Do you have a hot tub full of dirty, murky water, and you’re looking for an easy way to shock it? It can be overwhelming to find the right method, especially when there are so many different options.
Cleaning and maintaining hot tubs with chemical treatments can be intimidating for the inexperienced spa owner.
Luckily, shocking your hot tub with bleach is an easy-to-follow option that effectively eliminates bacteria buildup in your spa water. By consistently implementing this cleaning method, you can keep your hot tub looking—and smelling—great!
In this blog post, we’ll provide expert tips on how to shock a hot tub with bleach step-by-step and offer pointers on other maintenance routines that should be followed after doing so. Read on for all the information you need to achieve crystal clear, sparkling water in no time!
What Will You Need?
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Chlorine bleach
- A measuring cup
- A long-handled sponge or brush
Once you have all the necessary supplies, you can begin the shocking process.
10 Easy Steps on How to Shock a Hot Tub With Bleach
Step 1. Testing the Water for Bacteria Levels
The first step in how to shock a hot tub with bleach is testing the water for bacteria levels. To do this, you’ll need to purchase a pool testing kit from your local pool store or online. Once you have it, follow its instructions and take measurements at different depths of your hot tub.
Step 2. Calculating How Much Bleach Is Needed
Once you’ve tested the water, determine how much chlorine bleach is needed based on how high the bacteria levels are. Generally speaking, 1-2 cups of regular household bleach should be enough for every 500 gallons of spa water. Do not exceed 3 cups per 500 gallons, as this could cause problems with your pH balance later on.
Step 3. Preparing the Bleach Solution
Once you’ve calculated how much bleach is needed, pour it into a 1-gallon container and fill it with water. This will create a diluted solution that can be safely added to your hot tub without damaging the surface or interior components. Don’t forget to wear gloves and goggles when handling the bleach!
Step 4. Adding the Bleach Solution to Your Hot Tub
Now, add the prepared chlorine bleach solution to your hot tub. Pour it evenly around each corner of the spa and then turn on all of its jets for 15 minutes to ensure adequate circulation. You can also use a long-handled brush or sponge to help the solution move around.
Step 5. Letting the Hot Tub Run for 10 Hours
After adding the bleach solution and turning on all jets, let your hot tub run for 10 hours. This will give the chlorine time to do its job and fully eliminate any bacteria or algae buildup in your spa water. If the water is still cloudy after 10 hours, adding additional bleach and repeating the process may be necessary.
Step 6. Checking the pH Levels
Once you’ve finished shocking your hot tub with bleach, check its pH levels using a pool testing kit. If the pH level is too high or low, adjust accordingly by adding an acid or alkaline solutions as needed. Don’t forget to wear gloves and goggles when handling the chemicals!
Step 7. Cleaning and Refilling Your Hot Tub
Now it’s time to thoroughly clean your hot tub and drain any remaining chlorine solution. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down all surfaces and then rinse them off with fresh water. Once you’re done, refill your spa with new water, making sure not to exceed its maximum capacity.
Step 8. Adding the Necessary Chemicals
Now that your hot tub is filled with fresh water, it’s time to add the necessary chemicals to keep it clean and to function properly. Start by adding a sanitizer like chlorine or bromine, followed by balancing agents like pH increaser and alkalinity increaser. If your spa has a cartridge filter, you’ll also need to replace it with a new one.
Step 9. Setting the Filter Cycle
Once all of the chemicals have been added, set the filter cycle for 4-5 hours per day to help maintain proper water levels in your spa. This will also ensure that any contaminants are effectively filtered out of your hot tub’s water as well. Additionally, you may want to consider using a floating chlorine or bromine dispenser to keep your spa’s water clean and clear.
Step 10. Testing and Cleaning Regularly
Finally, remember to regularly test and clean your hot tub to maintain its cleanliness. Test the water every week or two and adjust the chemical levels as needed. Additionally, give your spa a thorough cleaning once a month to help keep its surfaces looking their best. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your hot tub in top shape for years to come!
Following these steps can easily and safely shock your hot tub with bleach. Remember to wear gloves and goggles when handling the chemicals, and don’t forget to test and clean regularly. With a bit of knowledge and effort, your hot tub will remain sparkling clean for years to come!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- When shocking your hot tub with bleach, always make sure only to use pure chlorine powder, never liquid or tablet form.
- If the water in your hot tub is very cloudy, you may need to double the amount of shock used.
- Always wear protective gloves when handling chemicals and keep them away from children and pets.
- After you shock the hot tub, be sure to keep all bathers out of the water for at least 15 minutes.
- Keep your hot tub cover closed when not in use to avoid excess dirt and debris from entering the water.
Shocking a hot tub with bleach is an important step in maintaining clean, healthy water and should be done every few weeks or after heavy use. Following these tips will help ensure that your hot tub stays safe and enjoyable for everyone who uses it!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid adding too much bleach – it can damage the finish of your hot tub and corrode the pipes.
- Don’t shock while people are in the hot tub – shocking a hot tub with chlorine will cause skin and eye irritation, so make sure no one is in the water before you start.
- Avoid over-shocking, which can lead to cloudy water, chemical imbalance, and skin irritations for anyone using the hot tub afterward.
- Do not mix bleach with any other chemicals, as this can create hazardous fumes that are dangerous to inhale.
- Avoid leaving the bleach in for an extended period of time, as this can also result in corrosion to your hot tub’s pipes and other components.
Follow these simple tips, and you can be sure that your hot tub will be properly shocked and safe to use. Remember, with any chemical treatment of a hot tub; it is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. If you have any questions or concerns about shocking your hot tub with bleach, contact a professional for help.
Can I Use Household Bleach in My Hot Tub?
Using household bleach in your hot tub is not recommended, as it can be too harsh and may cause damage to the finish of the spa.
Additionally, bleach exposed to sunlight will degrade quickly, making it an unreliable source of a long-term sanitizer.
It is best to use pure chlorine powder or a pool shock formulated specifically for hot tubs instead.
Instead of using household bleach, make sure to choose a sanitizer that is specifically designed for hot tubs and spas. This will help ensure that your spa’s water remains clean and safe for everyone who uses it.
If you follow these steps and tips, you can easily and safely shock your hot tub with chlorine or bromine powder—without having to use harsh chemicals like bleach. Make sure to wear protective gear when handling the chlorine powder and avoid over-shocking the water, as this can lead to skin irritation.
Also, remember to test and regularly clean in order to maintain your hot tub’s cleanliness. With the right knowledge and effort, you can keep your hot tub sparkling clean for years!
Conclusion
Use bleach to clean a hot tub. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much bleach and how often to shock the tub. Remove the filter from the hot tub before shocking it. Rinse the filter with water after shocking the tub. Reinstall the filter and refill the tub with fresh water.
Shock your hot tub regularly to maintain clean, clear water that is free of bacteria and contaminants.
Congratulations on your new hot tub! In order to keep it clean and safe for everyone to enjoy, you’ll need to shock it with bleach on a regular basis. We hope this guide helped show you how to shock a hot tub with bleach. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Enjoy your clean hot tub!