
What chemicals are needed for a hot tub?
What chemicals do I need for a hot tub? The main chemicals that you need for a hot tub are Chlorine or Bromine for sanitizing. A pH decreaser or increaser to keep the pH balance correct. A calcium chloride to control the calcium hardness. Spa alkalinity increaser and lastly an Oxidizer to keep the water crystal clear.
What are the best hot tub chemicals?
iONRx is hands down the best natural hot tub water treatment on the market today. It completely gets rid of harsh chemical smells, keeps hot tub water clean, and is one of the most gentle hot tub chemicals for sensitive skin out there. There is a reason why it is the most-used natural hot tub chemical for both residential and commercial hot tubs.
Which chemicals should you use to disinfect your hot tub?
- Sanitize with hot tub chlorine or bromine on a weekly basis. This keeps the water clean.
- Clean the filter monthly to remove trapped debris and grime. ...
- Clean the hot tub shell every 3 to 4 months to prevent buildup.
- Keep the hot tub lid free of dust and leaves by cleaning it monthly.
- When not in use, keep the hot tub protected with a lid.
Do I need chemicals in my hot tub?
You cannot run a hot tub without the use of chemicals because of their benefits to you and your hot tub. However, you can run it without having the effects of harsh chemicals with the help of silk balance. To use this silk balance effectively, you must first drain your hot tub, then flush out the pipes using clean start.

Can you use a hot tub with no chemicals?
It's not advisable to use a hot tub without any chemicals. Without chemicals, the hot tub becomes unsafe and can cause hot tub rash, and the water becomes host to harmful microorganisms. Over time, the contaminants in the water also have an adverse effect on the hot tub's equipment.
What chemicals do you really need for a hot tub?
What Hot Tub Chemicals Do You Need?Products to Adjust pH. To keep your hot tub pH in check, you should have a pH increaser and a pH decreaser. ... Non-Chlorine Shock. A shocking agent releases oxygen into the water, which serves a similar function as chlorine. ... Sequestering Agent. ... Sanitizer. ... Defoamer. ... Calcium.
Do I have to put chemicals in my hot tub before first use?
The chemicals you will need to start your hot tub include a pH increaser, pH decreaser, calcium hardness, a metal removal (if using water from rainwater tanks or bore) and a sanitiser.
Do you have to put chemicals in a hot tub every day?
Every day you should be getting out to your spa and getting the lid completely off. This helps with releasing chemical gases that can, if left underneath the cover and unable to escape, can cause some deterioration to certain components like headrests and control panels.
How often should you put chemicals in your hot tub?
Set your hot tub filter cycle for at least 3-6 hours per day. Add clarifier and/or scum digester products weekly per label directions. Always add each chemical to the spa water one at a time - NEVER mix them together.
How often should I shock my hot tub?
once a weekWe advise everyone to shock their water once a week to reduce bacteria and impurities. You can do this with one of two products; chlorine shock or non-chlorine shock.
Should I add chlorine to my hot tub every day?
Chlorine sanitizer should not be put in your hot tub every day. Instead, it should be added 2-3 times per week depending on the frequency the tub gets used. Then about ¼ cup of chlorine shock should be added every 7-10 days. The amount of sanitizer to add depends on where the chlorine levels read on a test strip.
How do I keep my hot tub water crystal clear?
How can I prevent getting cloudy water in my hot tub?Shower before using hot tub (don't use any soap, just rinse off in the water)Don't wash swimming costumes in detergent. Just rinse them in warm water after use.Clean filters regularly.Make sure your water chemistry is correct.
How do I keep my hot tub water clean?
2:307:45HOT TUB MAINTENANCE For Beginners: 3 Must-Know RULESYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean with a rinse every week a spray at least every month and a chemical soak every quarter. AndMoreClean with a rinse every week a spray at least every month and a chemical soak every quarter. And adding tennis balls to the water to soak up what's missed by your filter.
Can I just put chlorine in my hot tub?
