Ever had too much of a good thing? Then you know the feeling: what once was beneficial can quickly become overwhelming. Take chlorine in your hot tub, for instance. Chlorine kills bacteria and viruses, but too much can be harsh on skin, swimsuits and surfaces. It’s called “over-chlorination.”
In this article, you’ll find out how to tell if your hot tub is over-chlorinated. Then you’ll learn how to fix it and prevent it, so your hot tub will be ready when you are.
Chlorine’s Role
Chlorine is a powerful oxidizer. It attacks contaminants and destroys them. A hot tub’s warm, damp environment is an inviting place for bacteria and viruses to grow, but chlorine, a primary sanitizer, kills them and breaks down organic matter.
Chlorine is very effective when hot tub water is balanced; industry standards are to maintain chlorine between 1.0 – 3.0 ppm. When chlorine levels are over 3.0 ppm, your hot tub water can get smelly and uncomfortable – it’s harsh on skin, hair, swimsuits and surfaces.
The Impact of Too Much Chlorine
It’s time to talk about the not-so-great side of chlorine – the effects of over-chlorination. Here’s what you may notice with too much chlorine in your hot tub:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Eye irritation
- Strong chemical odor
- Faded swimsuits
- Faster corrosion of hot tub equipment
How Do I Lower Chlorine Levels in My Hot Tub?
If over-chlorination happens, here’s 3 ways to fix it:
1. Mantén tu agua equilibrada
Maintaining balanced water is one of the best ways to prevent chlorine problems and protect your hot tub. Test your water regularly and always balance it in this order:
- Alcalinidad total: 80 – 120 ppm
- pH: 7,2 – 7,6
- Total Hardness (Calcium Hardness): 150 – 250 ppm
Always start with Total Alkalinity, since it helps stabilize pH and makes balancing your water much easier. Next, adjust pH. When pH falls outside the ideal range, chlorine becomes less effective, often leading you to add more sanitizer than necessary. Finally, check Total Hardness, especially after filling or topping off your hot tub, to help protect surfaces and equipment from corrosion and scale build-up.
For best results, have your water tested by your local retailer if you’re unsure whether adjustments are needed, and download our free Water Balance Guide to learn more.
2. Dilute Your Chlorine
If chlorine levels are over 3.0 ppm, consider diluting your hot tub water. You can do this two ways. One is to add fresh fill water. As you add fresh water, keep checking the chlorine level until it’s between 1.0 – 3.0 ppm.
A second option to correct high chlorine levels: partially drain and refill your hot tub. Remove a portion of the water and replace it with fresh fill water; check the chlorine levels until they’re within the ideal ranges.
Expert advice: As you add water to your hot tub test and adjust the Total Alkalinity, pH and Total Hardness to maintain your water balance.
3. Consider Using a Different Sanitizer
Most hot tub owners use dichlor, a type of chlorine that dissolves quickly and easily in the warm waters of hot tubs.
While dichlor goes to work immediately, it’s also used up immediately; the level of chlorine depletes every time you use the hot tub.
Then you have to add more dichlor when you want to use the hot tub again – it creates chlorine levels that peak and dip dramatically and can be inconsistent and hard to manage.
The good news is, you have alternatives! One of the many benefits of alternative sanitizers, like mineral systems, is that you can use much less chlorine.
One alternative sanitizing system offers a consistent chlorine level at all times, using up to 75% less chlorine*: RANA® @facilidad® Sanitizing System for Hot Tubs.
FROG @ease combines FROG Sanitizing Minerals® con SmartChlor®, a unique, patented form of chlorine. Together, they create Fresh Mineral Water®∞ that feels silky soft with far less odors.
Plus, you shock only once a month – not every time you use the hot tub. Your hot tub is ready when you are!
For consistent, significantly low levels of chlorine and a hot tub that’s Cleaner, Clearer, Softer and Easier® to take care of, check out FROG @ease.
Say Goodbye to Over-Chlorination!
While chlorine effectively sanitizes your hot tub, it’s also important to keep it within ideal levels. When you’re mindful of chlorine levels in your hot tub, you can avoid over-chlorination and get back to enjoying your hot tub!
*Compared to the minimum ANSI recommended chlorine level of 2.0 ppm for a hot tub
∞ Agua más limpia, cristalina y suave para piscinas, jacuzzis y spas de natación.
