How often should I shock my hot tub?
Your hot tub should be shocked at least once a week. However, if your hot tub is heavily used, then it’s best to shock it once every three days. How if the hot tub in question is in a bath house or a public spa, then these should be shocked daily.
What is shock treatment for a spa?
What is Shock Treatment? Shocking a spa means applying an ample dose of chlorine (sodium dichlor) or non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate or MPS). One purpose of this treatment is to break-down organic waste contaminants which cause odor and cloudy water. After treatment, water quality and clarity is often completely restored.
How often do I need to shock dose my water?
We advise customers to shock dose their water once a week to control bacteria growth and destroy bather impurities. There are two possible products which you can use to do this; chlorine shock and non-chlorine shock.
Do I need to shock my spa water before use?
If you are confident of the water balance and condition before use, there may be no need to shock before using the spa. I almost always shock my tub after a session. On the other hand, if your spa water turns dull and cloudy after use, or after use your sanitizer level is zero, and pH is pummeled,...
How long does spa shock last?
All brands give different recommendations, ranging from 20 minutes to 24 hours. However, before donning your swimsuit and stepping inside, we suggest using a test strip to ensure your chlorine levels are safe. Top tip: Non-chlorine shock treatments don't sanitise the water.
Can you shock your spa too much?
The bottom line is that over-shocking is possible, but being responsible with your chemicals and timing will help you to avoid it as often as possible!
When should I use spa shock?
It is best to apply shock to your spa in the morning or evening and when there are no bathers in the water. Carefully add the appropriate dosage to your spa. Don't apply on a windy day or with children present. Allow 15-45 minutes with the pumps running for the treatment to work before entering the water.
Can I shock my hot tub every day?
Generally it is recommended that you shock your hot tub once a week – more often if it's seeing heavy use. If your levels are all good, but the water is a bit cloudy or doesn't quite smell right, it's time for a shock. You should also shock the tub if you haven't used it for an extended period of time.
Should I shock my hot tub after every use?
Regular hot tub shocking is inevitable to keep your water clean and safe for use. Dead skin and other elements like hair may end up dropping in the hot tub, leaving the tub in a mess. It is essential to shock the hot tub frequently – at least once every week.
What is the difference between spa shock and chlorine?
Spa Shock is commonly available in two different forms. There is chlorine based shock (Sodium Dichlor), which increases your sanitizer levels as well as shocking the water, and non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate or MPS) which is purely for oxidizing the water.
What is the difference between pool shock and spa shock?
Water temperature: Swimming pools have a maximum water temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot tubs, on the other hand, typically have a temperature of between 95-120 degrees Fahrenheit. The hotter temperature affects the reaction of the chemicals, resulting in unexpected, erratic pH imbalances.
How long after shocking hot tub can you go in?
✔ Wait at least 20-30 minutes after shocking your spa to resume soaking into warmth. However, do this only if your water is tested and all levels are perfect! ✔ The sun can burn off chlorine, always shock your spa in the early morning hours or in the evening!
Is spa Sanitizer the same as shock?
Spa shocks work much like sanitizers and are used to kill any bacteria, algae, or bad odors your daily sanitizer may miss. Shock treatments can be considered support for your sanitizer and are applied based on how often your hot tub is used.
How often do I need to put chlorine in my hot tub?
every two to three daysHow much chlorine should I add to my hot tub? Aim to maintain a chlorine level of 3 to 5mg/l at all times. How frequently you add more chlorine will depend on your usage and bathing habits. It could be daily, every two to three days or weekly.
Can I add shock and chlorine at the same time?
While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.
How often should you change water in hot tub?
four monthsWith average use, your hot tub should be drained and refilled about once every three or four months. But since everyone uses their hot tub differently, the answer can vary based on how many people use it and how often. Hot tub manufacturers like Jacuzzi offer some handy tips for figuring out when to drain and refill.
How to shock a spa?
Shocking a Spa or Hot Tub 1 Read the Label – different oxidizers have varying strengths. Be careful not to overdose or underdose your spa shock treatment. 2 Measure your spa shock – dosing is so important. If you are 1/2 of an ounce off, you can underdose or overdose your spa. 3 Add Carefully – high winds can blow spa shock right in your face. Gently pour it over the surface and wash away any spills right away. Keep out of the reach of children.
What happens when you shock a spa?
In the case of granular chlorine or non-chlorine oxidizer – spa shocks, the oxidizer rapidly steals the outer electrons of contaminants it comes in contact with.
How to reactivate bromides in spa water?
To reactivate bromides in your spa water. For a bromine spa, using an oxidizer weekly helps maintain the bromine level in your spa water. Activating bromide ions with spa shock converts them to hypobromous acid, the killing form of bromine. More on building a Bromine Bank here.
Why add oxidizer to spa water?
Add an oxidizer after spa use to restore sanitary spa water, by breaking down bather waste.
How to remove bromamines from spa?
