentrated. It's much more powerful.MoreWell the chlorine shock is much more concentrated. It's much more powerful.
Do hot tubs have more chlorine than pools?
Assuming that both use a chlorine-based sanitizer and have a free chlorine level of 2 PPM, the spa contains 3 grams of chlorine, while the pool contains 114 grams.
How do I raise the pH in my pool without increasing alkalinity?
Looking to raise pH without affecting Total Alkalinity? You can sometimes raise the pH through aerating the pool water. Yep, just add air! It's the same reason hot tubs and spas often suffer from high pH issues.
Can I use pool pH plus in hot tub?
To put it shortly, no you shouldn't use pool chemicals in your hot tub. Putting pool chemicals in your hot tub will greatly mess with the hot tub pH. An imbalanced pH of your hot tub can cause damage to your hot tub and make the lounging experience for bathers anything but relaxing.
How much pH increaser do I add to my pool?
The first is to use chemicals, typically called a pH increaser, pH plus or pH raise, the most common of which is soda ash. The general rule of thumb when adding soda ash to your pool is, 1 pound of soda ash for every 10,000 gallons of pool water to raise the pH by 0.1.
Can you use HTH spa pH Decreaser in a pool?
Apply HTH® pH Down If the pH level measures above than 7.8 ppm, apply pH Down directly to your swimming pool and swim! If the pH level measures above than 7.8 ppm, apply pH Down directly to your swimming pool and swim!
Why are pool chemicals bad for hot tubs?
Why are pool chemicals so bad for a hot tub? The main issue is that pool chemicals are much more concentrated than hot tub chemicals and, if you do put pool chemicals into your hot tub it will create major issues with your PH levels.
What is the best chemical to use in a hot tub?
Sanitizer – This is the most important chemical as it kills the bacteria in the water and ensures that it is safe to use. Many hot tubs use chlorine or bromine but there is an increasing move towards more environmentally friendly solutions as well.
What is the difference between a hot tub and a swimming pool?
Compared with a swimming pool where the water is much more static a hot tub is a whirlpool of circulating water. Thinking back to our chemical reaction above, if you stir and agitate chemicals together the chances are that this will invoke a stronger and more volatile chemical reaction. Add in the higher chemical concentration of the pool chemicals and you can see how problems start to develop.
Why are hot tub chemicals less concentrated?
This is why hot tub chemicals are significantly less concentrated and easier to handle. Water temperature – The water in a hot tub is considerably warmer than the water in a pool. You probably remember from Chemistry classes at school that the more heat there is involved the faster and more intense the chemical reaction so, ...
What happens if you put pool chlorine in a hot tub?
If you put even small amounts of highly concentrated pool chlorine into a hot tub with it’s tiny water capacity it will probably send the chlorine levels through the roof as well as completely skew the PH levels of the water. ...
What should my PH be in a hot tub?
Your PH levels should be between the recommended range of 7.2 and 7.8 and any deviation from this reading can cause problems for both you, the bather as well as the hot tub itself: Skin Irritation – For a start, one of the most likely problems you will encounter if your PH is too high or too low is skin irritation.
How much water does a hot tub hold?
The amount of water – The main obvious difference between the two is the quantity of water involved. The average hot tub only contains around 400 gallons of water whilst even a modest-sized pool can hold 18,000 gallons. That’s a massive difference and means that pool chlorine, for example, has to be extremely concentrated so that it is strong enough to be effective in such a large amount of water whilst being relatively manageable to handle. If it was less concentrated it would mean that you had to handle huge quantities of it to get the same effect.
What chemicals are used in spas?
Spa Chemicals. Unlike pool water, which is generally cool in temperature, spa water is hot and a perfect breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria. This makes sanitizer an essential chemical in hot tubs. Alkalinity adjusters, pH adjusters, algaecides, and clarifiers can be used for this purpose. Some chemicals that are intended for larger bodies ...
Why is it important to keep a pool clean?
Since bacteria and illnesses are easily spread through water, keeping your pool properly maintained is essential for both cleanliness and health. Daily chlorine administration and weekly shock treatments are common practices for keeping pools up and running.
What is the difference between high quality and low quality chemicals?
Quality chemicals have higher concentrations of the beneficial ingredients, and there is a difference between high and low-quality chemical options. Fewer fillers and watered-down products mean the chemicals do a better job of keeping your hot tub clean and functional.
What is professional assistance in pool?
Professional assistance can be a great way to distinguish between various chemicals, and advice from people with years of knowledge and experience can help you come up with the perfect maintenance plan for your pool or spa. Prev.
Can you use alkalinity adjusters in a hot tub?
Some chemicals that are intended for larger bodies of water, like swimming pools, are not safe for hot tub use.
Why are spas more evaporative than pools?
With its higher temperatures and swirling water, spas are prone to more evaporation than pools. This evaporation causes chemicals to become more concentrated. Having already-concentrated pool chemicals in the water causes levels to rapidly become imbalanced when the wrong chemicals are used.
