You must want a clean and hygienic bath. For a hygienic bath, you might use a hot tub. But do you know what chemicals do I need for a hot tub? Knowing it is a must if you’re a hot tub user.

Well, there are different options. Such as pH increaser, Line flush cleaner, Alkalinity increaser, and others.

But there is more you need to know. Don’t worry, I’ll provide you with the names of the chemicals you need to use in your hot tub and how to use them. If you add any wrong chemical or wrong amount of any chemical, it would be a nightmare for you

So now let’s move on to the main part.

What Chemicals do you need to add to your hot tub?

This is the main segment. Here I’ll show you the list of different chemicals you need to use. 

1. Hot Tub Sanitizer

There are a few types of sanitizer such as bromine, chlorine, biguanide, minerals, etc. You have to decide the type of sanitizer you want. Mainly you need to decide whether to use bromine or chlorine. 

Chlorine

People generally use Chlorine to sanitize their outside bath or pool. It’s cost-effective and easy to use. It also kills bacteria and algae but it has a bad side too, it smells and kills contaminants by oxidizing.

When it starts working it gives off waste products called chloramines that’s why it smells so bad. When you smell Chlorine it means you need to add more Chlorine But be careful the chlorine level for a hot tub is 1 to 3 ppm.

Bromine

It’s best for an indoor hot tub. It burns too quickly under the sun. you may not use an outdoor tub or pool. It does not smell like Chlorine and it’s more gentle for your skin. But it works so slowly and unstabilized. The bromine level is 3 to 5 ppm for a hot tub.

2. Hot Tub Shock

You must have a hot tub shock to maintain the tub regularly. It provides a large dose of sanitizer to solve any water issues.

If the water is too cloudy or the alges start to bloom then you should add Hot Tub Shock. It will solve the problem. You should use it weekly to keep your water fresh and sanitized.

There are 2 types of Hot Tub Shock. The Chlorine and Non-Chlorine Shocks. 

Chlorine or bromine hot tub

If you use a Non-Chlorine Shock then you can use it a lot after you Shock it but a Chlorine Shock is considered as more effective in killing bacteria.

Mineral hot tub

Use a Non-Chlorine Shock to keep the chlorine level low.

Saltwater hot tub

Use Chlorine Shock but it’s completely ok to use non chlorine shock.

3. Alkalinity Increaser, pH Decreaser, Increaser

If you are asked to name some confusing elements of water chemistry, you just name pH and total alkalinity.  pH is the level of acidity of your water and alkalinity works as a buffer for your pH.

It neutralizes the incoming acid and keeps the pH from changing. You need to use these products hand to hand. The total alkalinity level should be between 100 to 150ppm and the pH should be between 7.4 to 7.6. Low pH can rust in your spa and high pH can burn your eyes or cause itchy and dry skin.

Alkalinity increaser

If the alkalinity dips low it can cause low pH. That’s why you should have an alkalinity increase in your hand.

pH decreaser (pH Down)

There is no product to decrease the alkalinity that’s why you can’t decrease the alkalinity level. If the alkalinity gets high you have to decrease the pH. Also if the pH gets high it can cause cloudy water. You can lower the pH level by using a pH decrease. That’s why you need a pH decrease in your hand.

pH increaser (pH Up)

If the pH level dips too low then you can use a pH increaser to increase the pH level of your hot tub water.

4. Calcium Hardness Increaser

If your water normally is too hard, your showerheads or pipelines may have calcium deposits. If the showerheads and pipes contain calcium deposits, it will make the water too soft. Soft water can eat away at the hot tub shell, pipes, and other parts. If you want hard water for your bath, you can use a calcium hardness increaser.

The calcium hardness levels must be between 175-250 ppm. If the calcium level gets too high, you can’t reduce it. You have to drain the whole water and start again with new water. You should use a calcium hardness increase a little at a time.

5. Line Flush Cleaner

The plumbing inside your pipeline might get dirty. It can be filled with mineral deposits, dirt, and grime. The best way to clean them is using a line flush cleaner. You should clean your pipes every 3-4 months.

What order to add the chemicals?

This segment is very important. Here you’ll learn the order to add the chemicals.

• Add metal sequestrant or stain preventer if necessary
• Adjust alkalinity and pH
• Adjust sanitizer levels, like chlorine or bromine
• Adjust calcium hardness levels

Verdict

Now you know what chemicals do I need for a hot tub? I have already given some ideas and they also guided you about the using methods. Before I end here are some tips for you.

It is always necessary to check the temperature of the water. If you find the water too hot it can burn your skin. For testing the bath water liquid test kit is a great option. After you add the water, start adding your chemicals one by one.

That’s all for now. For more advice, Hot Tub Chemical Direct might come in help