To remove bromamines or chloramines in the spa. Using a DPD test kit, you can test for the level of combined chlorine or bromine. Adding an oxidizer in the amount equal to 10x the level of combined sanitizer will break apart these bonds and make sanitation more efficient.
How long does it take for a spa oxidizer to dissolve?
How long to wait after shocking a spa, before you can get in? I knew that question was coming! Consult your label, but most spa oxidizers need just 5 minutes to fully dissolve, disperse and to complete oxidation.
What to do if your spa water turns cloudy?
On the other hand, if your spa water turns dull and cloudy after use, or after use your sanitizer level is zero, and pH is pummeled, you may want to preemptively shock to boost levels. This is helpful for small spa filters that are overwhelmed with several spa users.
What does shocking a spa mean?
Shocking a spa means applying an ample dose of chlorine (sodium dichlor) or non-chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate or MPS). One purpose of this treatment is to break-down organic waste contaminants which cause odor and cloudy water. After treatment, water quality and clarity is often completely restored.
Why do you need to shock a hot tub?
Regardless of which sanitizer system you use, periodic shocking is essential for clear, clean hot tub water. It will also allow your sanitizer to perform at peak efficiency.
What is non chlorine shock?
Non-Chlorine Shock - regular use for maintenance. Non-chlorine shock is monopersulfate compound, often called MPS for short. It is an oxygen-based shock, preferred by many because it has little or no odor. Our OxySpa non-chlorine shock is 100% compatible with chlorine, bromine, Cleanwater Blue, Nature2, Frog products, and dichlor shock.
Why do you shock with dichlor?
Shocking with dichlor ensures a clean start and will help curb problems from pre-existing contaminants. Dichlor is also the quickest way to fix problems after a heavy bather load.
When to use dichlor shock?
Other times for shock treatment include before or after heavy use and when the spa has been neglected . Whenever a dose of non-chlorine shock needs an extra boost, dichlor will usually provide it and clear up problems.
Does shocking turn chlorine back to chlorine?
If irritating chloramines are present, shocking also converts them back to active chlorine. If bromine is being used, shocking activates the bromide ion, which by itself has no disinfecting capability. It then becomes hypobromous acid in water, a good sanitizer.
How to shock a hot tub
Once you've invested in one of the best hot tubs, the issue of how to shock a hot tub or spa comes up for important reasons. ‘Shocking your hot tub could mean the difference between a pleasant bathing experience or the start of bacteria,’ says Tim Snelling from Hot Tub Hub .
1. Add the shock treatment
A shock treatment needs to be added to the filled hot tub. ‘There is a wide range of shock treatment products available on the market, some of which are chlorine-based and some of which are non-chlorine treatments,’ says Sallie Leslie-Golding.
2. Test the water
The process of how to shock a hot tub is easy, but it is vital to test the chlorine or bromine levels in the water before you use the spa again. You may need to add chemicals to restore the correct levels.
How often to shock a hot tub
Shocking a hot tub is a process you need to carry out regularly. ‘A shock treatment should be carried out routinely once a week,’ says Sallie Leslie-Golding.
Hot tub shocking mistakes and how to avoid them
We asked the experts which mistakes they see when owners are discovering how to shock a hot tub. These are the pitfalls, so you can swerve them.
Why Do I Need To Shock My Hot Tub?
Now before tossing in your corded toaster to try and shock your hot tub, know that the process of shocking has to do with chemicals. There are plenty of reasons why you should shock your hot tub water, including:
Hot Tub Shock Treatment
There are many types of shock out there, including calcium hypochlorite, dichlor, lithium hypochlorite, and non-chlorine shock.
How Often To Shock Hot Tub
You can use spa shock at least once every week. Many hot tub owners use it on a regular basis as part of their spa maintenance routines.
How long after shock to use hot tub?
Recommendations vary with ranges between 20 minutes and 24 hours.
How long should you leave a chlorine shock on a hot tub?
You must leave your cover off for at least 20 minutes and run a regular jet cycle to let your hot tub aerate.
Why do you shock a hot tub?
The main reason anyone shocks their hot tub is to clean the water, but it also helps to clear cloudy water. Other reasons to shock your hot tub include: To kill bacteria – Chlorine based shock treatments are designed to sanitise the hot tub water and ensure it is safe for bathers. Remove organic contaminants – Shocking helps to remove organic ...
Why remove the cover of a hot tub?
Remove the hot tub cover so oxygen can get to the water.
Does non chlorine shock work?
A non-chlorine shock does not disinfect the water which is why its main use is as a weekly treatment to oxidise the water and help remove contaminants and clear cloudy water. The non-chlorine shock will help your chlorine work better by creating ‘Free chlorine’ which is the type of chlorine needed to kill bacteria.
Can you use shock treatment after a fresh water change?
Due to the fact that this shock treatment contains chlorine, we would only recommend using it after very heavy use, or after a fresh water change to bring the chlorine level higher.