Is there more water in a pool than a hot tub?
Anyone can see that there is a large variance in size between a pool and a spa. This means that there is much more water in a pool than there is in a hot tub. Of course, this leads some spa and pool owners to believe that reducing the amount of pool chemicals for use in the hot tub should work just fine. The reality is that there is more to the equation than just that. Pool chemicals are typically more concentrated, as they are meant to go into a large body of water. They should not be added to a spa.
Do pools have chemicals?
When chemicals are rapidly mixing together, reactions happen more quickly. Pools, on the other hand, don’t have all this extra movement. The more highly-concentrated pool chemicals are made to work in water that has much less movement.
Can you use pool chemicals interchangeably?
In short, using pool and spa chemicals interchangeably can easily lead to ownership issues. While the idea may seem like a money saver, it’s a much better plan to go with the proper chemicals for the situation. Sticking with products that are specifically made for the area you’re using them in is imperative. Your pool and spa’s health, and even your own health, will be better for it.
What Chemicals Do I Need for a Spa or Hot Tub?
So now that we've gone over the different types of chemicals available for your hot tub, it's time to gather your supplies. What do you actually need in your spa chemical storage cabinet? Here's a basic list of essential maintenance chemicals that every spa or hot tub owner must have:
How to store spa chemicals?
Secondly, store spa chemicals in a cool, dry location, which usually means indoors. Temperatures of 50-75° F are best for prolonging chemical shelf life, helping to prevent gas formation or the hardening of granules.
What is the best sanitizer for a spa?
A sanitizer is the everyday chemical used to kill pathogens like bacteria, fungus, mold, viruses, etc. Most spa owners will use either bromine or chlorine as the main sanitizer. Granular chlorine is administered by hand when chlorine is preferred. Or you can use bromine tablets instead, which is usually the easiest route. You can also use sodium bromide (a.k.a. bromine booster) and then a small amount of spa shock (either chlorine or chlorine-free shock) to activate the bromide salts into bromine.
How to raise pH in spa water?
For a low pH and/or alkalinity test, use a pH increaser and/or alkalinity increaser to raise the levels. Clarifiers: If your spa water is cloudy and lacks clarity or sparkle, it may be time for a new spa filter cartridge.
What is spa shock?
Spa shock is also a type of sanitizer, but it's used differently than normal spa sanitizers. Chlorine and non-chlorine (MPS) spa shocks are quick dissolving and fast acting. Shock is used to kill anything that your daily sanitizer has missed. It can also be used to supplement your daily sanitizer during times of heavy use, such as after a four-person soak in the spa.
How to get rid of chlorine smell in water?
For those that want to avoid the smell of chlorine or the slightly softer scent of bromine on your skin, try approaching water sanitation from a different angle. Instead of using chlorine or bromine, you can use Spa Mineral Sticks, which use silver and/or copper ions to help purify the water.
What does it mean when a spa has balanced water?
But it's really quite simple! Balanced water simply means that your spa chemical readings are all within the ideal ranges. Specifically, we want chemistry ranges for pH at 7.4-7.6, Total Alkalinity at 80-120 ppm, and Calcium Hardness at 150-250 ppm. When all three are within range, your water is said to be balanced.
Why do pools need chemicals?
This means pools need aggressive chemicals to destroy the contaminants in the water.
What Happens If You Use Pool Chlorine In Your Hot Tub?
If you use pool chlorine in your hot tub, the chlorine chemical will be too strong for the hot tub to handle. The liquid pool chlorine will disrupt the water chemistry of the water, lower the pH levels, put the total alkalinity off, and cause deterioration and corrosion of the hot tub components in the long run.
Is Pool Chlorine The Same As Hot Tub Chlorine?
Pool chlorine is not the same as hot tub chlorine. Pool chlorine is usually more concentrated and potent than hot tub chlorine and it usually comes in liquid form which is the most potent of all the chlorine forms. Hot tub chlorine on the other hand usually comes in tablet or powder form.
Can I Use Hot Tub Chemicals In My Pool?
You shouldn’t use hot tub chemicals in your pool because hot tub chemicals are not concentrated or strong enough to sanitize a pool. Using hot tub chemicals in a pool will be a waste of the hot tub chemical.
Are Pool Chemicals The Same As Spa Chemicals?
Pool chemicals are not the same as spa chemicals. Though both chemicals might go by the same name and even the same brand, they are different in terms of concentration.
How many people can fit in a hot tub?
Another reason for the difference in concentration is the number of bathers. On average, a hot tub will fit 5 people, 7 at most. Swimming pools on the other hand can fit dozens of swimmers. The higher number of people using the pool means there will be more contaminants in the water.
What happens when hot tubs get acidic?
The shell of the hot tub will become stained and discolored. Three will be acidic water in the hot tub which will eventually eat away at the metal parts of the hot tub like the jets, circulation pump, and heater.
