Hot Tub Chemicals

The Right Mix Of Hot Tub Chemicals Makes Spa Time More Enjoyable

Suppose you have decided to take the plunge and buy yourself a hot tub.  You have often envisioned the reward of relaxing on a pleasant post work or weekend evening in a hot tub of your very own.  Now it’s a reality. 

But with ownership comes the responsibility of maintenance.  And a crucial element of proper maintenance is the understanding of and adherence to a regimen of servicing your new purchase with hot tub chemicals.  From initial maintenance to regular cleaning to ongoing safeguarding, chemicals play a crucial role.

Your first chemical treatment will come immediately after the purchase and installation of your hot tub or spa.  Though you will be eager to jump right in, you will need to add all the necessary chemicals first.  Wait until the hot tub’s water temperature gets to between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit before starting to add anything.

Most reputable dealers, resellers or pool companies that sell brands like Caldera, Sundance, Balboa, Bull Frog and others will include a load of accessories and, for chemical management, a water testing kit.  You will first want to test the pH of the water and adjust accordingly so that it is in the range of 7.2 to 7.8.  With chemicals appropriately named pH up and pH down you can make all the initial adjustments.


The next batch of hot tub chemicals that you will want to add are a stain and scale product and a spa water clarifier.  Depending on the water volume, these will be one to two ounce additions.  These will help keep away scum lines.

To completely sanitize the hot tub you will want to add either chlorine or bromine.  It is important to choose one or the other chemical, but never both.  If you choose the traditional chlorine route, simply add a capful (in most cases) about every other day.  Remember you will be testing on a regular basis, more frequently in the beginning.
 
Cleaning the hot tub will require additional chemicals.  You will want to do this by draining the spa every 3 or 4 months.  For basic cleaning a ½ cup of bleach can be added to 3-4 gallons of water.  Sponge down the surface of the tub, then rinse and dry.

Clean the filters on a regular basis as well.  At least a monthly cleaning is appropriate.  Filters should be soaked for 24 hours in a filter cleaning solution.  Rinse and let dry before putting them back in the spa. 

You should always have an extra filter on hand so that you can rotate them while cleaning one or the other.  Once the spa has been cleaned, simply refill and repeat the pH testing and hot tub chemical additions earlier mentioned.

If you follow this simple process, you will not only maintain the cleanliness of your hot tub, but will enhance the longevity of your purchase as well.  The proper chemical discipline will allow you to enjoy years of pleasurable soaking.