Shocking Your Hot Tub: Sometimes it is enough to just remove the first couple inches of water. A hot tub pH level above 7.8 causes available chlorine to work very sluggishly. Add the shock to the water, and then leave the cover off of the hot tub for … If you’re adding chlorine for the first time, add the amount of product required to achieve a free available chlorine level of 2 to 3 ppm. First, add chlorine or bromine and then add the shock (usually 2 ounces for a 400 gallon hot tub). Not All Chlorine is Alike . You need to get the Total Alkalinity, pH and Calcium Hardness levels in your water just right (this is otherwise known as 'balancing') and you must always do this before you add any Chlorine product, otherwise the chlorine becomes ineffective and won't sanitise! Indeed, chlorine can clean up pools and make it enticing to children and adults alike. How long does it take chlorine tablets to dissolve? Below is a guide with tips on how to know when too much has been added, and how to fix it. If foam appears. Chlorine is the most popular and effective sanitizer you can use for hot tubs or pools, so it is the main one I’ll be talking about most of the time. Think of a normal scale like a ruler where 1 inch and 2 inches are 1 unit apart. Several types of chemicals are used to maintain a hot tub. After testing the water and determining that there is too much chlorine in the system, here’s what you can do to fix it. The gold standard pH level for a hot tub is 7.5. While this option isn’t the most cost effective or timely, it will give you a clean slate to work with chemically. Always test for total alkalinity and adjust it to 100 … A 1-inch chlorine tablet with a 20g capacity will take three to seven days to dissolve in your hot tub completely. If you need more help determining how to raise or reduce free chlorine in your hot tub, check your spa owners manual, or contact your Hot Spring Spas dealer. Hot tubs located outdoors are often exposed to high levels of bright sunlight. Chlorine and pH in a hot tub depend on one another for both to be effective. While this isn’t the fastest option, not adding any chlorine and staying out of the hot tub for a couple days will most likely do the trick. Now for our initial startup of our hot tub, we want our free chlorine levels to be higher than what is best for daily use to ensure for proper startup sanitation of the water and components. Do not add cyuranic acid to a spa or hot tub. Do this once a week. Using two tablets for an 800L hot tub will take seven days before you need to add the tablets again. If the water smells. Adding too much is a fairly common mistake, and can be fixed with a few quick steps. When this happens, maybe once a week or so, we have to shock the hot tub. Hot tubs located outdoors are often exposed to high levels of bright sunlight. CYA in a hot tub can greatly slow down hot tub chlorine, which is needed to kill the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), which can cause what's called "hot tub itch" in tub users. Ideally, chlorine levels in a hot tub should be either at or slightly above levels similar to a swimming pool's. This subject is shrouded in misinformation, so lets put the rumors to bed. Not much chlorine is needed to sanitize a hot tub. Hot tubs are susceptible to scaling and staining, so add 1 capful of scale and stain control as well. In case you ended up adding too much with the Spa Up, you can lower down the pH level by adding the Spa Down. A little maths is required! Let the Hot Tub Reduce Chlorine Levels on its Own Riguanide is non-chlorine, non-bromine sanitizers that kills bacteria. He holds a master's degree in management and a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies. The size of your hot tub will impact just how much chlorine you need to add to your spa. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that chlorine levels be between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm for safe hot tub use. The pH in hot tubs is raised by adding a commercial pH increaser and lowered by using pH decreasers. Using a chlorine neutralizer is the good option if there is a time constraint, or the levels are extremely high. It's complicated and time consuming! Measure 17g of non-chlorine shock per 1500 litres or 35g of chlorine shock per 1500 litres (consult the label instructions as this can vary based on chemical quality and brand). Thankfully, removing these stains is pretty easy. However, if you are careful and you keep the water as clean as possible, shower before entering the hot tub, maintain the correct