A hot tub can typically go untreated between 2 and 3 weeks before the water becomes unsafe to soak in. Untreated water typically means no sanitizer, pH balancer, or other added chemicals.
For those with sensitive skin, bromine is the go-to solution, performing the same job as chlorine but with notably reduced harshness on the skin. Bromine is also known to work at higher temperatures, making it ideally suited to hot tubs.
Simply put, without sanitizing chemicals like bromine or chlorine, bacteria in the hot tub water will quickly begin to multiply and cause issues with both water clarity and safety. Balancing the water to make a more comfortable bathing experience and increase the lifespan of the hot tub.
However, all owners still need to put chemicals in the water as part of regular hot tub maintenance. Even if some products are not part of regular water care, there are hot tub chemicals that you should always have at home.
Regular hot tub shocking is inevitable to keep your water clean and safe for use. Dead skin and other elements like hair may end up dropping in the hot tub, leaving the tub in a mess.
It can be anything between 20 minutes to 24 hours. There isn't a set time you need to wait before using your hot tub, you just need to make sure all the chemicals are dissolved and at a safe level before entering. If you get into the water too soon, you could put yourself at risk of skin irritation.
With average use, your hot tub should be drained and refilled about once every three or four months. But since everyone uses their hot tub differently, the answer can vary based on how many people use it and how often. Hot tub manufacturers like Jacuzzi offer some handy tips for figuring out when to drain and refill.
Salt Water Generators. Salt water systems are probably my number one pick for a chlorine or bromine alternative because of their ease of operation. They're also virtually odor-free and very gentle on the skin and eyes, which always helps.
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.
Regular household bleach (non-scented and without additives) can be used in a spa, but the pH level may rise as bleach has a very high pH of 13. For this reason many spa owners may find it easier to use dichlor (chlorine granules) or non-chlorine shock (MPS), which are more pH neutral.
One question we sometimes get asked is should I leave my hot tub on all the time? The answer is yes! Hot tubs are designed to be left on permanently and this is how they work best. Of course, they'll need to be drained regularly but for the most part, they are left on 24/7.
Causes of cloudy hot tub water. When it comes to cloudy water, it's likely one of a few culprits — high pH, high alkalinity, and low sanitizer. Dirty filters, body care products, and old water can also be responsible for cloudy water.
Saltwater spas and hot tubs should never be drained on a lawn. However, more traditional chlorine-treated hot tubs can be drained safely if the cover is left off and the chlorine and bromine levels are allowed to dip below 1 ppm or, even better, below detectable levels.
You can use the spa without chemicals but you would need to change the water more regularly. You would have to check with your doctor to see if the chemicals would affect them. Please note however, the chemicals are very similar to those used in public swimming pools.
You can use baking soda in your hot tub if its pH is too low. Baking soda can raise both the alkalinity and the pH of your hot tub and help it achieve the right chemical balance and stability. Its presence can also keep your tub from being cloudy.
What you really need is hot tub salt. It's more often labeled as “pool salt,” which is perfectly fine to use in your hot tub. It's chemically the same thing as table salt, but it's a coarser grind to work better in a chlorine or bromine generator. And you can buy it in bulk, which will save you a lot of money.
Chlorine works faster to kill contaminants but for a shorter period of time, as it dissipates faster. Bromine kills contaminants more slowly but for a longer period of time; plus, it can help keep water chemistry more balanced due to its low pH, meaning less chemical adjusting is needed.
If your hot tub smells funky, there may be some bacteria lurking in the water—even if it looks clear and clean. Trust your nose and use your test strips to diagnose the problem. If your hot tub has a musty odor, this is a sign that there isn't enough sanitizer in the water.
Is Spa Shock the same as Chlorine? Sodium dichlor shock is a form of chlorine and can act as both sanitiser and shock treatment. If you're using a chlorine-free shock product like MPS (potassium peroxy-monosulphate), then this will not have any chlorine in it.
To dose your hot tub ready for bather use, we advise using chlorine or bromine granules rather than tablets, which should be added only when your Hot Tubs pump is running. It is important to ensure your spa water is at a normal level of 3-5 parts per million (ppm) for free chlorine and 4-6 PPM for bromine before use.
So, what is the ideal hot tub temperature when not in use? A good rule of thumb to follow is always keeping your hot tub's temperature 5 degrees below what it usually is.