Using Chlorine to Sanitize Your Hot Tub

Using granular chlorine is the simplest, best priced way to sanitize your hot tub. Unlike chlorine tablets, which is a different type of chlorine for pools, it works quickly and goes away quickly. In most cases it’s the only thing you’ll need to use. It is very important to have your hot tub drained and cleaned every three months. Using granular chlorine is the simplest, best priced way to take care of your tub. It works quickly, goes away quickly, and it’s the only thing you’ll need to use. Here’s what you do:

2-3 Person Hot Tub (Click for Print Version)

Add 1 tablespoon of chlorine after you use the hot tub. If you use the tub every day you can add a little less each time after you get out. If you’re not using the tub frequently, add 1-1/2 tablespoons to the tub once a week. You simply toss the chlorine in the water. We recommend having one of the pumps running when you add the chlorine, however it dissolves quickly so if there is no pump running it’s no problem.


As you start using this sanitizing system, you’ll need to find the right amount to use based on how often you use the tub, and how many people are using it. Here are a few examples: If one person uses the tub 2-4 times a week, 1 tablespoon after each use should be the proper amount. If two people use the tub 2-4 times a week, add 1-1/2 tablespoons after each use. If you have friends over and 4 or more people use the hot tub, add 2 tablespoons at the end of the night.


One of the best benefits of using this sanitizing system is that the water will let you know if you’re using the right amount. When you open the cover to use your hot tub, if you get a heavy chlorine smell, you’re using too much. If you open your hot tub cover and the water doesn’t smell quite right, you’re not using enough chlorine. If this happens, simply add 1-1/2 tablespoons to bring the water back to perfection. The goal is to have little to no chlorine smell every time.

It is not necessary to test or balance the pH and alkalinity during the 3-4 month periods between cleanings. If the pH and alkalinity go above or below the ideal range, it is unlikely the water will irritate anyone’s skin. As long as your hot tub is being drained and cleaned every 3 months, the pH and alkalinity will not have the opportunity to get too far out of the ideal range.

4-6 Person Hot Tub (Click for Print Version)

Add 1-1/2 tablespoons of chlorine after you use the hot tub. If you use the tub every day you can add 1 tablespoon or a little less each time after you get out. If you’re not using the tub frequently, add 2 tablespoons to the tub once a week. You simply toss the chlorine in the water. We recommend having one of the pumps running when you add the chlorine, however it dissolves quickly so if there is no pump running it’s no problem.


As you start using this sanitizing system, you’ll need to find the right amount to use based on how often you use the tub, and how many people are using it. Here are a few examples: If one person uses the tub 2-4 times a week, 1 tablespoon after each use should be the proper amount. If two people use the tub 2-4 times a week, add 1-1/2 tablespoons after each use. If you have friends over and 4 or more people use the hot tub, add 3 tablespoons at the end of the night.

One of the best benefits of using this sanitizing system is that the water will let you know if you’re using the right amount. When you open the cover to use your hot tub, if you get a heavy chlorine smell, you’re using too much. If you open your hot tub cover and the water doesn’t smell quite right, you’re not using enough chlorine. If this happens, simply add 2-3 tablespoons to bring the water back to perfection. The goal is to have little to no chlorine smell every time.


It is not necessary to test or balance the pH and alkalinity during the 3-4 month periods between cleanings. If the pH and alkalinity go above or below the ideal range, it is unlikely the water will irritate anyone’s skin. As long as your hot tub is being drained and cleaned every 3 months, the pH and alkalinity will not have the opportunity to get too far out of the ideal range.