Hot tub chemical basics: A simple guide for new owners

You’ve just purchased your dream hot tub, and you’re already imagining those soothing, stress-free evening soaks. 

But before you hop into the water and turn on the jets, it’s important to recognize one of the essentials to a relaxing spa experience: water care. 

Don’t worry! Taking care of your hot tub water doesn’t need to be complicated or intimidating. And you certainly don’t need a degree in chemistry. 

With the right knowledge, maintaining clean and clear water can be easy and stress-free. In this beginner guide, we’ll break down hot tub chemical basics, so you can feel confident about taking care of your spa.

 

Why water care matters

A hot tub is more than just a tub of warm water. Between the jets, the water temperature, and the naturally relaxing environment, it becomes a perfect space for you and your loved ones to unwind. 

Without the right chemical balance, though, things can get murky — literally. Unbalanced water can cause cloudy water, unpleasant smells, and even bacteria growth. It can also lead to skin irritation and reduce the lifespan of your hot tub.

Water care is more than just maintaining cleanliness. It also helps protect the investment in your backyard and wellness. When the water is unbalanced, it can damage spa components and shorten the spa’s lifespan. You might see corrosion to metal parts like pumps, jets, and the heating element. When calcium hardness levels are too high, there can be scale buildup on the heating element and within the plumbing, reducing efficiency and putting strain on the system.

By maintaining the proper chemical balance, you can feel confident that your Instinct Spa will run smoothly for years to come.

The essential hot tub chemicals

There’s no shortage of products out there to help you maintain your hot tub water, and it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. You might be asking yourself, "Do I really need to add all of these to my cart?"

From clarifiers to conditioners, defoamers to filter cleaners, you’ll come across a variety of specialty chemicals. But the truth is, there are just a few essential products every hot tub owner needs to keep their water clean and clear. 

These are the basics — the must-haves — that will set you up with a simple, effective water care routine.

Sanitizer

Sanitizer is the hero of your water care routine, protecting your spa from bacteria and harmful microorganisms that can thrive in warm water. When it comes to choosing a sanitizer, there are two main options: chlorine and bromine.

Chlorine is widely trusted for its effectiveness. It works quickly, is budget-friendly, and is a go-to for many hot tub owners.

Bromine, on the other hand, is a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It performs well in the higher temperatures of a hot tub and has a mild smell. 

Instinct Spas recommends using chlorine for your hot tub.

Alkalinity increaser  

Alkalinity acts as a buffer for your pH levels. If the alkalinity is too low, your pH can fluctuate wildly, making it difficult to keep the water balanced. Low alkalinity can also cause corrosion in your hot tub’s plumbing system. To avoid this, you’ll want to keep your alkalinity levels between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million).

If your alkalinity dips, an alkalinity increaser can bring it back to the ideal range. Once your alkalinity is stable, your pH levels will also be easier to manage.

pH Increaser and pH decreaser  

Regularly testing your pH levels is key to maintaining balance. Don't worry; it's easy and takes just a few seconds using test strips or a testing kit.

Your pH levels indicate how acidic or basic your water is. If your pH is too high, your water can become cloudy, and it can lead to scaling on your spa surfaces. If the pH is too low, it can corrode metal parts and cause skin irritation. Ideal pH levels for a hot tub range between 7.2 and 7.8. Keeping your pH in check ensures that your sanitizer can do its job effectively.

A pH increaser raises the pH when it drops below the ideal range. A pH decreaser lowers the pH if it climbs too high.

Calcium hardness increaser

Calcium hardness refers to the level of dissolved calcium in your water. If the calcium hardness is too low, the water can become corrosive, damaging your hot tub’s components. On the other hand, if calcium hardness is too high, it can cause scaling, which looks like a chalky buildup around your tub’s jets and surfaces. 

The ideal calcium hardness level for your spa is between 150 and 250 ppm.

A calcium hardness increaser is used to boost calcium levels when they’re too low. If your calcium levels are high, you can manage it with a chemical called a scale inhibitor.

Shock treatment

Regular shocking is an essential part of your water care routine. Shocking your spa means adding an extra dose of oxidizer to break down contaminants like oils, lotions, and organic matter that the sanitizer alone can’t handle. These contaminants can reduce the effectiveness of your sanitizer and lead to cloudy, unpleasant water if not properly addressed.

Shocking your hot tub also helps eliminate chloramines, which are the byproducts of your sanitizer doing its job. These compounds are responsible for that strong "chlorine smell" and can cause skin and eye irritation. By breaking them down, shock treatments restore the clarity and cleanliness of your water, ensuring that your sanitizer works more efficiently.

A regular shock treatment (once a week or after heavy use) can give your water a fresh start and keep it looking pristine.

How to balance your hot tub water

Now that you know the basic chemicals, let’s talk about balancing your water. Maintaining balanced water is like keeping a recipe just right — you want the perfect mix to enjoy the best results.

Test your water regularly

To keep your hot tub water balanced, you'll need to test it regularly. Testing your water lets you know if your alkalinity, pH, sanitizer, and even calcium levels are out of range. Test strips are the easiest way to get a quick read on your water chemistry. Dip one into the water, gently wave the test strip in the air, wait for a few seconds, and compare the results to the color chart on the bottle.

Test your water two to three times a week, or more often if you're using your Instinct Spa daily. Consistent testing helps you catch imbalances before they become bigger issues.

Adjust alkalinity and pH first

When you're balancing your water, always start by adjusting the alkalinity and pH. These two factors affect how well your sanitizer works, so it’s important to get them right. If your alkalinity is too low or too high, adjust that first. Then, once it’s in the proper range, move on to balancing your pH.

Add sanitizer

After balancing your pH and alkalinity, it’s time to add sanitizer. Follow the instructions on your bottle of chlorine granules to determine how much to add based on your hot tub’s size. Maintain sanitizer levels between 3 and 5 ppm for chlorine.

Shock the water weekly  

Once your chlorine levels are in check, don’t forget about your weekly shock treatment. Adding shock, also known as a non-chlorine oxidizer, to your water after heavy use or once a week helps break down any buildup that regular sanitizing might miss. 

Water care tips for new hot tub owners

As you get comfortable with your new hot tub, here are a few extra tips to keep your water care simple and stress-free:

Keep your filters clean 

Rinse your filters every week and deep clean them monthly to ensure proper water flow and sanitation.

Cover your spa when not in use

A quality hot tub cover helps keep debris out of your water and maintains your water temperature, reducing chemical use.

Stick to a schedule

Regular maintenance, including testing and balancing, is the best way to keep your water care routine manageable. Set reminders if needed!

Don’t overuse chemicals

More is not always better. Follow the recommended amounts for chemicals to avoid overdosing your water.

Feel confident with water care

Owning a hot tub is about creating a space where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy life. With just a little attention to water care, you’ll ensure that your spa stays in top shape, so you can focus on making the most of your experience. 

Instinct Spas feature a quality filtration system and easy-to-access controls, so adjusting your water care routine is a breeze. Plus, the ozone system is designed to require fewer chemicals while still keeping your water sparkling clean. That means less time worrying about water care and more time enjoying your spa.