Essential Chemicals:

Sanitiser

• • • Chlorine: A common and effective sanitiser, available in various forms like granules or tablets.
    • Bromine: Another effective sanitiser, often preferred for its stability in hot water.

pH Balancers

• • • pH Increaser: Used to raise the pH level if it’s too low.
    • pH Decreaser: Used to lower the pH level if it’s too high.

Alkalinity Increaser

• • • Helps stabilise the pH and prevent fluctuations.

Shock Treatment

• • • Chlorine Shock: Used to oxidise and break down contaminants in the water.
    • Non-Chlorine Shock: An alternative to chlorine shock that doesn’t involve chlorine.

Optional Chemicals

• • Calcium Hardness Increaser/Decreaser: Helps maintain proper water balance.
  • Clarifier: Helps keep the water clear by binding small particles together for easier filtration.
  • Pipe Flush Cleaner: Helps clean the pipes and jets of the hot tub.

It’s recommended to test your hot tub water at least 2-3 times a week to ensure the chemical balance stays in check. Regular testing helps maintain proper sanitation levels, prevent build-ups, and ensure the water is safe to use.

If you have heavy usage, such as frequent use, you might want to test more often. It’s also essential to test after adding chemicals, topping up the water, or after any heavy rain.

Both sanitisers are effective for hot tub maintenance. Chlorine acts quickly and is cost-effective but may cause irritation. Bromine is more stable in hot water and gentler on the skin but is slower to dissolve and more costly. Consider your specific needs, such as skin sensitivity, budget, and maintenance preferences, when choosing between the two.

If chlorine levels are too high, keep the hot tub uncovered and run the jets for at least 30 minutes to help dissipate the excess chlorine. Re-test the water afterward. If levels remain high, consider adding a chlorine neutraliser or partially draining and refilling the tub.

It’s generally advised to wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after adding chemicals before using the hot tub. Ensure the jets are running to help disperse the chemicals, and always test the water to confirm it’s within safe parameters before entering.

The answer varies depending on usage, but generally, it’s recommended to shock your hot tub once a week as part of regular maintenance. However, you’ll want to shock it more often if:

• The hot tub has had heavy use (e.g., parties, multiple users).
• The water looks cloudy or smells off.
• You’ve recently added new water or refilled the tub.

If you’re using your hot tub lightly and it stays clean, you might get away with shocking it every 2-4 weeks, but keeping a consistent routine is the best way to maintain water clarity and sanitation.

Foam is caused by soap and oils. Use an anti-foam product and encourage bathers to rinse off before use.

For more in-depth tips and guidance on hot tub maintenance, check out our latest blog.

How To Get Rid Of Hot Tub Foam: Causes And Easy Solutions