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What Chemicals Do I Need For A Hot Tub?
Keeping your hot tub clean and sanitary isn’t difficult but there are a few essential chemicals you will need in order to do so. In this article, I’m going to cover which chemicals you need and what they are used for, as well as giving you a few tips to make sure you are using them correctly.
Chlorine
Chlorine is the most important chemical when it comes to keeping your hot tub water clean.
Chlorine comes as either granules or tablets.
When chlorine granules or tablets dissolve in hot tub water, it reacts and creates hypochlorus acid (HOCI). This acid is what kills bacteria.
Be sure to maintain the proper chlorine levels in your hot tub spa to ensure a safe and healthy experience for everyone.
Bromine:
Instead of chlorine you could use Bromine. Bromine is more expensive than chlorine, but it tends to last a little longer and is gentler to the skin and eyes. My skin is quite sensitive, so I don’t mind paying a little extra for bromine.
When bromine reacts with water it creates hypobromous acid which kills bacteria.
Like chlorine, it’s important to maintain the proper levels of bromine in your hot tub spa.
pH Test Strip:
The pH level of your hot tub spa water is important to maintain in order to keep it comfortable for everyone. The ideal pH range for a hot tub is between 7.2 and 7.4.
You should use a pH test strip to test the water before you get in the water. If the pH is too low, you will need to increase it, and vice versa.
Alkalinity Increaser:
The more alkaline the water is, the less the pH balance will fluctuate. Alkalinity increasers will help keep the pH balance of your hot tub stable.
Calcium Hardness Increaser:
This chemical helps to keep the water in your hot tub spa from getting too soft.
Too much calcium in the water can cause problems with the pump and other equipment in your hot tub spa.
Shock:
Shock is used to keep the water in your hot tub spa clean and free of bacteria.
Be sure to follow the directions on the shock package to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
How Often Should You Put Chemicals In Your Hot Tub?
In general, you should test your hot tub’s water weekly and add chemicals as needed.
You may need to add chemicals more frequently however if you use your hot tub often or if you have a large hot tub.
There are a few different types of chemicals you can use to maintain your hot tub including chlorine bromine and pH-balancing chemicals.
Chlorine is the most common chemical used in hot tubs and is effective at killing bacteria and keeping the water clean.
Bromine is another option that is often used in hot tubs.
It’s less harsh than chlorine and is effective at killing bacteria and algae.
Can I Use Hot Tub For The First Time Without The Chemicals?
While it is possible to use your hot tub without chemicals it’s not advisable.
Here’s why:
Hot Tubs Are Dirty Places.
Think about it.
People are getting in and out of the hot tub and they’re not exactly clean.
In fact, hot tubs can be full of all kinds of bacteria and other contaminants.
Chemicals Help To Keep The Water Clean.
The chemicals in hot tubs serve two purposes: they help to keep the water clean, and they help to keep the pH level balanced.
Without chemicals the water would quickly become dirty and full of bacteria.
Chemicals Help To Prevent Infections.
One of the most important functions of chemicals in hot tubs is to prevent infections.
When the water is properly treated with chemicals it creates an environment that is inhospitable to bacteria and other organisms that can cause infections.
Chemicals Help To Keep The Hot Tub Operating Properly.
The chemicals in hot tubs also help to keep the hot tub operating properly.
They help to maintain the right pH level help to prevent scale buildup and help to prevent problems with the pump and other components.
You Could Get Sick Without Chemicals.
If you use your hot tub without chemicals, you’re putting yourself at risk for all sorts of infections and illnesses.
Chemicals help to create a safe environment in the hot tub and without them you could get sick.
So, can you use your hot tub without chemicals? Yes, but it’s not advisable.
Chemicals play an important role in keeping the hot tub clean and safe and without them you could put yourself at risk for all sorts of problems.
Maintaining a hot tub is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This involves regular cleaning and the proper use of chemicals. While many hot tub owners may be familiar with the process of regular maintenance.
What To Do Before You Add Hot Tub Chemicals
Before you start adding chemicals to your spa, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure the process is done correctly and safely.
Step 1: Test Your Water
Before adding any chemicals, it’s crucial to test your water to understand its current state. This will help you determine which chemicals need to be added and in what quantities. You can use test strips or a liquid test kit to get accurate results.
Step 2: Know Your Hot Tub’s Volume
Knowing your hot tub’s volume or water capacity is essential because it helps you add the correct amount of chemicals. You can find this information in your hot tub’s owner’s manual or through a quick online search.
Step 3: Safety Measures
When handling chemicals, it’s important to prioritize safety. Use gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself. Also, ensure to keep your chemicals separate before adding them to the tub. Mixing chemicals outside of your water can be dangerous and less effective.
Adjusting Calcium Hardness
If your hot tub water is too soft, and lacks calcium, it can cause damage to your hot tub chassis and piping. The ideal calcium hardness level is between 175 and 250 ppm.
Calcium hardness increasers can help bring the calcium hardness of your hot tub to the ideal level. Regularly test the calcium hardness with a test strip to see if it needs to be adjusted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s address some common questions about adding hot tub chemicals to cold water.
Can You Use A Hot Tub Without Chemicals?
No, it is not safe to use a hot tub without chemicals. While you might be ok the first time you used it, over weeks and months, bacteria would begin to multiply and you could end up with some nasty infections or skin reactions.
How Soon Can You Use A Hot Tub After Adding Chemicals?
I like to wait about 20 to 30 minutes after adding chemicals to the water. This will allow the chemicals to dissolve and distribute evenly.
How Often Should You Change The Water In Your Hot Tub?
I change the water every 2 to 4 months. This helps remove contaminants.
DIY Hot Tub Chemicals
If you can’t get to the store to buy chemicals but still want to use your hot tub, you can try this homemade hot tub cleaner. While I’ve used this in a pinch, I would not rely on it long-term as a replacement for chlorine.
To make a DIY hot tub chemical you’ll need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1 cup vinegar
Mix the ingredients together in a large container with a sealable lid. When you are ready to use it, add one cup of the mixture to your hot tub for every 100 gallons of water it holds.
Can You Add Hot Tub Chemicals To Cold Water?
If you add hot tub chemicals to cold water, you may not get the desired results. Hot tub chemicals are designed to work in hot water. I also recommend turning the jets on it your hot tub as this can help distribute the chemicals more evenly.