You can add chlorine granules to your spa water simply by sprinkling them directly into the water (as long as the water temperature is greater than 20° C).
Can you have a hot tub without chlorine?
But seriously, the real answer is YES! You can run your spa without chlorine OR bromine, and still have a safe and sanitary spa. It requires using some modified methods to make sure that pathogens don't thrive, but it can be successfully done.
What happens if no chlorine in hot tub?
If you don't add chemicals, the water can turn green or become cloudy. These dissolved solids can also corrode the components of your spa. Heat.
Which is better for hot tubs bromine or chlorine?
Bromine: Is gentler on your skin than chlorine, but can be a bit more difficult to wash off after a long soak. If you or anyone who uses your hot tub on a regular basis has sensitive skin or any kind of upper respiratory difficulties, bromine will likely be the better choice.
How often add chlorine to hot tub?
You should put chlorine in your hot tub at least once a week. However, some people prefer to add a small amount after each use. Finding the best water care routine will depend on how often and how many people use it. Chlorine levels should be between 1.5 and 3.0 ppm.
How soon can you go in hot tub after adding chemicals?
30 minutesAgain, as a general rule of thumb, people should wait at least 30 minutes after adding chlorine before getting in the hot tub. Those who use bromine might have to wait a little while longer. Make sure the hot tub cover is off, allowing chemical vapors to escape.
Can you just use chlorine tablets in a hot tub?
Chlorine tablets are very cost effective and arguably the cheapest way to kill bacteria in a hot tub. Tablets offer a good solution for those who don't use a hot tub for period as they ensure chlorine is dispensed slowly over time.
When and how do I put chemicals in the hot tub?
The first step is to remove the hot tub cover. The hot tub must be kept open during this time as when the chemicals are put in the hot tub; they release gas.
What is the purpose of sanitizer in a hot tub?
Maintaining a sufficient level of sanitizer is very crucial. Sanitizers are used as a disinfectant against various pathogens and purify the hot tub water. The sanitizers used by most hot tub owners are:
How long does it take to use a spa?
Well, it depends on how much amount of chemicals you have put in your spa. It can take anywhere from 3 hours to 24 hours. The safe way is to use your spa after 24 hours
How to make your water crystal clear?
To make your water look crystal clear, you need to use clarifiers. Clarifier chemicals are generally used for spa filters or when water is cloudy. Clarifiers don’t clean the problem from its root, so it is better to use chemicals along with the clarifiers. Clarifiers act as polymers and attract themselves to particles floating around in the water.
What chemicals are tested in a spa?
One of the four most common chemicals tested in a spa test kit are chlorine/bromine, pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness. Keep in mind these recommended ranges for balanced water inside your hot tub. This will be imperative when adding the proper chemicals.
Why is total alkalinity important in hot tubs?
Total Alkalinity is the measured amount of alkaline inside your hot tub water, which helps to control and stabilize the pH in the water. And to put it simply, pH measures how acidic your hot tub water is. See the correlation?
Why is it important to shock spa water?
Let’s break down the reason why shocking your spa water is important: Shock kills bacteria. Chlorine and bromine based shock easily kills bacteria that lives inside your water. Removes Bromamines and Chloramines. Adding shock to your spa water helps break the bonds that form these contaminants from your hot tub.
Why does my hot tub water look so clear?
No matter how clean and sanitary you keep your hot tub, occasionally the water might look a little less than crystal clear. Sometimes it's a water balance issue. Occasionally it's a sign that your filter needs cleaning or replacement. Sometimes, your filter just needs a little help in the form of a clarifier. Spa clarifiers work by grouping microscopic contaminants together into larger clusters that can be more easily filtered out of the water. You may not need to use these chemicals often, but they're nice to have on hand when you need them.
What is the function of alkalinity in hot tubs?
Alkalinity is the measured amount of carbonates and bicarbonates inside your hot tub water, which act as a buffer in order to stabilize the pH in the water. And to put it simply, pH measures how acidic your hot tub water is.
