Hot tub chemical treatment essentials: what you should know?
02.03.2023

A lot of people would enjoy having a hot tub in their house, whether to unwind after a long day at work or to host gatherings with friends and family. Either way, keeping your hot tub clean regularly is essential for a variety of reasons that every owner needs to know. Despite the fact that the modern hot tub is equipped with different water treatment equipment like UV, ozone sanitizers and others. It doesn’t give the 100% crystal clear water in the tub. 

That being said, chemical treatment is required for routine maintenance because we do not change the water every day. Without chemicals, the water will turn into a slick, muddy bog. You wouldn’t want that right?  But, which chemical do you need, though? How much and when should you add to bring it into balance?  

No fuss! Let discuss it bit by bit!  

Keeping your hot tub water pristine and balanced is as simple as treating it with a sanitizer, adjusting the pH, and applying shock treatments.  

pH balance 

pH down for SPA treatment pH up for SPA treatment

The pH balance of the water must also be monitored and maintained in order for sanitizers to work effectively. If the water is too acidic or alkaline, the sanitizer won't work as well, leaving the water less hygienic. Skin discomforts and mineral scaling in the tub might be brought on by a pH imbalance. To prevent deposits in the tub, the calcium content in the water must also be monitored and adjusted on a regular basis.  

Proper pH level for hot tub and pools is from 7.0 to 7.6

How do we monitor the pH level? We use testers. If the pH level is lower, we use pH plus, if its higher, then we use pH minus. It is advisable to test the water once in 2 - 3 days.  To determine whether the water in the hot tub is pure and safe, testing strips that are simple to use are available.   

Alright! So, let’s take a look at the outline of chemicals that can keep your hot tub spotless clean. 

Sanitizers for SPA:

These keep sanitation levels safe as it kills and eradicate any harmful bacteria in the water. The market offers a wide variety of spa sanitizer products. Let’s explore the most commonly used sanitizers, cost-effective, their functions, and advantages:

Bromine. This is the less smell alternative to chlorine. In addition, bromine may be utilized at a variety of pH levels and needs to be used less regularly than chlorine. If the pH balance is correct, it doesn't irritate the skin or eyes. It tends to disintegrate gradually, making long-term water quality maintenance easier. In addition to tablets, this is available for use with a floatable dispenser.

Treatments with bromine are similarly simple to use and do not have the unpleasant chlorine smell. The chemicals themselves do, however, smell. Hot tub finishes can occasionally become faded by chemicals. For those sensitive to chemical odors and those with allergies to other sanitizers, bromine is the preferred agent.

Bromine is the most common sanitizers for SPA because it works better than chlorine in hot water. Additionally, it can be utilized as a shock treatment, preferable once a month. Its availability as a powder tank, tablets, and in the dispenser like chlorine is the cherry on top of all this quality. 

Chlorine. One of the most efficient treatments, available in the form of powder or tablets and is used in bathtubs and swimming pools. It is used as a shock treatment, and for long-lasting treatment.

By shocking your pool regularly, you can keep the water clean and free of impurities.  Use of the spa during the chlorine shock process is prohibited. It is best to leave the tub’s cover on rather than closing it.  But before you may swim after using a chlorine-based shock, you must wait at least 24 hours. 

Powder chlorine should be dissolved in a tank, if there are tablets – then the owner should use the floating dispenser.  

Chlorine is simple to apply and acts quickly. The substance won't conflict with other spa chemicals and has no impact on the water's acidity level. These treatments do, however, have a strong chemical smell that some individuals find bothersome.

A non-chlorine sanitizer, or active oxygen, can be used to sanitize your hot tub water. It is a sophisticated oxidation procedure that eliminates pollutants and waterborne pathogens. For bathers with sensitive skin, oxygen is a good choice because it is a far milder alternative to chlorine and bromine. Oxygen sanitizer comes in tablets and liquid form. It needs both for it to work properly. 

Bromine for SPA treatment Chlorine for SPA Chlorine free for SPA treatment

Additional options for SPA treatment 

There are numerous hot tub treatment items available in the market that can significantly reduce chemical use:

Water clarifier. Hot tub clarifiers are manufactured to do three essential tasks: clean up hazy water, improve the efficiency of your filter, and maintain the pH balance. When spa water is cloudy, adding a water clarifier will help the filter remove all the particles. In order to ensure the clarifier is distributed throughout the system, circulate the water for about five minutes after applying the clarifier. For all hot tub varieties, water clarifier treatment is available as an option. You may enjoy those lengthy, wonderful hot tub moments knowing that you are providing the equipment a mild clean each week by allowing it to clean your shell and water with your existing chemicals on a weekly basis.

SPA defoamer. A defoamer is an additive that eliminates foaming in spas, hot tubs, fountains, and swimming pools. A hot tub's foam is usually caused by soaps, oils, lotions, and cosmetics introduced during use. It will cause foaming when you turn on the jets and agitate the foam-causing contaminants. It's a quick and easy way to fix foamy hot tub water. Anti-foam is fairly harmless, but unfortunately, it cannot filter out foam. It will suspend foam for a limited period of time.

Aromatherapy for SPA. This option comes in a variety of smells and forms, including crystals, liquids, salts, and capsules for hot tub aromatherapy.  It was developed specifically to work safely with your water care system. It has features like a non-chlorine oxidizer and aromatherapy and is simple to test and maintain on your own. Some products include your choice of smells meant to produce a relaxing, energizing home spa experience, in addition to being a reduced-chlorine system, making it appropriate for chlorine-sensitive hot tub users.

Clarifier for hot tubs SPA anti-foam liquid Aromatherapy for SPA

Wrapping it up. The cost of future repairs or damage can be greatly reduced by performing routine hot tub maintenance. You'll find that maintaining your spa in top condition becomes much simpler over time with some planning and persistent routine maintenance.

 To ensure that you may indulge in a soothing soak whenever you desire, regular water treatment using the proper ingredients makes the water clean and safe. Hot tubs induce perspiration, which helps to cleanse your skin. The pores on your skin open when you warm up, allowing sweat to flow out. This facilitates the removal of any build-ups or oils from your skin, which you can easily wash off after you leave the hot tub.