What Chemicals Are Needed for a Hot Tub?

Whether it’s your way to decompress after a long day or to finish off a fun night with family and friends, there is nothing quite like sinking into a steaming hot Jacuzzi. But before you can soothe your sore muscles, relax your mind, and equip it with luxury hot tub accessories, there is one vital step you cannot skip—giving it the care it deserves. 

What Is Needed to Maintain a Jacuzzi?

Before you ask if you can put bubble bath in a Jacuzzi, it is important to know that a Jacuzzi needs some tender loving care and the right balance of chemicals in the water. Knowing how much chlorine to add to your hot tub for the first time is important when you’re first getting started, but it does not stop there. Regular upkeep is needed if you want your Jacuzzi to continue to run properly for a long time. 

Here are some of the chemicals you need to have on hand to take care of a hot tub properly:

Chlorine

Chances are, you are familiar with the use of chlorine in swimming pools. It is widely used to keep large bodies of water clean and safe, including in hot tubs. 

Chlorine is responsible for killing bacteria, algae, and any other microorganisms that can make you sick if left untreated. It doesn’t stop there, though–Chlorine is also used to help prevent scaling and staining that might happen inside your Jacuzzi. 

Opt for a chlorine-based sanitizer and aim to use it regularly as part of your cleaning process. We typically recommend using it up to two times per week; this will ensure that your water is safe and germ-free. 

Of course, we do advise that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions listed on the product’s label. Too much chlorine can have adverse effects too, such as skin irritation. 

pH Balancers

If you thought you could get away with just using chlorine, guess again–another important tool you should have in your hot tub arsenal is a pH balancer. A balancer is responsible for increasing or decreasing the pH levels of your hot tub’s water so that it remains balanced. In case you need a refresher, pH simply refers to how acidic or alkaline the water is. 

The ideal range for your hot tub is between 7.2 to 7.8. It’s important to keep your water in the right range in order to prevent skin and eye irritation. 

Water Clarifier and Miscellaneous Items

So, you have chlorine and a pH balancer checked off–don’t be so quick to put that list away just yet. Next up is a water clarifier: a water clarifier helps rid the water of contaminants and impurities, leaving it clear.

In addition to a water clarifier, it is also worth looking into an oxidizer or shock treatment. Using this regularly will help break down any organic contaminants that might be found in the water of the hot tub. This could be sweat, body oils, and lotions. These are all natural contaminants that, over time, can cause your water to turn cloudy or adopt a foul odor. 

In Conclusion

Maintaining the right chemical balance in your hot tub is essential. If you are ever unsure of the chemical levels in your water, try using high-quality testing strips designed to monitor and detect various chemical levels. This will inform you of how you might need to adjust the levels. 

It also goes without saying, but be sure to use these chemicals responsibly. Follow the instructions listed on the labels and store the chemicals safely and out of reach of children. You can always reach out to the manufacturer–or to us–with any questions you may have!