Too Much Chlorine in Your Hot Tub? Here’s What To Do
Unwinding in your very own luxury hot tub is a heavenly retreat at the end of a tiring day. But did you know that maintaining the proper chlorine levels in your hot tub is not only vital for its longevity but also for your well-being?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into:
- The basics of chlorine levels in hot tubs
- How to identify high chlorine levels in a hot tub
- The steps you need to take if you find yourself with high levels of chlorine in your hot tub
- Some preventative measures you can take to stop it happening again
Get ready to discover the secrets to restoring the perfect balance and creating an oasis of relaxation. Let’s dive in.
Understanding chlorine levels in hot tubs
While we’ve recently discussed high chlorine levels in pools, chlorine also plays a vital role in keeping your hot tub water clean and free from harmful bacteria.
But how much is too much when it comes to your home spa? To answer that, it’s important to first understand the difference between free chlorine, combined chlorine, and total chlorine.
Free Chlorine
Free chlorine is the amount of chlorine available to sanitise your hot tub water. The ideal free chlorine levels should be between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm). Free chlorine levels higher than this range can cause skin and eye irritation, while levels lower than 1.0 ppm can lead to ineffective sanitation.
Combined Chlorine
When free chlorine combines with contaminants, it forms combined chlorine, which is no longer effective at sanitising your hot tub water. Ideally, combined chlorine levels should be below 1 and as close to zero as possible, as any level above that indicates the presence of contaminants in your hot tub.
Remember: your combined chlorine level will increase with more frequent use, so expect this number to be higher after a soak. This is due to the free chlorine combining with contaminants and becoming combined chlorine.
Total Chlorine
The sum of free and combined chlorine gives you the total chlorine level. If your total chlorine level is higher than free chlorine levels, it’s a sign of too much combined chlorine in your hot tub, indicating that the water is not as clean as it should be and may lead to skin irritation.
With a basic knowledge of water chemistry, identifying and reducing high chlorine levels in your hot tub will be much easier.
How much chlorine is too much in a hot tub?
So, how much is too much chlorine in your hot tub? We recommend sticking with chlorine levels between 1-3 ppm—and avoiding hot tub water with any higher than a chlorine level of 5 ppm.
This way, you can ensure your hot tub water remains clean and safe for use without causing any harm to your health or the tub itself. Chlorine levels above 5 ppm can cause:
- Skin irritation or rash
- Eye irritation and redness
- Bleached hair or swimwear
- Corrosion of hot tub equipment and surfaces
In addition to these effects, high chlorine levels can also affect the pH balance of your hot tub water. When chlorine levels are too high, it can cause a decrease in pH levels, leading to acidic water that can further irritate your skin and eyes.
How to test hot tub chlorine levels
If you’re unsure of your hot tub’s chlorine levels, you can always test it using ready-made chlorine test tablets, available in specialist hardware stores or online.
Testing your hot tub chlorine levels regularly is critical for maintaining the right balance and spotting any anomalies. You can also use chemical test strips for a quick, accurate reading of your chlorine levels and more.
To use a chlorine test strip, dip it into your hot tub water so your elbow is at the waterline, hold it for a few seconds, and then remove. The strip will change colour, and you can match this to the colour chart provided to determine your chlorine levels.
If the colour level is darker than the highest level on the chart, don’t use your hot tub or spa. Follow the chlorine reduction methods we’ve outlined below before using your spa again.
Reducing excess chlorine in hot tubs: Here’s what to do
If you’ve determined that there’s excess chlorine in your hot tub, don’t fret. There are several methods you can use to reduce chlorine levels in your hot tub.
Draining and refilling your spa
Sometimes, letting nature take its course is the best solution. Simply remove your hot tub cover and let the excess chlorine evaporate.
Alternatively, draining and replenishing your spa may be your best bet. While we recommend only partially draining a swimming pool, draining a hot tub can be a much quicker and more efficient task, and the chlorine level will decrease as you refill it with fresh, treated water.
You can also use products like a Hot Tub Flush while draining and replenishing your spa water, to help break down any build up of soaps and oily deposits in the spa pipework that may be affecting your water chemistry.