How does shock work in a hot tub?
Shock also helps to remove organic compounds from the water. If your hot tub gets used a lot , or if 3-4 people use the hot tub all at once, shock treatments will get rid of the resulting organic contaminants and help keep your sanitizer working effectively.
Why is my water pH unstable?
When the Total Alkalinity isn't within the suggested range, this can cause the pH in your water to change frequently and become unstable. Address the Total Alkalinity first before addressing pH imbalances.
Why do I need to use chemicals for my hot tub?
The hot tub temperature is perfect for bacteria to breed and multiply, so the need to use chemicals in your hot tub is not optional. It does not matter how good your filtration is; dirt must still make its way into your hot tub through the air or from bodies that bath/soak in it.
What chemicals should I put in my hot tub for the first time?
Every hot tub requires a balanced chemical level to ensure that the water is always crystal clean and clear. The following are steps you need to follow to ensure that your hot top is chemically balanced
Why you need the right hot tub chemicals
It is essential to use the appropriate chemical for the appropriate problem because when you use the wrong chemical to solve a problem, it creates more problems than a solution. It will not be wise for you to save costs when trying to clean or treat your hot tub because it will end up costing more in the nearest future.
Steps on how to add chemicals to your hot tub
Some various measures and steps need to be followed when adding chemicals to your hot tub, and they are as follows;
How to store hot tub chemicals
It is essential to ensure that hot tub chemicals are appropriately stored and always out of children’s reach. Some chemicals are sensitive to high and low-temperature change. When some chemicals are exposed to high temperatures, they begin to expand; also, it affects their potency when exposed to shallow temperatures.
How to care for your hot tub
It is very important that you use chemicals in your hot tub so that your hot tub is always clean and crystal clear
Conclusion
As a hot tub owner, you need to ensure that you take proper care of your hot tub so that you can continue to enjoy the benefits and pleasure that come with it. All you need to do is test your water daily, adds an alkaline increaser/decreaser, a pH increaser/decreaser, a good sanitizer, shock anti-foamer, enzymes, and clarifier when necessary.
Why is it important to sanitize your hot tub?
Sanitizing your water ensures that the water is free from bacteria and is clean and safe to use. So, you will have to get all the right chemicals, cleaning products and accessories that are necessary to keep your hot tub spa in tip-top shape.
How to check pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness For Hot Tubs?
By checking these parameters, you’ll know what chemicals you need. e.g. you’ll need different chemicals for high and low pH.
Why does the pH in a hot tub go up?
Carbon dioxide accumulates and makes the pH go up. This makes the need for additives to lower the pH and alkalinity a liability for hot tub owners, on a regular basis. Sometimes, the water used in the hot tub, generally has a high pH and total alkalinity, making it hard to lower the pH.
Why is my pH high?
High total alkalinity is the primary reason for high pH levels. Total alkalinity is the buffer or tendency for the pH to stay in range. To keep pH in the desired range for hot tubs, you need to optimize the total alkalinity to buffer the pH. Hot tubs tend to have higher temperatures and generate a lot of bubbles.
Why is my hot tub water pH low?
There are several factors that can attribute to low pH: Your water is naturally lower in pH. Heavy hot tub use can lower pH as body oils and sweat will contaminate the water and lower the pH. Natural contaminants such as grass and insects will lower the pH. You may have used too much pH reducer.
How to test pH in hot tub?
Using pH strips is really easy. Simply dip the strip into your hot tub and the strip will change color. Then compare this strip to the color chart supplied with the testing strip kit you purchased and whatever the color matches with is what your pH is.
What does a hot tub spa do?
It feels fascinating to own and see a hot tub spa. You love it when you relax lounging in its comfortable seats. The warm water, that massages every inch of your tired body, relieves your bones and muscles.
What is the best level of chlorine for a hot tub?
