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.
When should you shock your hot tub?
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.
Can you shock a hot tub too much?
You only need a small amount of chlorine to successfully sanitize your spa, so it’s possible to overdo it if you’re not careful. Too much chlorine can damage your hot tub and irritate your skin, eyes and lungs.
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.
Should I Shock hot tub after filling?
It is a good practice to shock with dichlor when you refill your spa . After that, regular maintenance can normally be accomplished with non-chlorine shock. Other times for shock treatment include before or after heavy use and when the spa has been neglected.
What happens if you go in a hot tub with too much chlorine?
If theres too much chlorine it will vaporise and form gas that floats just above the surface of the water . If this vapor is inhaled it can inflame airways and exacerbate certain breathing conditions. Read more What Temperature Should My Spa Pool be at and Why?
How do I keep my hot tub water crystal clear?
- Get A Good Cover. Covering your hot tub when it isn’t in use is one of the best ways to keep dirt and other detritus out of the water. ...
- Shower Before Entering. ...
- Use A Skimmer. ...
- Keep Up with Your Water Testing. ...
- Add the Proper Chemicals. ...
- Empty, Clean and Refill. ...
- Clean and Change Filters.
Why do I have so much foam in my hot tub?
Cloudy or foamy water is often an indication that the chemical balance of your spa water is not quite right . Over time, this can even cause damage to your hot tub, corroding certain parts or discoloring the walls.
What is the difference between spa shock and sanitizer?
Spa shocks work much like sanitizers and are used to kill any bacteria, algae, or bad odors your daily sanitizer may miss. ... Shock treatments oxidize (gasses off) old chlorine, oils, sweat, dirt, and other contaminants that can make your water cloudy and smelly.
Can you add shock and chlorine at the same time to a hot tub?
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 put chlorine in hot tub?
How Much Chlorine Should I Add to my hot tub? A chlorine level of between 3-5mg/l must be maintained in your hot tub at all times. The addition of chlorine will depend upon usage and bathing habits. It could be daily or every 2-3 days (for 1mg/l add 2g per 1000 litres).
When can I add chemicals to my hot tub after filling?
Now that your filters are clean and installed, your water is fresh, and your pump is primed, it’s finally time to add your start-up chemicals. Wait until your hot tub water reaches 80oF (30oC) before you add anything. The heat helps the chemicals dissolve and incorporate into the water.
How do you balance a hot tub after filling?
For water with high Alkalinity (over 150 ppm), use the pH Minus chemical or other acid to lower the level, which will also lower your pH somewhat. After filling the spa, adjust alkalinity to the 80-120 ppm range . Spa pH should be in the 7.2 – 7.6 range.
How long after filling hot tub can you use it?
Do not use a hot tub right after you add chemicals. You should wait at least 2 hours before using the hot tub again. The chemicals need time to work their magic and sanitize the water. Also, a higher concentration of chlorine is best because you’ll need to add chemicals less often.
How long does it take for chlorine levels to go down?
Heavy shocking with granular chlorine will generally require 24-48 hours before the chlorine level has dropped to safe swimming levels (below 5 ppm). Lithium and Non-Chlorine shock labels typically allow immediate swimming, but check the package label, to be sure.
What are the side effects of too much chlorine?
Chlorine, either solid or liquid, is a pesticide used in pools to destroy germs, including those from feces, urine, saliva and other substances. But excessive exposure to chlorine can cause sickness and injuries, including rashes, coughing, nose or throat pain, eye irritation and bouts of asthma , health experts warn.
