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Hot tub chemical basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Chemicals are the foundation for maintaining your spa water. But they are not all created equal. As an owner, it\u2019s important to have the necessary products on hand to keep the water clean and clear.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ph increaser and pH decreaser<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The pH level will tell you how acidic or \u201cbasic\u201d your hot tub water is. When your pH is too high, your sanitizer can\u2019t do its job. A low pH can damage the components of your hot tub. Every hot tub owner should have a pH increaser and a pH decreaser readily available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sanitizer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sanitizers help get rid of germs and bacteria you don\u2019t want in your hot tub water. Bromine and chlorine are the most popular sanitizers. However, if you own a saltwater hot tub, you will need to refer to your owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oxidizer or shock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Oxidizer, sometimes called a shocking agent, breaks up bound chlorine and releases oxygen. Using a non-chlorine shock weekly will sanitize the water and remove bacteria, chloramines, and organics in your water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to keep your spa water clear and clean, you\u2019ll need to keep the chemicals balanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But you need to follow these hot tub chemical rules to make sure you avoid major problems like algae and bacteria growth, as well as damage to your spa.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You want your hot tub water to be, well, hot. For the chemicals to properly disperse, the water should be at least 80 degrees. More than likely, you won\u2019t have to worry about this during routine maintenance. However, it\u2019s an important tip to keep in mind when draining and refilling your hot tub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before adding any chemicals to your water, you need to know your levels. You can use strips or a liquid test kit to get a chemical reading. Most strips and kits test for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, free chlorine and total chlorine. Some will also test for cyanuric acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does it really matter in which order you add hot tub chemicals? Yes, ABSOLUTELY. The alkalinity and pH of your hot tub water need to be in check for a sanitizer to do its job. To balance your water, start with alkalinity followed by pH. Chlorine can be added next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And another helpful tip: Add only one chemical at a time. You can\u2019t balance the water by putting in three products together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Does it seem easier to pre-mix your hot tub chemicals with water? Think again. Hot tub chemicals should be sprinkled evenly over the water. Do not mix them with water before adding them to the spa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reason you need to keep your jets running is to make sure the chemicals mix well into the water. The jets push water around the spa, moving the chemicals and helping them dissolve and mix evenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wait and retest water <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you add chemicals to your water, you should wait at least 20 minutes to retest. Add more product as necessary to bring your chemical levels within the proper range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chemicals need to circulate and off-gas after being added to your water. It is best to leave the hot tub cover off for 15 to 20 minutes. Failing to do so will cause your cover to deteriorate, leaving you with a costly fix. If your hot tub is indoors, be sure to open a window or turn on ventilation to get those chemical vapors out of the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spa chemicals are formulated to work best in hot water and avoid damage to hot tub components. Using other chemicals, even very similar water treatments designed for swimming pools, can cause damage to your spa \u2013 or simply not work properly with your water temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stick to chemicals made specifically for hot tubs, and pay careful attention to usage instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot tub chemicals should be securely stored in a cool, dry place. When adding chemicals to the water, be sure to read and follow all directions on the packaging. Avoid directly touching chemicals and accurately measure quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you want to install a hot tub or upgrade your backyard, our forum<\/a> and its members offer tips and tricks<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" What\u2019s the secret to truly enjoying your backyard hot tub? It\u2019s not an insane number of jets or getting the temperature just right. Clean, clear water is the key to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1158,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hot-tub-maintenance"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"hot](\"https:\/\/poolspaforum.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/hot-tub-chlorine-1024x683.jpg\")
Hot tub chemical rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Water temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Test the water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Follow orders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dry run<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep your jets on<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep the cover off<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use spa-specific chemicals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Handle chemicals safely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNeed more hot tub help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n