The key to using chlorine is finding a balance between the bacteria introduced vs the sanitiser used to neutralize it. Public spaces are required to have a chlorine reading between 1-3ppm. However, in the comfort of your own home & hot tub, you can use chlorine a bit differently. For the most part, you should know if the water has taken a turn for the worse. If you lift the cover and the water is cloudy or has a musty smell, that is a pretty good indication that it will require some TLC before you or your family enjoys their next soak. Our rule of thumb is, "If it looks clean and smells clean, it's safe to use." Even if there is no chlorine reading immediately present on your test strip. I've got some tips below to ensure that you're adding just enough chlorine and having a positive experience as well.
USE CHLORINE AS NEEDED Whatever you do, do not fill up a sanitizer floating dispenser with more than two tablets of chlorine! These floaters are meant for bromine! What is the difference, you ask?
CLEAN YOUR FILTERS. CLEAN YOUR FILTERS. CLEAN YOUR FILTERS Your hot tub is a self-cleaning machine! With powerful pumps, it can cycle your water to keep it looking sparkly! At the centre of this powerhouse is your filter, and your job is to alleviate the debris & oils trapped in it as often as possible. A dirty filter will always equal a dirty hot tub, no matter how much sanitizer you add to the water. Anytime you have issues with water chemistry, this is the 1st step to turning it around. We recommend having a 2nd filter or 2nd set, allowing you to swap out the used filter for a fresh one, and then you can clean it at your convenience.
How do I clean my Filter to get the most out of it?
How often should you clean your filter?
SHOWER BEFORE YOU SOAK There’s a reason they ask you to shower before entering public bathing places, and the same concept applies at home. When you enter the tub, the cleaner you are, the less sanitizer is needed to maintain water clarity. Have a quick shower before your soak. Rinse off any oils, lotions & grime before you using the hot tub. The fewer contaminants you introduce; the less chlorine you need to use.
DON’T WASH YOUR BATHING SUITE AFTER EVERY SOAK This one might seem counterproductive, but there is a logic behind the theory, I promise! Freshly washed bathing suites with residual laundry soap is the #1 reason your hot tub turns into a bubble bath once those jets get fired up, and the Defoamer used to counter is made up of oils. Too much defoamer leaves your hot tub water greasy and quickly clogs up your filters. Pick a suit for the tub, hang it to dry after use, and wash it once every few weeks to reduce the suds!