It’s recommended that a full drain and refill is done every 3-4 months, depending on how frequently the hot tub is used and cared for.
Chlorine neutralizer
A Chlorine Reducer or chlorine neutralizer that uses chemicals such as sodium thiosulfate can help rapidly decrease chlorine levels in a hot tub or a pool if the water is fresh and has been overdosed with chlorine. However, this method should be used with caution as it can also drastically lower your calcium hardness levels.
If the water is older then it may have what we call Chlorine Lock—which is a high level of stabiliser (cyanuric acid) in the water. Chlorine Lock can be noticed by no chemical reading changing no matter how much the water is dosed, and it usually calls for a complete drain down and refill of the hot tub.
If you choose to use a chlorine neutralizer, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for precise measurements and add it to your hot tub water. Once complete, test the chlorine levels again to determine if they are within the recommended range.
Other hot tub products
Hot tub products containing hydrogen peroxide may be a more natural alternative to a chlorine neutralizer. Besides reducing chlorine levels, products containing hydrogen peroxide often don’t impact calcium hardness levels in your hot tub, which is beneficial when it comes to ongoing maintenance.
However, as with any pool products, always be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines or contact a hot tub specialist to take care of the job effectively if you’re unsure what you’re doing.
How to prevent too much chlorine in hot tub
As they say, the best defence is a good offence. Here are some tips to help you maintain the right chlorine levels in your hot tub and prevent any issues with excess chlorine.
Regular testing & hot tub maintenance
In addition to monitoring the chlorine in your hot tub, regular hot tub maintenance is necessary to keep your hot tub clean and safe for use. Regularly testing your hot tub water will ensure that you catch any imbalances in your bromine or chlorine levels before they become a problem.
Hot tub maintenance services can make this whole process a breeze. By having a professional regularly test and balance your hot tub water, you can enjoy your spa without ever needing to worry about chlorine levels.
Cleaning hot tub surfaces
Like any water facility, over time, hot tub surfaces can accumulate dirt and grime. Regular cleaning can help prevent this buildup and prolong the life of your tub. Make a habit of wiping down the surfaces with a mild cleaner and rinsing thoroughly to keep your hot tub in top shape.
Balance your pH levels
High or low pH levels can interfere with chlorine’s ability to effectively sanitise your hot tub water. Be sure to regularly test and balance your pH levels using appropriate chemicals. A greater understanding of hot tub and pool water chemicals will be useful here.
Frequent fresh water
Change your hot tub water every three to four months to keep it fresh and clean. Keeping your hot tub cover on when not in use can also reduce the amount of debris that enters the water. Fresh water can help dilute any excess chlorine levels and maintain a comfortable environment for your hot tub experience.
Monitor spa user level
Another factor to consider when it comes to hot tub chlorine levels is the number of people using your spa. More body oils, sweat, and other contaminants can result in higher chlorine demand, so be sure to adjust your maintenance routine accordingly.
Closing thoughts
By following these tips, you can maintain the right chlorine levels in your hot tub and enjoy a relaxing soak without any worries. Remember to always test your water regularly, clean your hot tub surfaces, and balance your pH levels for a hassle-free hot tub experience. Happy soaking!
At Blue Cube Pools, we understand that maintaining the proper balance of chemicals in your hot tub can be a daunting task. That’s why we offer expert hot tub installations, maintenance services, and water dosing services to keep all of your water facilities clean and safe for use.
Get in touch today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your hot tub in top shape!
Too much chlorine? FAQs
Does chlorine make your eyes burn?
A high chlorine level can make your eye sting and burn. The usual cause for this is combined chlorine from where the sanitizer has mixed with sweat, urine, and other contaminants from swimmers. This can be caused by a rush of swimmers using the pool in a short time frame.
Can I go in my hot tub if the chlorine is too high?
An ideal chlorine level is 3 ppm for a hot tub. Chlorine levels below 2 ppm may mean your hot tub is not properly sanitised. Meanwhile, chlorine levels above 5 ppm are too high and may be harsh on your skin.