How to Fix Over Chlorinating/Brominating a Hot Tub

1. Check your dial setting
If using a dispensing device like a salt generator there is a dial that can be turned down. If greatly over chlorinated, turn the device off until the level comes down to your desired number (between 2 and 4 ppm typically). To help find the correct setting that will maintain that level, adjust only one setting per day testing the water after 24 hours to see the effect. Once you find the correct setting do not alter it. When abnormal conditions arise (heavy use or lots of rain) that’s the time to shock the water.

2. Cut back on amount of chlorine/bromine being used If using a floater, the setting may not be enough to regulate the output properly. You may need to resort to filling the unit partially full. Since often these units wet all the chlorine or bromine at once, it is difficult to regulate exactly. The more chlorine or bromine that is wetted, the greater the output. If spoon feeding chemical, cut back on the amount added or the frequency.

3. Make sure your water is properly balanced Water balance is critical to proper sanitization. While it does not typically result in over chlorination, it could take a spa with plenty of chlorine and make it ineffective if the pH is higher or lower than 7.2-7.6. Bromine is less affected by changes in pH which is desirable.

4. Consider lowering your temperature. The hotter the water the faster chemical dissolves (especially chlorine). The industry recommends a spa temperature should not exceed 104. However at 100 or even 95, the temperature still provides a warm, luxurious experience while slowing down the rate of the chemical dissolution.

5. Check the expiration date on your test strips or kit. Most test strips and testing reagents last only 12 to 18 months. After that date, they may not register readings properly. In addition if you are putting wet hands into the test strip container, you could be contaminating the strips which will shorten their life even further.