I wrote this article to teach people how easy it is to keep your hot tub water perfect all the time. I have been using this system and working in the hot tub industry since 1999. If you’ve ever struggled with cloudy or foamy water, this system is for you. If you’re trying to work with a hot tub dealer and they keep selling you chemical after chemical, this system is for you. If you have a hot tub, this system is for you.
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), granular chlorine works quickly and goes away quickly. Why is that? Because chlorine is a gas. Once the granules dissolve and release the chlorine, the chlorine kills what it needs to before it reaches the surface of the water, then off-gasses. Since your hot tub cover isn’t air tight, the off gasses escape. The most important part of this system is draining and cleaning your hot tub every three months. Other than that, 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 your tub frequently, add 1-1/2 tablespoons to the tub once a week. You simply toss the chlorine in the water. It’s a good idea to have one of the pumps running when you add the chlorine.
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, if you get a heavy chlorine smell you’re using too much. If you open the cover and the water doesn’t smell quite right, you’re not using enough chlorine. If this happens, simply add 1-1/2 tablespoons and your water should be back to perfect the next day. The goal is to have little to no chlorine smell every time you use your tub.
With this system it is usually not necessary to test or balance the pH and alkalinity. This may sound like a crazy idea to some of you reading this article, but after using this system for almost 30 years I can assure you it is true. If the pH and alkalinity go above or below the ideal range during the 3 months between cleanings, it is unlikely the water will irritate anyone’s skin. Again, it’s very important to have your hot tub drained and cleaned every 3 months.
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. It’s a good idea to have one of the pumps running when you add the chlorine.
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, if you get a heavy chlorine smell you’re using too much. If you open the cover and the water doesn’t smell quite right, you’re not using enough chlorine. If this happens, simply add 2-3 tablespoons and your water should be back to perfect the next day. The goal is to have little to no chlorine smell every time you use your tub.
With this system it is usually not necessary to test or balance the pH and alkalinity. This may sound like a crazy idea to some of you reading this article, but after using this system for almost 30 years I can assure you it is true. If the pH and alkalinity go above or below the ideal range during the 3 months between cleanings, it is unlikely the water will irritate anyone’s skin. Again, it’s very important to have your hot tub drained and cleaned every 3 months.
When I started in the hot tub industry, I was building, delivering and repairing hot tubs for the first 3 years. After that I worked for the largest internet hot tub company on the planet, and we offered free technical support. Now I have my own hot tub cleaning business. I couldn’t possibly keep track of the thousands of people who I’ve helped by showing them this system, and I hope it helps you. Thanks for reading!
Hot Tub Mark