How much chlorine to add to hot tub. The tubs and swimming pools are more similar than you may think and it has to do with their application of chemicals to maintain balance in the water.
For example, both need bromine, a sanitizing chemical in them.
Bromine costs more than chlorine but it’s a worthwhile investment as it protects your hot tub or pool water from excessive algae growth or the spread of bacteria.
Unlike chlorine, bromine doesn’t dry out your skin when you swim so it’s preferred for use when you’re relaxing in your spa on a hot day.
Weekly checks of these chemicals should be done to ensure that the test levels are always within an acceptable range. Shock treatments will be required after heavy usage, such as after a long and sweaty summer day.
How much chlorine to add to hot tub
If a spa is new, or if you have recently replaced the filter, fill another part of the spa, let it sit for at least an hour, and remove excess debris.
Pour approximately half a cup of bleach into this portion to disinfect the water and to reduce any chance of algae growth in the hot tub.
If algae do appear after treatment with chlorine (even with a non-toxic dose), add 2 tsp of algaecide per 400 gallons of water.
By using chlorine
One of the most common sanitizers used in both swimming pools and hot tubs is chlorine. This is because it is an extremely effective way of reducing contaminant levels and keeping the water clean.
In a hot tub, granular chlorine should be dosed so that it reaches approximately 1-3 parts per million (ppm).
The best type of chlorine for a hot tub or swimming pool is granular because this form is usually more stable when temperatures are very warm.
One capful of granular chlorine contains enough sanitizer to treat a hot tub containing 20,000 gallons (76,000 liters) at 3 pm.
The pH balance of your hot tub
Like a swimming pool, for a hot tub to operate at an optimal level, its pH balance is very important and dilution of chlorine is the key.
Hot tubs with a pH range between 7.2 and 7.8 will produce the fastest chlorine decay rates which means that the effectiveness of your protection will no longer be in effect.
Whereas chlorine levels that are too low cause burns and stinging eyes, hot tubs with too high pH content corrode metal components through galvanic reaction – also potentially making swimming in your hot tub dangerous.
Hot tubs outdoors
A hot tub that is located outdoors is often exposed to strong sunlight.
Chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs can easily degrade if they are not specially protected from ultra-violet (UV) light.
Chemical additions
When filling a hot tub or after draining it, begin adding chlorine once the temperature of the water reaches 26.7°C.
After adding chlorine to the hot tub, wait about 30 minutes and measure the pH level and then adjust it as needed.
Hot tubs are susceptible to scaling and staining, so add 1 capful of scale and stain control each time you maintain them with chemicals. Always add 1 percent alkalinity increasers when bringing the total alkaline up to 100 ppm.
Balancing of Chemicals
Practicing chlorination and balancing pH in a hot tub is one way of ensuring that you have a clean, luxurious soak.
In case the readings are out of balance, an adjustment can be made depending on the severity of the case.
To raise the pH in your hot tub, use commercial phosphate buffering products sold in specialty stores for pool supplies or online.
The amount used should be half a teaspoon for every 3-4 gallons of water, depending on whether it is an above-ground or in-ground unit.
It is easier to alter chlorine as well by adding a capful of household bleach per 10,000 gallons aftershock but do not do so if there is adequate bleach currently present.
How much chlorine to add to hot tub
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