New to hot tubs - sanitizer question

[BKennedy]

I’ve been using trouble free pools for a few years and have learned a lot and was able to kick my local pool store!

I’ve recently gotten a hot tub from my sister and trying to figure out what sanitation to use. I’ve read the chlorine and bromine posts at the top but don’t know which one to use. I will only use the hot tub once or twice a week. Between the two, which would be less maintainance if it’s not being used much? I have some bromine tabs my sister gave me, but if chlorine is easier and less maintainance, I can go that route. Thanks for the help!

 

[PoolStored]

You will get more answers from others... For the chemistry and the chemicals, might be best to start with a chlorine tub...you can always change...

Spa & Hot Tub Maintenance A Basic Guide

Hot Tub Maintenance can be done easy with a few tricks. Hot tub chemicals, rashes, and schedules are all covered in this easy to grasp article.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[BKennedy]

Would floating chlorine tabs help to prolong how often I would need to add bleach?

 

[PoolStored]

it would, but if you use trichlor tabs, they raise the CYA in addition to raising FC. At some point when you get around 40 CYA, you will have to suspend the use of tabs.

 

[BKennedy]

I am at 40 cya now as I used some conditioner from my pool. PH is 7.2, alk is a little low at 30, CH is at 100. Every couple of days my chlorine is at 0, but all I’ve been using is some cal-hypo shock. Maybe I need to try some bleach and see how long it will stay.

 

[PoolStored]

Every couple of days my chlorine is at 0, but all I’ve been using is some cal-hypo shock. Maybe I need to try some bleach and see how long it will stay.

TA should be at least 50. Use baking soda to raise to 50. Use pool math to calculate how much. Link->PoolMath

Chorine is your first priority. Always maintain your FC for your CYA...Link-->FC/CYA Levels

With a plaster finish you want CH to be at least 200-250. Add calcium chloride...use pool math.

If you have to dose Liquid Chlorine higher than the range, so that WHEN YOU TEST your FC is in range....do that...

 

[ajw22]

With a plaster finish …

What type of hot tub are we discussing?

I’ve recently gotten a hot tub from my sister

 

[BKennedy]

What type of hot tub are we discussing?

It is a fiberglass shell, freestanding hot tub. No plaster.

 

[ajw22]

It is a fiberglass shell, freestanding hot tub. No plaster.

CH of 100 is fine then.

Otherwise follow post #6 advice.

 

[Mdragger88]

Note* trichlor tabs are not recommended for a standalone covered hot tub. Aside from the cya rise issue they can dissolve too rapidly in the warmer water leading to a high fc or acidic condition which can cause damage to equipment, the shell, cover, & headrests.

While manually dosing you will need to ensure your fc doesn’t fall below minimum for your cya at any time.
FC/CYA Levels
Nasties proliferate rapidly in a spa environment. This may mean dosing daily and/or using more chlorine (anywhere between min & slam level is safe) when you do dose. Your frequent testing, before & after use & during standby times, will need to be your guide.
Many choose to add a saltwater chlorine generator like the saltron mini to cover their standby fc needs. Manual dosing after use may still be necessary depending upon bather load.