Hot Tub Buying Guide

How much chemical

You have just refilled your hot tub after a routine cleaning. What should you do chemical-wise? Well, first check your manufacturers' instructions and follow those recommendations. In lieu of that, we have some suggestions. If your tub has been properly maintained and has not been sitting unused, you can just fill it with tap water from the hose. Run the hose through your filter. If you replaced the filter, allow the new filter to soak in a bucket of water for about a half hour or so. Once your tub is filled to the recommended depth, say 6 inches or so from the top of the tub, you can turn the spa on and allow the jets to run. When the tub is warm, you can begin the get the chemicals right. Warm water allows the granules to dissolve better.

When balancing the sanitizer and the pH, you want to follow the manufacturers instructions. First level the pH. Test the water and bring the pH to 7.6 - 8.2 by adding a capful at a time of a pH up or pH down chemical. Once your pH is where it needs to be, you will add your sanitizers -- typically chlorine (dichlor) or bromine. Remember that sanzitizers need organic material to consume so if you put a whole lot in clean water, it will stay high and smell like chlorine. Refer to the manufacturers instructions or the chlorine packaging for the appropriate amounts. Optimally, you want to have just the right amount so the tub is ready for you, you get in and enjoy putting the sanitizer to work. After you are done, you replace the santizer keeping the water healthy and ready for your next soak. So you bring it up to the proper level. Depending on the use your hot tub gets - number of people, length of soak and frequency of soaks, the amount of sanitizer will vary.

There is typically no need to perform a decontamination rinse unless your tub has not been properly maintained, used regularly, or you have had issues with rashes or infections.

Remember it is easier to properly maintain your tub regularly than to have to deal with problems that arise from neglect. If you take care of your tub, it will be ready and waiting to help melt away the stress of the day.