pH levels, and keep your lid on your hot tub, you will hopefully be able to use a non-chlorine shock for much of the time. But if you … This will dilute the chlorine and make it more comfortable. Just as with a swimming pool, a hot tub's pH balance is very important as it relates to chlorine levels. Potassium peroxymonosulfate is a chlorine-free shock treatment that oxidizes contaminants in water. If you’re looking at some of the most popular choices, you might find yourself looking at hot tub chlorine. You can raise hot tub chlorine by adding a little more and then retesting. Leave the cover off for approximately 20 minutes. While having a sanitary spa is very important, there is a fine line between sanitization and chemical overload. Tony Guerra served more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy. Hot tubs feature much warmer water than that found in swimming pools, and chlorine needs to be tended to carefully. The most common neutralizer is Sodium Thiosulfate. Keep in mind, removing all of the water may not be necessary. Have a swimming pool or hot tub related question? You should measure out 1/2 oz of non-chlorine shock per 400 gallons of water, or 1.25 oz. Chlorine tablets are used as a sanitizer in a floating feeder, as are bromine tablets, nuggets, or crystals. Just as with a swimming pool, a hot tub's pH balance is very important as it relates to chlorine levels. Hot tubs are susceptible to scaling and staining, so add 1 capful of scale and stain control as well. Use 20g chlorine tablets only in hot tubs. This will occur even more frequently if you live in hard water areas—or accidentally add too much calcium. Also keep in mind that the addition of chlorine reduces pH, and vice-versa. After shock treating your Lay-Z-Spa water, wait a minimum of 24hrs then test chlorine level. Join our email list to be notified of sales and specials OR text DEALZ to 797979. Then leave the water for about two hours, before retesting. After testing the water and determining that there is too much chlorine in the system, here’s what you can do to … Typically, 5-10 times the usual quantity depending on need. Add chlorine or liquid bromine directly to the water, or place bromine tablets into the floating dispenser system. Always test for total alkalinity and adjust it to 100 ppm using alkalinity increasers or decreasers. If filling a hot tub with water for the first time or after it has been drained, begin adding chlorine once water is at about 26.7 degrees C. In any case, after adding chlorine to a hot tub, wait about 30 minutes, measure pH and then adjust as necessary. It’s important to check the water before hopping in to the hot tub. The pH levels in a hot tub that are below 7.2 will begin causing chlorine to disappear. Get a shock product -- there are a ton of them out there. Share on google. CHLORINE Granules – Chlorine can be added by sprinkling the chlorine granules over the water surface, or by pre- diluting in a container of warm water. After a few days free of chemical addition and spa use, the chlorine levels should return to normal. Chlorine in pools and hot tubs can be easily degraded or dissipated by sunlight. of chlorine shock per 400 gallons of water. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Monitor your first batch to ensure you know the dissolving time in your hot tub for future reference. The chlorine range should be between 1.5 and 3 ppm. But assuming you have a standard hot tub, let’s just cover the basics. Your email address will not be published. In fact, the only real difference between swimming pools and hot tubs, as far as chlorine is concerned, has to do with water temperatures. If filling a hot tub with water for the first time or after it has been drained, begin adding chlorine once water is at about 26.7 degrees C. In any case, after adding chlorine to a hot tub, wait about 30 minutes, measure pH and then adjust as necessary. Another option to consider is to drain most of the current water, and refill it with new water. Wait an additional 30 to 60 minutes before re-checking the free- chlorine level, and do not allow anyone to get in the hot tub until the chlorine levels have dropped … It is recommended to try natural methods first to avoid any chemical staining to the shell. If the water turns a different colour or looks cloudy. How to shock your inflatable hot tub. Kill Green Pool Algae in a Salt Water Pool→. Chlorine is a very popular choice for swimming pools and some new hot tub owners might not know much about its performance in spa water. You should aim for a level around 5 to 