what is chlorine shock and do I need it?

[Bpascua]

Hello Guys,

I have had a hot tub for a few years. I am a chlorine user and pretty much i just add chlorine tabs to a skimmer and test the levels from time to time. I then PH up or down if things are going wrong. My question is what is shock and should I be using it? and if so what for.....am i missing an important part of spa care?

thanks

Brian

[bud16415]

What kind of chlorine tabs are you using? As far as I know there are not tabs made for Hot tubs that you can use this way. Tabs are made for cooler swimming pools.  There are bromine tabs that should be used in a floating dispenser. The product it sounds like you are using is trichlor and you should be using dichlor a slower release product for hotter water.

If you are using trichlor then it is most likely acting as a chlorine shock releasing sanitizer quickly and then not working till the next dose. When you drop the tab in how long do they last?

I think we need more info on what you are putting in.

[Tman122]

Trichlor is also very bad for your spa. It has a very high acid level and will require a ton of PH adjustment. Are you sure it's not bromine?

[Conine2965]

I use dichlor in my hot tub which is powdered chlorine. It is a sometimes labeled as chlorine shock works great add a little every time I use tub and if water gets a little off just add a little extra.