The ideal level for chlorine is between 1 and 3 ppm. Failure to keep it in this range will lead to water problems. Not enough chlorine can lead to bacteria, viruses, and fungi taking hold of your hot tub.
How to add bromine to hot tub?
The easiest way to add bromine is with tablets in a floating bromine feeder. All you have to do is add them to the feeder, place it in the hot tub, and watch it float around distributing the chemical.
What happens if your hot tub water is too soft?
If the water is too soft (meaning there’s a low level of calcium), it will slowly eat away at the hot tub shell , as well as the plumbing and equipment.
How to add algaecide to tub?
Adding it can be done simply by pouring it in.
What is the most relaxing thing you can have in your home?
Hot tubs are one of the most relaxing luxuries you can have in your home.
What does pH mean in hot tubs?
pH is the measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) the water is. Balanced pH creates the right environment for the rest of your hot tub chemistry.
Why do you need a bathtub?
Second, it will allow you to keep out any backyard debris which could dirty up the tub.
Why Do You Need Chemicals in a Hot Tub?
You need chemicals in a hot tub to destroy the contaminants that get into the water. Without chemicals, the hot tub will become prone to different attacks from germs and this can damage the hot tub over time. So in a broader view, you need chemicals in a hot tub to allow the hot tub to function properly.
Do I Need Hot Tub Chemicals if I Have a Self-cleaning Hot Tub?
You don’t need hot tub chemicals if you have a self-cleaning hot tub but you still need to shock the hot tub occasionally. Many of the hot tubs advertised as self-cleaning hot tubs don’t need hot tub chemicals. However, the hot tubs will still need to be shocked regularly to combat a buildup of dirt and germs in the water.
Does It Hurt the Hot Tub if You Don’t Use Chemicals?
Yes, it hurts the hot tub if you don’t use chemicals in it. But, the lack of chemicals doesn’t hurt the hot tub immediately. The lack of chemicals only starts to hurt the hot tub after a few days of consistent usage without chemicals.
How long can untreated water sit in a hot tub?
Untreated hot tub water could potentially start to harbour and multiply bacteria immediately after being added to the tank. For this reason alone it is imperative to test it and add appropriate chemicals before it is used by bathers.
Are Bromine tablets or granules better?
Bromine tablets dissolve slowly and will need to placed in a dispenser / erosion feeder; the water flowing over the tablets in the erosion feeder will release the Bromine.
Can you use so-called natural products instead?
Claims have been made that chemicals can be replaced with more ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ options.
What do you need for an inflatable hot tub?
A clean and properly-treated water. You will need to use the right chemicals for inflatable hot tub to achieve this.
Why do you need sanitizer in a hot tub?
Sanitizers are very important in keeping a hot tub water clean. They are used to kill bacteria which can easily thrive in warm untreated water of a spa.
How to lower pH in spa?
In case you ended up adding too much with the Spa Up, you can lower down the pH level by adding the Spa Down. You can also add some water to the tub to get it back to optimal level.
What is the pH level of a leisure time spa?
Your aim is not to make your hot tub water too alkaline, but to hit an optimal pH of 7.2 to 7.8.
Can you use an inflatable spa all year round?
Whether you’re using your inflatable spa all year round or only during summer, you need to make sure that the water is free from harmful bacteria or chemicals. In this article, you will learn what each of them does. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll have a clear idea on how to maintain your hot tub water.
Is it necessary to keep an inflatable hot tub clean?
Keeping your spa water clean is not just essential for your inflatable hot tub’s longevity but for your health and continuous enjoyment too. This is an inevitable part of your responsibility as an owner, and your knowledge of the right chemicals for inflatable hot tub will make the maintaining it a lot easier.
Is bromine better than chlorine?
In general, bromine like the Brominating Concentrate Granules from Spa Essentials is more expensive than chlorine. However, bromine does not leave that distinct chlorine smell and lasts longer. In addition, you need a much lesser quantity of bromine to keep your hot tub water clean than with chlorine.
