Essential Chemicals for a Hot Tub: Maintaining a Relaxing and Safe Spa

There’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot tub after a long day, letting the warm water and soothing jets wash away your stress. However, achieving and maintaining a clean and safe hot tub requires more than just filling it with water. Proper chemical maintenance is essential to ensure the water remains clean, clear, and free from harmful bacteria and contaminants.

Typically, we advise alkalinity increasers, PH adjusters and then sanitiser, in that order.

Alkalinity Increasers

Total alkalinity refers to the water’s ability to resist changes in pH, and when alkalinity levels are too low, the pH can fluctuate more easily, leading to imbalances. We recommend maintaining the Total Alkalinity within the range of 80 to 120 parts per million (ppm).

pH Adjusters

Maintaining the right pH balance is crucial for the effectiveness of sanitisers and the comfort of hot tub users. The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water, with a range of 0 to 14. The ideal pH range for a hot tub is between 7.2 and 7.8.

pH adjusters, such as pH increasers and pH decreasers, help keep the water’s pH level within the recommended range. Regular testing of pH levels is necessary to prevent issues like skin irritation or cloudy water.

Chlorine or Bromine

Chlorine and bromine are the most commonly used sanitisers for hot tubs. They effectively kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the water. These chemicals come in various forms, including granules, tablets, or liquid, and their concentration levels need to be regularly monitored and adjusted to maintain proper disinfection levels.

Please note: most manufacturers do not allow customers to use Chlorine tablets, so please refer to your warranty agreement before using any products.

Shock Treatments

Shock treatments, also known as oxidisers, help break down organic contaminants, such as body oils, sweat, lotions, and other residues that can accumulate in the hot tub water. Shocking the water regularly helps keep it clear, odourless, and prevents the growth of algae. Our team advise using a shock treatment once a week to keep your hot tub water clean and clear.

Additional Treatments

Additional treatments, such as sealers, anti-foam, cleaners and clarifiers are also available if you are looking to solve a particular problem. The Spafix team can discuss these issues and products with you, and recommend solutions based on your needs.

Maintaining a clean and well-balanced hot tub is essential for both your enjoyment and safety. By regularly testing and adjusting the chemical levels, you can create a hygienic and inviting hot tub experience. Spafix stock a number of hot tub chemicals, including brands like VIAN, Essentials, Lo-Chlor and FROG, and our trained staff are always available in the showroom to discuss these with you further.