8 parts per million. If possible, try the methods mentioned above before using a neutralizer. It has less to do with scaring it senseless. How to Reduce Chlorine Levels in Your Hot Tub. Exposing the hot tub to sunlight and running the jets will help expedite the process. After heavy use eg:-Used 4-5 times a week – Shock weekly. You can reach us by phone at (317) 912-1633, or you can contact your Royal Spa representative directly. Is It Safe to Get in a Hot Tub With a Chlorine Level Above 10? Contact Zagers Pool & Spa by email or phone at 616.896.1717 today! Adding Chemicals. Step 4 Dissolve the desired amount of chlorine in a bucket of water, and then add the water to your hot tub. Chlorine is the most common sanitiser used to keep water in hot tubs or swimming pools clean. Shock is added to the water during the evening so it has at least 12 hours to work in the water. Every time you re-fill your hot tub. The best way to know for sure if there is too much chlorine in the spa is to check the levels with test strips. The best type of chlorine for a hot tub is granular chlorine, which is more stable in the very warm water found in hot tubs. Amounts of pH increasing and decreasing compounds used in a hot tub depend on how large, in gallons, the hot tub is. When adding chlorine for the first time, you should aim at higher free chlorine in the water so that it can disinfect all parts of the hot tub properly. The spa shock treatment breaks down organic contaminants to keep the water clear and clean. Chlorine stabilisers like cyanuric acid (CYA) generally should not be used to stabilise outdoor hot tub chlorine levels. A non-chlorine shock can be used for regular maintenance and should be used daily after each session when the hot tub is used. Share on facebook. Shocking a hot tub requires about 2 ounces (4 tablespoons)of chlorine for every 500 gallons of water. The first time you fill up your hot tub. If there has been an accident (urine). To be accurate you will need to know the volume of water in your hot tub. A part of hot tub water care is testing the chemical levels of the water. So, after the tub has been adjusted, use test strips to make sure other chemical levels are in check. Check the water capacity of your hot tub. You’ll want to add or reduce chlorine if the tests strips read that your water is above or below this range. It's not measured with a regular spa test strip, so following dosage instructions is important. The pH in hot tubs is raised by adding a commercial pH increaser and lowered by using pH decreasers. Also keep in mind that the addition of chlorine reduces pH, and vice-versa. A pH range of 7.2 to 7.8 is ideal for a hot tub, and the granular chlorine in it will be at its most effective. For hot tubs, only about a capful of chlorine is required to deliver a 1 to 3 ppm level. 2g of Chlorine Granules will increase the chlorine level of 1,000 litres of water by 1mg/l (ppm). Aside from smell, skin irritation and red eyes, high levels can also cause damage to the spa. Used occasionally – Shock every 2-3 weeks. Those who own hot tubs may wonder just how much chlorine goes into a hot tub to maintain water sanitation. For hot tubs, only about a capful of chlorine is required to deliver a 1 to 3 ppm level. Test for chlorine levels after 15 minutes of adding it to the water and … Ozone is used with ozonator equipment and reduces the amount of sanitizer needed. Overpowering smells and itchy skin can lead to an unenjoyable hot tub experience. Next, make sure the jets are on so the water is circulating. Hot tub owner should have chemicals that can keep your water clean (sanitizer), remove heavy metals (sequestering agent), and adjust the pH and total alkalinity. When adding this chemical to the spa, it is important to first read the instructions and add it very gradually. Proper Chlorine Levels: 1.0 - 3.0 ppm. With so many questions, and as many different answers about chlorine use in hot tubs, it’s time to set the record straight. And more to do with ensuring your hot tub water is clean, safe and comfortable for relaxing in. The pH levels in a hot tub that are below 7.2 will begin causing chlorine to disappear. Thanks! You can also add some water to the tub to get it back to optimal level. Your email address will not be published. Chlorine and pH in a hot tub depend on one another for both to be effective. Use the Shock Dose Recommendations Table to see how much Chlorine you need to add. Adjusting pH can be deceiving because the pH scale is not a normal scale as we are commonly used to seeing. As it breaks down, one must