How a Hot Tub Shock Treatment Works
Simply put, shocking a hot tub means sanitizing the water by adding more than the usual dose of oxidizing chemicals. Doing this instantly breaks down and removes contaminants that may have built up over time. The two types of shock you should have on hand are chlorine-based and non-chlorine. Chlorine shock is stronger, so it’s best for occasional use when the water needs heavy-duty treatment. On the other hand, non-chlorine shock cleans the water gently, so it’s great for weekly maintenance.
So why do you need to shock your hot tub regularly? Well, each time you use your hot tub, you bring along body oils, sweat, lotions, and maybe even small amounts of dirt. If left unchecked, these impurities can affect the water’s quality. It can turn cloudy, sometimes with unpleasant odours, and can cause irritation. Regularly shocking your hot tub keeps these issues at bay, so you can enjoy crystal-clear water for longer periods. To learn more about the other maintenance tasks related to hot tub water quality, you can also talk to your local hot tub dealer.
5 Easy Steps to Shock Your Hot Tub Properly
A shock treatment can instantly bring the water in your hot tub back to a healthy state. To make sure that everything goes smoothly, follow these simple steps:1. Gather Your Supplies
Start by preparing all the things you need for the shock treatment. Of course, you need the shock product itself, which can either be chlorine or non-chlorine, as mentioned earlier. You also need a testing kit or testing strips, a chemical-resistant measuring cup, and safety gear like gloves and goggles. Once you have all your supplies ready, remove the hot tub cover.2. Check and Adjust the pH Levels
Use your testing kit or testing strips to find out if the water’s chemical balance falls within the ideal range. Maintaining a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6 ensures that the shock treatment will work as it should.3. Keep the Pump Running
To evenly distribute the shock throughout the hot tub, it’s best to keep the water circulating. You need to turn off the jets, though, to maintain a calm water flow. This will allow the chemicals to spread first instead of evaporating too quickly.4. Add the Shock Product
Put on your safety gear, then carefully check the instructions on the label. Find out how much shock you need per gallon of water and if there are any additional recommendations or precautions. Next, add the right amount of shock to the measuring cup. Then, pour it slowly into the water.5. Wait a Few Minutes
Keep the cover off for about 20 minutes. This gives the treatment enough time to disperse and improve the water quality. If you want to ensure it’s safe to use the hot tub again, you can use test strips to check the chlorine level. If the reading is below 5 ppm, then it’s safe to take a dip.Safety Reminders When Shocking Your Hot Tub
Shocking your hot tub involves using chemicals that can cause irritation or damage to the hot tub if not handled properly. Make sure to take these safety measures to protect yourself and your spa:
- Measure the treatment product accurately following the instructions. Avoid over-shocking, as excess chemicals can lead to irritation.
- Always wear gloves and goggles when handling hot tub chemicals.
- Take your time while pouring the shock to prevent splashing.
- Keep the shock and other hot tub chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.
- Be aware of your hot tub’s water capacity to choose the right product and quantity.
- In case of an accidental spill, make sure to clean it up immediately according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
When it comes to owning a hot tub, a little care goes a long way. By adding regular shock treatments to your maintenance routine and putting safety first, you can easily keep your hot tub water fresh and inviting. This way, you can look forward to more worry-free soaks in your well-maintained backyard oasis.
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