Taking care of and maintaining your hot tub is an important part of ensuring its longevity. Maintaining the water quality is also equally important which is where the topic of adding chlorine to hot tub water comes in. Though it’s relatively straightforward, you’ll be surprised how many hot tub owners make mistakes regarding this since there are a lot of opinions floating around on the internet.
A common question among hot tub owners is whether they should add chlorine to their hot tubs on a daily basis. This is a subjective question depending on a few factors, but the general answer is no, you shouldn’t. To understand why, you need to have a better knowledge of chlorine’s effects on hot tubs.
Key Takeaways
- Adding chlorine to your hot tub water every day is a bad idea in more ways than one.
- How much chlorine you should add to your tub water depends on the frequency of use and the size of the tub.
- Properly adding chlorine to the hot tub is just as important as maintaining proper water chemistry.
Why is Chlorine Important for Hot Tubs?
Unless you want to be bedridden by a bunch of unhygienic diseases, keeping your hot tub water bacteria and germ-free is a must. This is where chlorine comes into play– this equally helpful and harmful chemical component is responsible for keeping your hot tub water bacteria and germ-free.
It should be noted that various types of chlorine work in the same water alkalinity and pH levels. So, if there’s an imbalance in the water’s chemicals then even the most expensive chlorine won’t be as effective as it should be.
Unlike swimming pools where pouring liquid chlorine is the norm, hot tub chlorine is produced through the method of electrolysis. An electrical current is passed through salt water which separates the sodium and chloride. These in turn actively kill the germs and bacteria in the tub, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing dip without any health risks.
Should You Add Chlorine to Your Hot Tub Every Day?
Do you know why chlorine is added to hot tubs and pools in the first place? It’s to maintain proper water chemistry which consists of the following factors:
- Water clarity maintenance.
- Prevention of harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
- Ensuring maximum comfort.
The maintenance of this chemistry in turn depends on the frequency of use, the number of people using the tub/spa/pool, water hardiness, and sanitization, which is where chlorine comes into play.
While using chlorine in pools, spas, and hot tubs is hygienically beneficial, too much of it can be bad for you as well. Adding chlorine to your hot tub every day is excessive; adding it once every 2-3 days is the optimum time frame for adding chlorine to your hot tub. If the tub is not used during this timeframe, then the chlorine level slowly drops. It’s one of the main reasons why many people prefer bromine over chlorine.
If you live in a very hot or humid climate chlorine from hot tub water can evaporate quite fast, but even then you should add chlorine to the tub water every other day instead of every day.
✨ You May like: What Can I Use As A Temporary Hot Tub Cover?
5 Problems With Adding Too Much Chlorine to Hot Tub Water
Adding too much chlorine to hot tub water can cause a lot of problems that might not be apparent at first. Apparent or not you definitely don’t want to be affected by these problems. Here are the 4 problems of adding too much chlorine to your hot tub water:
Corrodes the internal components of the hot tub
Surprising as it may sound, the excessive presence of chlorine in tub water can also affect the internal components of the hot tub by corroding them over time. They can also corrode hot tub covers which only adds to the repair costs. So if you value your expensive hot tub, keep the chlorine usage at optimum levels.
Itchy skin
One of the most common complaints many people have after taking a dip in their hot tub/spa/swimming pool is that their skin is itching. This usually happens when excessive chlorine comes in direct contact with dry skin. If you or any of your family members have dry skin, then be careful of your chlorine usage.
Rashes
Rashes are another common problem that hot tub owners who put too much chlorine in their tub water complain of. Chlorine water can cause rashes when the chloramines in the pool water get attached to your skin after lengthy periods of exposure. So if you’re the type who sits in the tub with a bottle of wine and a book, it’s bad news for you.
Further skin afflictions
If you or any of your family members are already suffering from any form of skin affliction such as psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis, excessive chlorine exposure further worsens these skin conditions. So make sure to be careful with your chlorine application if you or any of your family members have skin conditions.
Burns and blisters
Though this happens rarely, excessive chlorine in tub water can also cause burns and blisters. This usually happens when the tub’s ventilation system breaks down or has a problem, which causes gas buildup. As a result of this, spending a long time in the tub can cause unexpected skin burns and blisters in the last places you want on your body.
How to Properly Add Chlorine to Your Hot Tub?
Properly adding chlorine to your hot tub comprises of a few simple steps:
- First test the chemical levels in the water using a test strip or water testing kit.
- Once the water quality is deemed optimum, you should prepare the chlorine depending on what form of chlorine you purchase.
- Add the prepared chlorine to the tub water by turning on the jets and slowly pouring the chlorine into that area so the jet evenly distributes the chlorine across the tub.
- Wait for some time to let the chlorine settle in the water and then test the water levels again. If everything checks out, time to take a relaxing dip in your hot tub!
FAQs
1. How much chlorine to add to the hot tub the first time?
The answer to this question depends on the size and specifications of your hot tub. Usually, it comes to about 2-3 tablespoons per 500 gallons of water.
2. Are there different forms of chlorine?
Yes, there are different forms of chlorine including liquid chlorine, chlorine granules, and chlorine tablets.
3. How many chlorine granules for 1,000 liters of tub water?
You need 2 grams of chlorine granules per 1000 liters of tub water. This will roughly translate to about 3 tablespoons for every 500 gallons of water in your hot tub.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all the nitty-gritty details, you should have your answer as to whether chlorine should be added to your hot tub every day. Chlorine is a very useful but sensitive chemical, so you should always be careful how much of it you’re adding to your hot tub, spa, or pool water. With optimal use, it can give you relaxing and enjoyable hot baths for years to come!
✨ Next Attraction: What Does Biofilm Look Like In My Hot Tub?
I am Donald M. Beyer and I am backyard enthusiasts. I am a homeowner who has been doing DIY projects in and out of my house for many years. From simple backyard lunches to making an old-school pizza oven in my own backyard, I have a lot of experience in turning my backyard into my and my family’s personal playground.
