How to Know When to Adjust Hot Tub Sanitizers

Your hot tub is only as healthy as the water inside. Hot tub maintenance is vital when it comes to promoting safe and hygienic soaks. Most hot tub owners know that the chemicals in their hot tub water need to be adjusted and rebalanced periodically. However, some people may find it difficult to determine when their hot tub requires another dose of chemicals or which chemicals need to be applied. At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, we offer a wide range of hot tub sanitizers and balancers to ensure that you can maintain a safe and healthy tub. Contact us today to shop our hot tubs in Richmond Hill.

Here is what you need to know about adjusting your hot tub chemicals and sanitizers

What do Hot Tub Sanitizers Do?

As the name suggests, hot tub sanitizers are meant to help keep your water clean and disinfected. Without the use of hot tub sanitizers, the water inside your tub can harbour bacteria, viruses and pathogens, all of which can contribute to ill bathers. Sanitizers all effectively reduce algae growth, which can be damaging to your hot tub elements and equipment. 

Signs that Your Hot Tub May be Low on Sanitizer

Being able to identify when your hot tub is low on sanitizer can help you minimize the growth and spread of bacteria and algae. Some signs that your hot tub needs more sanitizer include:

• Odd Smells: Poor smells radiating from your hot tub may indicate high levels of bacteria in the water. An overgrowth of bacteria means your water is not effectively sanitized.
• Cloudy or Discoloured Water: Clearwater is usually a clear indication of well-balanced hot tub water, so any cloudiness or colour change suggests that there may be an issue. Cloudy water usually means that organic matter is building up in your hot tub, indicating low sanitizer levels.
• Skin Irritation: If bathers are experiencing discomfort in the hot tub, this may be a sign of low sanitizer levels. Bacterial overgrowth can irritate the skin of bathers, causing rashes and even infections in severe cases. 

If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial that you adjust your water promptly in order to minimize the health impacts on bathers and to minimize damage to the tub itself.

How to Effectively Test and Adjust Hot Tub Sanitizers

You need to have a consistent hot tub maintenance schedule to ensure that your tub is consistently safe to use. This routine should involve three major steps for best results:

1. Testing

The easiest way to determine whether your hot tub is low in sanitizer is by testing the water. At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, we offer a range of testing strips that can help you understand the state of your water. Our AquaChek Spa 6-in-1 Test Strips will measure total chlorine, total alkalinity, total hardness, total bromine, chlorine-free, and pH. These readings can then inform your watercare routine. Both chlorine and bromine are used as hot tub sanitizers, so ensure that your chlorine levels are between 1-3 ppm, whereas bromine levels should fall between 3-5 ppm. 

2. Balancing

Before sanitizing your hot tub water, you should first ensure that the water is balanced. The pH of your pool should be neutral in order to reduce skin irritation and damage to your hot tub equipment. Your hot tub pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is too high, add some Beachomber pH minus to lower it. If it is too low, use some Beachcomber pH plus to raise it. 

3. Add Your Sanitizer

Once your hot tub water is effectively balanced, you can add your hot tub sanitizers. Most people utilize bromine and/or chlorine. Ensure you follow the instructions on the packaging for optimal results. Typically, you will need to add a certain amount based on the volume of water in your tub, so have that information handy when this time comes. For example, with Beachcomber Chloro-Blast, it is recommended that you apply 10 grams for every 1000L of water. 

Overall, you should test your hot tub on a weekly basis and sanitize the water according to the results in order to minimize health and safety concerns. 

Opt for Effective Hot Tub Maintenance with Supplies from Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs

Hot tub maintenance is essential to the health and safety of your tub. Sanitizing your hot tub can be tricky, but with the right equipment and routine, it can be made simple. Testing your hot tub regularly is the primary key to success. For effective balancing and sanitizing, shop for hot tub chemicals and supplies from Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs. When it comes to watercare, we’ve got you covered. Contact us to shop for hot tubs in Richmond Hill. 

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