411homerepair.com

Clear Not Cloudy: Hot Tub Shock Treatment Tips

by Guest on Jan 28, 2014

Hot tubs are great for relaxing your muscles, opening up pores, and for enjoying time with friends. That said, they can also become breeding grounds for scores of bacteria if they are not properly maintained. This article looks at the purpose of "shocking" hot tub water and explains how to keep your hot tub sanitary.

What is Shock Treatment?

Shocking refers to the application of either abundant chlorine or a non-chlorine shock agent to the water in your hot tub (or pool). Sodium Dichloris a chlorine-based shock treatment, while potassium monopersulfate (MPS) is a non-chlorine alternative. Both are designed to sanitize and enhance hot tub water.

Why Shock a Hot Tub?

There are a few reasons to periodically shock and hot tub. The first reason to do so is to break down organic wastes. These wastes can cause water to become cloudy or impart an unpleasant odor. Organic waste may come from your own body, but can also result from microorganisms (e.g. algae), which have made a home in the warm, nutrient-rich water of your hot tub.

Another reason to shock hot tub water is to convert chloramines back to chlorine. Chloramines tend to smell unpleasant (like medicine), though they do act to sanitize water. Chloramine levels are limited to 4 parts per million in drinking water, so it is also a good idea to keep hot tub water at a low concentration to avoid problems with accidental ingestion.

The final reason to shock a hot tub is to activate bromine that is being used as a sanitizer. Shocking converts the bromide ion to hypobromous acid, which kills bacteria, fungi, and algae. Without periodic shocking, bromine-based sanitizers will cease to function adequately.

How to Shock

How often you need to shock your tub depends on its size, ambient air temperatures, water temperature in the tub, and weather patterns in your area. In general, higher ambient temperatures, more frequent rain, and smaller hot tubs should all prompt more frequent shocking (every week), whereas shocking can be done every two weeks in cooler, drier climates. The best way to tell if a spa needs to be shocked is to monitor it for odors. If it smells, then you are past due for shock treatment.

Once you have decided when to shock, you will need to choose between the systems available. There are at least three different ways to shock a hot tub, each with advantages and disadvantages. The items needed to shock a hot tub should be sold anywhere that spa supplies are sold. Here are your options.

Ozone

Ozone is often used in combination with potassium monopersulfate. The benefits of this system are that you just dump the ingredients in and wait for a few minutes. You usually use these chemicals each time you use the hot tub, thereby avoiding complicated schedules because ozone dissipates quickly and thus has no adverse health effects. The only real drawback of this system is that you do have to do it every time you want to use the hot tub (and once per week if you don't use the tub frequently).

Chlorine

Chlorine is the old stand-by. It is very easy to use and compatible with any type of hot tub. The drawback to chlorine is that you cannot use the spa for one hour after application and it tends to have an unappealing odor. Chlorine needs to be used once per week in most cases, though may need to be used more often during heavy spa usage or when temperatures are high.

Bromine

Bromine is nice because it reduces the frequency with which shock treatments need to be performed and is compatible with just about any kind of hot tub. Bromine has less odor than chlorine. On the downside, you must wait much longer after applying bromine before you can use your spa.

Biguanide

Biguanide is used in combination with chlorine and thus is compatible with most hot tubs. Biguanide is appealing because it reduces the odors associated with chlorine. That said, it tends to be expensive and, because two products are used rather than one, tends to be more complicated.

Take Your Pick

That's it. Just pick the treatment that you want to use and that works with your particular hot tub and then do it. Follow a routine to ensure that your tub stays in top shape and you shouldn't experience any problems. A spa supply store should be able to provide you with any additional details that you need.

 

Jeremy enjoys hot tubs. He often blogs about how to choose and maintain hot tubs properly.

Latest Articles

Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners

Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...

on Jan 25, 2024

Real Estate Development in Asian Cities

In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...

on Jan 25, 2024

Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower

Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...

on Jan 22, 2024

Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment

The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...

on Jan 10, 2024

The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities

Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...

on Jan 5, 2024

Actions

More DIY Articles

How to Select the Right Mop to Suit Your Requirement

Mops might not be glamorous, but we'd be stuck without them, so it's time to show some respect to this hard-working household tool that is so often...

Cleaning / Maintenance

How to Turn Your Garage into a Home Gym

Getting a gym membership can be a great way to get in shape, but for those who are pressed for time, or lack local facilities, setting up your own...

Doors / Garages

No Garage? Parking Solutions for Homes without Them

When searching for a new home, most often buyers will look for homes with garages. And many buyers are hoping to find a multiple-car garage. While...

Doors / Garages

Importance of Home Repairs: Taking Care of your Home

Whether you have plans to sell your house or live in it for the rest of your life, it is essential for all homeowners to carry out repairs and...

General Household

Getting Your Home Ready for the Winter

As summer draws to an end, the days begin to shorten and the leaves begin to fall, it’s time to think about ensuring your home is ready to...

General Household

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2024