Hot Tub Chemicals

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Hot Tub Chemicals

Part of being a responsible hot tub owner is balancing the water regularly with chemicals so it doesn’t grow algae, bacteria, and other harmful substances. It can be confusing to keep all the chemicals you will need straight, as well as how much of each to add. We are here to spell it all out for you.

First off, before you even ask if your hot tub really needs chemicals, the answer is YES! The same water can be in your tub for weeks and months. If you don’t add chemicals to sanitize it, a whole host of organisms can proliferate and make you sick.

The best way to know which chemicals you need is to test the water. You can do this with test strips or kits at home, or you can take to your pool and spa provider. Here’s what you will likely need.

Sanitizer

Not sure which sanitizer to use? There are many out there to choose from, such as:

  • Chlorine
  • Bromine
  • Biguanide
  • Minerals
  • Salt System

Chlorine

This is the most common because it is affordable, easy to manage, and kills bacteria and algae. The one drawback is its smell. If you find you don’t have enough chlorine in your water, shock it to restore the proper levels. Aim for between 1 part per million (ppm) and 3 ppm.

Bromine

Some people like bromine over chlorine because it doesn’t smell. It also has a lower pH than chlorine, which means you’ll have an easier time keeping the water balanced. It will also last longer and isn’t as harsh on your skin as chlorine is.

But while it lasts longer, it does work more slowly, and will burn off in the sun if you leave the cover off. Aim for a level between 3 ppm and 5 ppm.

Biguanide

This product kills bacteria just like chlorine and bromine do, but you don’t have to add it quite as frequently, it doesn’t smell and the water is smoother. However, it’s more expensive than chlorine and bromine, and could over time deteriorate your spa parts such as rubber gaskets. Aim for a level between 30 ppm and 50 ppm.

Minerals

With a mineral sanitizer, you can use less chlorine, but minerals on their own won’t be able to completely sanitize water. This is why you have to supplement with chlorine as well. They’re easy to manage, they’re affordable and you don’t have to measure out chemicals because they come in stick form that you throw into the filter every few months.

Salt Systems

You’ll need a device known as a salt chlorine generator. Instead of chlorine, you will buy and add salt, which is much cheaper. The water is better for your skin and eyes. Aim for a salt level between 2,000 ppm and 3,000 ppm.

Shock

In addition to sanitizer, you’ll need to shock your hot tub once a week or so. Shock will get rid of algae and will also get rid of cloudiness. For chlorine and bromine hot tubs, use either a chlorine or non-chlorine shock. For mineral tubs, use a non-chlorine shock so the chlorine levels stay low.

If using biguanide as a sanitizer, keep in mind these chemical systems include their own shock designed to be used with the given brand.

No matter which kind of sanitizer you go with, you will have to make sure your tub’s alkalinity and pH are properly balanced at all times.

Alkalinity

Before trying to adjust the pH, you have to adjust the alkalinity. It’s recommended you use an alkalinity increaser to make sure the alkalinity doesn’t dip too much. If it gets too high, you should use a pH decreaser, which lowers both levels.

pH

Once you’ve achieved the desired alkalinity, now you can work on the pH. If it gets too high, you’ll get cloudy water, so you should use a pH decreaser to normalize the levels. Too low? Use a pH increaser. Once you test again, and you see that the pH and alkalinity levels are too high, normalize them both with a pH decreaser.

Calcium Hardness

This tells you how hard your water is. If you have hard water, you may get frustrated with all those calcium deposits on your fixtures and faucets. But with hot tubs, you actually want your calcium hardness to be a bit higher rather than lower. Water that’s too soft will deteriorate the shell, pipes, and parts over time.

If the level gets too high, though, this could hamper the proper dissolution of chemicals and lead to scaling. In this instance, drain the tub, clean it and fill with fresh water.

Enzymes

These break down organic contaminants such as body oils, skin cells, twigs, leaves, and insects so hot tub scum does not result.

Water Clarifier

Use a water clarifier to treat the symptom, not the cause when it comes to cloudy water. You’ll get a reprieve, but it’s definitely not a long-term solution.

Adding Hot Tub Chemicals

  • Keep the tub running so the chemicals can mix properly through the jets.
  • Keep the cover on after the initial 15 minutes so the chemicals don’t evaporate.
  • Turn off the air valves.
  • Test the water.
  • Follow instructions for chemicals.
  • Measure correctly.
  • Cover the tub after 15 minutes.

Knowing what chemicals to use can be daunting. Call Central Jersey Pools for chemical addition and balancing for your hot tub.

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