Hot Tub Shock: A Guide to Keeping Your Water Clean and Clear

Owning a hot tub is a great way to relax, but to keep it running smoothly, regular maintenance is a must. One important aspect of hot tub care is “shocking” the water. Shocking involves adding a high dose of sanitizer to the water to kill bacteria, break down organic contaminants, and keep your spa water crystal clear. In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of shocking your hot tub water, including when to do it, what kind of to use, and how to apply it effectively.

What Does It Mean to Shock Hot Tub Water?

Shocking your hot tub water means adding a large dose of oxidizer or sanitizer to the water to eliminate impurities, bacteria, and other contaminants that accumulate over time. Shocking helps to restore the balance of chemicals in the water and keep it fresh for use. Think of it as a way to give your hot tub a deep clean, improving water quality and overall sanitation.

When Should You Shock Hot Tub Water?

You should shock your hot tub water regularly, and certain situations may require more frequent shocking. Here are the key times to keep in mind:

1. After Every 1-2 Weeks of Regular Use

Even if you don’t notice any issues with your hot tub water, it’s a good idea to shock it every 1-2 weeks to keep the water clean and balanced. The more you use your hot tub, the more contaminants (like body oils, sweat, sunscreen, and even makeup) are introduced into the water. Regular shocking will help maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of these substances.

2. After Heavy Use or a Party

If you’ve had several people in the hot tub, or you’ve hosted a pool party, it’s essential to shock the water afterward. More people means more oils, lotions, and organic material in the water, which can cause the water to become cloudy or promote bacteria growth. Shocking will help clear the water and maintain sanitation.

3. If the Water Looks Cloudy or Smells Odd

If you notice that the water is cloudy or has an unusual odor (often a musty or chlorine-like smell), it’s time to shock the water. These signs indicate that there’s an overgrowth of bacteria or contaminants in the water, and shocking will help to bring the water back to a clean and fresh state.

What Kind to Use?

There are different types of shock treatments available, and it’s important to choose the right one for your hot tub. The two main types of shock are chlorine-based and non-chlorine-based shock.

1. Chlorine-Based

Chlorine shock is the most common type of shock treatment. It’s highly effective at killing bacteria and breaking down organic contaminants, especially in hot tubs that are used frequently. Chlorine shock is also a good choice if you’re dealing with persistent water clarity issues.

• Benefits: Chlorine shock is inexpensive and very effective at sanitizing the water.
• Considerations: Chlorine shock can raise the chlorine level in your water temporarily, so you may need to wait for a few hours before using your hot tub again.

2. Non-Chlorine-Based

Non-chlorine shock, also known as potassium peroxymonosulfate (MPS), is an oxygen-based treatment. It doesn’t contain chlorine and doesn’t add chlorine to your water, which means you don’t have to wait as long to use your hot tub after applying it. Non-chlorine shock works by oxidizing organic materials in the water, such as oils, lotions, and dead skin cells.

• Benefits: It works quickly, allowing you to use the hot tub again sooner, and it doesn’t increase chlorine levels in the water.
• Considerations: It’s less effective at killing bacteria and algae than chlorine shock, so it may not be sufficient for heavy contamination.

How to Apply to Your Hot Tub

Shocking your hot tub is a simple process, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully for the best results. Here’s how to apply shock to your hot tub:

1. Test the Water

Before shocking the water, use a test strip or liquid test kit to check the current levels of pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer. The pH should ideally be between 7.4 and 7.6, and the sanitizer levels should be balanced. If necessary, adjust the pH or alkalinity levels before shocking the water.

2. Choose the Right Shock

Select either chlorine-based shock or non-chlorine shock, depending on your needs and preferences.

3. Add the Shock to the Water

• Chlorine Shock: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage based on your hot tub’s water volume (typically around 1 tablespoon per 100 gallons of water, but check the label). Dissolve the product in a bucket of water first, then pour it into the hot tub while the jets are running. This helps the product disperse evenly throughout the water.
• Non-Chlorine Shock: For non-chlorine shock, follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. You can typically add it directly to the water without pre-dissolving it, but it’s still a good idea to pour it in while the jets are running for even distribution.

4. Let the Jets Run

After adding the shock, turn on the hot tub jets and let them run for about 15-30 minutes to help distribute the shock evenly throughout the water. This will help ensure that the shock works its magic on contaminants and bacteria.

5. Wait Before Using the Hot Tub

• Chlorine Shock: After applying chlorine, you’ll need to wait at least 1-2 hours (or until the chlorine levels return to normal) before using your hot tub. You can test the chlorine levels with test strips to confirm that it’s safe to enter the water.
• Non-Chlorine Shock: With non-chlorine shock, you typically don’t need to wait as long. You can usually enter the hot tub within 30 minutes to 1 hour after application, but always check the instructions for specific guidance.

6. Maintain Regular Water Testing and Shocking

Remember to test your water regularly to ensure that the sanitizer levels remain balanced and that the water stays clean and clear. Shocking should be done every 1-2 weeks or more frequently if needed.

Final Thoughts

Shocking your hot tub water is a simple but crucial step in keeping the water clean, clear, and safe to use. Whether you choose chlorine or non-chlorine options depends on your hot tub’s usage and your preference, but both are effective when applied correctly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product you choose and always test your water before and after to maintain a balanced environment. With regular and proper maintenance, your hot tub will be ready for relaxation whenever you are!

Have more questions that were addressed in this post? Contact us or visit us in store for even more expert advice!