What Chemicals Can I Use In My Hot Tub?

​Maintaining a hot tub requires careful attention to water chemistry to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Properly balanced water prevents equipment damage, avoids skin and eye irritation, and keeps the water clear. Here's a guide to the essential chemicals you'll need:​

1. Sanitizers

Sanitizers are crucial for killing bacteria and keeping the water clean. The two most common sanitizers are chlorine and bromine.​Leslie's Pool Supplies

• Chlorine: Effective and cost-efficient, chlorine is available in granules and tablets. Maintain levels between 1-3 ppm. Be mindful of chloramines, which can cause irritation and unpleasant odours. Regular shocking can help eliminate chloramines. ​

• Bromine: Gentler on the skin and eyes, bromine is effective at killing bacteria. Maintain levels between 4-6 ppm. It's less likely to cause skin irritation, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin. 

2. pH Adjusters

Maintaining the correct pH level (7.4-7.6) is vital for sanitizer effectiveness and user comfort.​

• pH Increasers: Used to raise pH levels if they fall below 7.4.​

• pH Decreasers: Used to lower pH levels if they rise above 7.6.​

3. Alkalinity Adjusters

Total Alkalinity (TA) acts as a buffer for pH levels. Ideal TA is between 100-120 ppm.​

• Alkalinity Increasers: Raise TA levels if they drop below 100 ppm.

• Alkalinity Decreasers: Lower TA levels if they exceed 120 ppm.​

4. Calcium Hardness Increasers

Calcium hardness should be maintained between 175-250 ppm. Low levels can lead to foamy water, while high levels can cause scaling.

5. Shock Treatments

Shocking the hot tub helps eliminate contaminants and refresh the water. It's recommended to shock the water weekly or after heavy usage. 

6. Optional Chemicals

Depending on your water source and usage, you might consider:​

• Scale Inhibitors: Prevent mineral buildup on surfaces.​

• Clarifiers: Help clear cloudy water by coagulating particles for easier filtration.​

Adding Chemicals Safely

Always follow manufacturer instructions when adding chemicals. Test water regularly, at least once a week or more frequently with heavy use, to ensure proper chemical balance. Remember to never add chemicals while the hot tub is in use and keep chemicals out of reach of children.

By understanding and managing these chemicals, you can maintain a clean, safe, and enjoyable hot tub environment.