Can you mix chemicals in a hot tub?
Never mix hot tub chemicals unless instructed to do so by a hot tub specialist. Always add chemicals to water, never the other way around. Never add chemicals to your Hot Tub water while it is in use. Only use Hot Tub chemicals in well-ventilated areas. Beware of strong winds when using powdered chemicals.
What is the best shock for a hot tub?
There are two main types of pool shock that are used by homeowners: chlorine (also known as dichlor) and chlorine-alternative shocks. A smart hot tub owner will own both types. Dichlor is used to shock hot tubs that have has serious buildup that could pose a problem if left unchecked. If you are doing a quick routine maintenance shock, then you can choose a gentler chlorine-alternative shock.
What does shocking a hot tub mean?
When it comes to pool and spa upkeep, “shocking” something means dropping a small amount of chlorine shock into your tub. This shock treatment breaks down the bacteria and organic compounds that may have found their way into your spa. In turn, this keeps your hot tub safe to use, odor-free, and filled with clear water.
What is dichlor shock?
Dichlor is used to shock hot tubs that have has serious buildup that could pose a problem if left unchecked. If you are doing a quick routine maintenance shock, then you can choose a gentler chlorine-alternative shock.
Why do spas need calcium?
Unlike regular showers, spas need to have calcium in order to run smoothly. This is because calcium tends to act as a protective sheath around your spa’s plumbing. Too little calcium in the water heating will cause corrosion and foaming, which can damage your plumbing.
Do you have to be shocked when using a hot tub?
Saunas and public bathhouses see hundreds of guests per day. That alone is reason enough to get your hot tub shocked fairly frequently.
Can you use a hot tub if you don't use it?
Even if you don’t use them, a full hot tub will still pose a health risk as bacteria will still grow inside your tub. If you have long-term unuse, the best thing you can do is to drain the hot tub, clean the tub and fill it up once you’re ready to start using it again.
Can you hit the hot tub as often as you used to?
Even if you’re a major hot tub enthusiast, chances are that you might have times where you just can’t hit the tub as often as you’re used to. That’s okay, as long as you remember to shock your hot tub once you’re ready to hop back in again!
What is a hot tub shock treatment?
Hot tub shock treatments are the occasional use of chemicals to reduce the contaminants and oils that accumulate in the bathers’ hot tub water. The spa shock treatment breaks down organic contaminants to keep the water clear and clean. Potassium peroxymonosulfate is a chlorine-free shock treatment that oxidizes contaminants in water.
What are the hazards of a hot tub?
But the hazards of a hot tub’s life can disrupt water quality: heavy use, capricious weather, equipment failure, lack of maintenance, or any other anomaly.
Is chlorine safe for hot tubs?
Be careful though, chlorine is sensitive to high temperatures. It is much less effective above 28C. It is therefore not the most appropriate treatment for hot tubs. NB: Chlorine is often contraindicated for inflatable hot tubs. Check carefully what is indicated in your user manual.
Can you put chlorine in an inflatable hot tub?
NB: Chlorine is often contraindicated for inflatable hot tubs. Check carefully what is indicated in your user manual.
Why shock a hot tub?
By oxidizing contaminants and releasing them as a gas, shocking your hot tub reduces the need for high chemical doses; aids in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and algae; and prolongs the life of your equipment.
How to test a hot tub?
Dip the strip into your hot tub water. Dip the test strip in the water, just long enough to get it wet, and remove. Shake any excess water off the strip and compare it with the color on the back of the kit. Where your color falls will determine what your next course of action is.
How to balance hot tub water?
When removing the strips from the bottle, take care not to touch any of the other strips. Dip the strip into your hot tub water. Dip the test strip in the water, just long enough to get it wet, and remove.
What to check before hot tub pH?
When it comes to hot tub chemistry, the first thing you want to check is the water’s alkalinity. You want to check this before your pH levels because a proper alkalinity level will help to prevent fluctuations in the pH level. If the alkalinity (and pH levels) become too high, the chlorine-based disinfectants won’t be as effective and can lead to mineral buildup and other issues like cloudy water, skin or eye irritation, algae formation, and the formation of scales along the sides and bottom of your hot tub.
Where is the drain on a Bullfrog spa?
Locate the drain. On most spas, including Bullfrog Spas, this can usually be found below the equipment compartment door. Once located, follow the manufacturers directions for engaging the drain.
Do you need a lab coat for hot tubs?
While you may or may not have any interest in chemistry, in order to maintain clean water that is ready to use at any time you do need to know a couple of simple basics about these things. Don’t worry, you don’t need a lab coat, it’s really easy, and this handy hot tub chemicals guide is here to help.
Is it exciting to own a hot tub?
The move into hot tub ownership is an exciting time. You’ve picked the best hot tub for you, decided on the perfect location, and are now ready to jump in and relax. However, there is one thing that may still be on your mind as you embark on your spa ownership experience: hot tub chemistry.