Adding chemicals to your spa can seem a little overwhelming, particularly if you are new to the hot tub game. However if you follow some basic rules when adding them, it can become a routine in no time and makes water maintenance easier and far less stressful.
The first steps when adding chemicals are very important, but often overlooked:
- Keep the pump and jets running, this will allow the particles to mix properly in the water
- Leave the cover off because some chemicals (such as shock and chlorine) need to circulate and they can then oxidize. If you close the cover too soon after adding certain chemicals, you can actually damage the underside of the cover. Give your spa at least 15-20 mins to off gas after adding any chemicals before closing the lid.
Some hot tubs have blowers or air valves around the top of the spa. The air combines with the water to intensify the pressure to certain jets, and adds more bubbles to the spa. If the air is on when adding certain chemicals, such as chlorine or shock, it can cause the chemicals to oxidize too quickly, not allowing them to work properly. Having the air turned off when adding any chemicals is recommended, so you don’t have to worry about the chemicals being affected by the air.
Testing your water with test strips is a good idea before adding chemicals. This way you have a baseline to start from. Knowing the pH and alkalinity level will help you balance your chemicals properly, and ensure your sanitizer and shock are working most effectively. Also having the chemicals pre-measured before introducing them to the water will ensure you are not wasting chemicals or adding too much. This will make water maintenance easier and save you money in the long run. Read the instructions on the bottle to ensure you are adding the correct amount.
Following some simple rules can help to take the stress out of water maintenance and make adding chemicals just part of your hot tub routine, allowing you and your family to just sit back and enjoy your spa worry-free.