keep adding chlorine in the pool and let the sunlight speed up the process. Chlorine in pools and hot tubs can be easily degraded or dissipated by sunlight. When you shock dose your hot tub, you add a high quantity of Chlorine, Bromine of non-Chlorine shock. As mentioned above, addition or depletion of chlorine can affect other chemical levels in the spa. How much Chlorine Granules should I add to my hot tub? Chlorine free shock, also known as MPS (or PPMS) is Potassium Monopersulfate, or Potassium Peroxymonosulfate, is a quick dissolving and powerful oxidizer that is popular for use in spas and hot tubs. He also spent seven years as an airline operations manager. Chlorine is the most common sanitiser used to keep water in hot tubs or swimming pools clean. For example however, when shocking a 300 gallon spa, 1-2 oz. Alternatively, … If you are pre- dissolving your granules in a bucket of water you can follow this formula up to a maximum rate of 10g Chlorine to 1 litre of water. Share this post . How Long do Chlorine Tablets Last in a Hot Tub? Over time, natural scale will leave stains and marks in your inflatable hot tub. Your aim is not to make your hot tub water too alkaline, but to hit an optimal pH of 7.2 to 7.8. Leave the cover off for 15 minutes afterwards. Add initial chemicals according to the “Refilling Your Spa” section of the Operation and Care Guide. Risks Of Having Too Much Chlorine. ... As always, if you have any questions about filling up your hot tub for the first time, please don’t hesitate to ask. Guerra is a former realtor, real-estate salesperson, associate broker and real-estate education instructor. In a hot tub, chlorine should be maintained at a level of 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm). We use bromine or chlorine to sanitize the water a few times per week. This can be done by adding 60g of chlorine granules per 1,500 litres of water to start the sanitation process and allow the level to drop to 3-5mg/l before using the hot tub. Storing Hot Tub Chemicals Hot tubs like to live between 7.2 and 7.8. Small 20g chlorine tablets will dissolve slowly over a period of 3-7 days depending on water flow, water temperature and hot tub usage. The Side Effects of Bromine in Swimming Pools, HotTubLiving: Hot Tub Chemicals 101: Keeping Your Hot Tub Clean, HotTubEssentials: Hot Tub Chemicals Instructions - A Guide to Spa Water Chemistry, AskAlanAQuestion: Chlorine Spa Sanitizers, SpaDepot: The ABCs of Spa Water Chemistry. Required fields are marked *. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2952 Shaffer Ave SEGrand Rapids, MI 49512, The Right Amount of Chlorine for Hot Tubs. Carefully add the required shock to the hot tub. The instructions will let you know how much to use to raise levels by 1 ppm per 10,000 gallons (38,000 L) of water. However, most chemicals are added to hot tubs in capfuls only. The CDC recommends that chlorine levels should be between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. Choosing a good sanitizer for your hot tub can be confusing—there are so many options to decide between! Hot tub shock treatments are the occasional use of chemicals to reduce the contaminants and oils that accumulate in the bathers’ hot tub water. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention states that the chlorine levels of the swimming pools and tubs must be from 1.0 to 3.0 ppm only. Adding Chlorine to hot tub water is not straightforward. You do this to break down the organic contaminants which can cloud the water and cause odors to come from the hot tub. Maintain the chlorine level in the hot tub by adding shock to the tub once a week during the warmer months, or every two weeks during winter if the hot tub doesn't get used as much as it does in the summer. However, this will depend on the tub’s temperature and climatic pressure levels. But after a while, that becomes less effective. We suggest you add chlorine in small amounts to start (unless the level is very low), to prevent over dosing. Advertisement. The goal of shocking is to temporarily increase the free chlorine level to 10 ppm. Alternatively, new hot tub or one which has been left empty for a period of time needs to be commissioned by a chemically trained person. The CDC recommends that chlorine levels should be between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. Ideal chlorine levels in your hot tub should be 3-5 ppm. All you’ll need is something like Sunlight causes shock to dissipate quickly. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. If there is any sign of slime or algae.