If you already own one of the best hot tubs (opens in new tab), you’ll know just how easy it is to turn up the relaxation levels in your home. Be it a premium model or one of the best inflatable hot tubs (opens in new tab), these slices of pure R&R are worth their weight in gold. From helping to soothe aches and pains to being (quite literally) the hot spot to entertain – a hot tub is a great way to ease the mind, body and soul. However, when it comes to looking after your model, what hot tub chemicals do you need? How often should you put these chemicals in? And will your hot tub work without chemicals? To find out all these and more we put these questions to Tom Drakett, Brand Marketing Manager at Lay-Z-Spa (opens in new tab).
What hot tub chemicals should you put in your tub before using it?
So you’ve bought yourself a hot tub. However, before filling it up with water and jumping straight in, how can you ensure your tub is working optimally? “Treating water with chemicals can seem daunting, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it is straightforward,” Tom says. “For first-time hot tub owners, we always recommend getting a few basics to get started. This includes:
- Chlorine to sanitize your hot tub 2. Ph plus and minus to adjust levels 3. Foam remover in case of foam build-up 4. Test strips to know what chemicals need addressing."
What hot tub chemicals should you put in your tub?
Tom says: “At a very basic level, chlorine granules are the number one chemical needed to sanitize the water. Chlorine is a sanitiser that kills off any harmful contaminants in the water, prevents bacteria growth, and makes the water safe to use.” But aside from this, there are further chemicals that might be needed in order to keep a healthy chemical balance. “pH plus or pH minus may be required to control the acidity or alkalinity of the water,” Tom says. “Total Alkalinity plus might be required to increase the water’s Total Alkalinity. And for maintenance, you may require a scale and stain controller, especially in hard water areas. You might also need a clarifier if your water is prone to quickly losing quality. If in doubt, the best thing to do is to check your hot tub owner’s manual and go through the exact processes you need to tick off to keep your pride and joy working around the clock." He adds, “To limit your use of chemicals, you should be cleaning your filters at least once per month and then every six months completely drain your spa and refill it with fresh clean water and replace the Ecopur filter element.”
Will your hot tub work without chemicals?
Whilst your hot tub might continue to work without the addition of chemicals, Tom says: “We would not advise anyone to use a hot tub without treating the water with chemicals.” Chemicals keep your hot tub clean, they keep it safe to relax in and they make sure it’s ready for you and your guests to use all year round. The use of chemicals also prolongs the lifespan of your tub, preventing build up of bacteria. When you think about it, if you don’t drain the water in your hot tub, the same water is being used for days, weeks and in some cases months again. You wouldn’t use the same bath water you, your friends and/or your family have bathed in, so why do the same in a hot tub?" Discover more guides for the garden… Best swim spas (opens in new tab) Best patio heaters (opens in new tab) Best pool heaters (opens in new tab)
