Shocking your hot tub is the easiest way you can ensure that the water is safe and free from all contaminant. Whenever you open your hot tub, or after a period of inactivity or even heavy use, it is a good idea to shock it before you begin using it. Let’s take a look at everything you should know about shocking your hot tub so you are prepared to care for your spa the right way.
Why Shock Your Hot Tub?
1. Remove organic compounds from the water. If you use your hot tub often or you have 3 or 4 bathers in there at once, the level of organic compounds can spike quickly. Removing these compounds is a must for clean water.
2. Kill bacteria. Chlorine and bromine-based shock compounds can easily kill bacteria growing in the water so it is safe. However, if you use other types of shock compounds, they will not disinfect the water.
3. Reactivate bromides in the spa. If your hot tub uses bromine, adding shock once a week will help activate it to properly clean the water of your hot tub.
Shock Compounds
1. Chlorine Based Shock - These types of shock are both oxidizers and disinfectants as well. They should be used periodically but not every single time you need to give your hot tub a good shock as the chemicals can be rather hard on your hot tub’s plumbing if you’re not careful. Chlorine based shock is best used when you first open your hot tub or when you change the water and when you need to give it a good cleaning after a heavy bather load.
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How to Shock Your Hot Tub The shocking process is relatively easy and can easily be done yourself without the help of a professional. All you have to do is add the shock and let it work its magic. To shock your hot tub, simply follow these easy instructions: 1. Adjust the pH levels of your spa’s water to between 7.2 and 7.6. 2. Remove the hot tub cover so your spa can breathe while being shocked. 3. Turn off the air to the jets but leave the circulation pump running so the water is moving but is not too agitated. 4. Measure the amount of shock you need for the number of gallons of water in your hot tub. Check your shock’s label instructions to find this information. 5. Add the shock to your hot tub carefully. If you’re outside, be extra cautious as high wind could blow the shock right in your face. |
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When Is It Safe for a Soak after Shocking? |
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There is no hard and fast rule about when you should get into your hot tub after you have shocked it. Test the water. Check the bromine levels are within 4-6mg/l or for chlorine 3-5mg/l, then it is safe for a soak. How long it will take for the chlorine levels to reach this depends largely upon how much shock you used. In some cases, it can be only 20 minutes to an hour after shocking, in other cases 12 hours, while still others you should wait a day. Check your shocks instructions to see when it says it is safe and test your water before you decide to take a dip just to make sure it is safe. |
