water balancing 101
Maintaining proper water chemistry is the foundation of a healthy hot tub. This guide will walk you through the essential chemicals, balancing process, and maintenance routine needed to keep your water clean, clear, and safe while protecting your spa equipment!
the ESSENTIAL CHEMICALS (aka, YOUR SHOPPING LIST)
Chlorine OR Bromine Sanitizer (We suggest Chlorine— it’s a stronger bacteria killer.)
Alkalinity Increaser
pH Increaser
pH Decreaser
Calcium Hardness Increaser
Non-Chlorinated Shock
Chlorinated Shock
Metal & Scale Remover
Clarifier
first, Test Everything:
Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm recommended
pH: 7.2–7.8 recommended
Calcium Hardness: 150–250 ppm recommended
Chlorine: 3–5 ppm / Bromine: 4–6 ppm recommended
*The dosage chart (right) is publicly available and should be used as a general reference only. Chemical dosages can vary depending on the manufacturer, product concentration, and current water conditions, so no single chart can guarantee 100% accuracy. Always refer to your chemical manufacturer's instructions and adjust based on your water test results.
The Correct Order for Balancing Water
step 1 - add metal remover/clarifier
If your water is naturally high in metals, it can react with your shock/sanitizer and turn your water green.
It’s not harmful, but it won’t look pretty.
Every other week, alternate between your Metal Remover and Clarifier to reduce metals and cloudiness.
Let circulate for 1 hour after chemical application for best results.
Step 2 – Adjust TOTAL ALKALINITY
Maintaining Total Alkalinity helps your pH stay stable!
If low: Use Alkalinity Increaser.
If high: Skip— Your pH may also be too high, and they will be adjusted together in Step 3.
Let circulate for 1 hour after chemical application for best results.
Step 3 – Adjust pH
Unbalanced pH levels make your sanitizer work too hard, or not hard enough.
If low: Use pH Increaser.
If high: Use pH Decreaser.
*If your Alkalinity is high while pH is low, you must lower your Alkalinity with pH Decreaser even if it forces your pH lower.
Once Alkalinity is balanced, aerate your water or use pH Increaser to correct pH the day after.
Let circulate for 1 hour after chemical application for best results.
Step 4 – Adjust Calcium Hardness
Maintaining Calcium Hardness keeps your equipment from corroding.
If your water is cloudy, we suggest waiting until it clears. A Calcium Increaser may worsen its condition.
If low: Pre-dissolve Calcium Hardness Increaser, and apply in increments
If high: Skip— Stay attentive & use a scale remover if any scaling/staining occurs. Otherwise, partially drain & refill with low-hardness water.
Let circulate for 1 hour after chemical application for best results.
Step 5 – Adjust Sanitizer and/or shock the water
Your sanitizer does the cleaning.
Make sure your Chlorine or Bromine puck dispenser is filled. You can adjust the dispenser level depending on how often the tub is being used.
If sanitizer is low: Apply pre-dissolved NON-CHLORINATED shock to refresh sanitizer
If high: Skip— Leave cover open until it is at a safe level
It is suggested to shock after heavy uses outside of weekly maintenance.
Let circulate for 1 hour with the cover off after chemical application for best results.
water-care faq!
When should you shock?
Every week
After several bathers
After parties
If the water smells
If sanitizer demand suddenly increases
After heavy rain (for outdoor spas)
non-chlorinated vs. chlorinated shock?
Non-Chlorinated shock is your primary. It oxidizes and rejuvenates the sanitizer that’s already in your spa without harshness, and keeps it ready-to-swim.
Chlorinated shock is for emergency use for Chlorine sanitizers. It is heavy cleaner for cases that require deeper care, such as suspected algae bloom and murky water conditions. The treated water will not be swimmable until 12-24+ hours later or until it is within safe swimming levels (about 10 ppm).
Common Water Problems & Solutions
Make sure you test your water to isolate the possible cause before jumping to chemical treatments!
Cloudy Water
High pH? —> Balance water
Dirty filter? —> Rinse/Soak/Replace Filters
Low sanitizer? —> Shock
High calcium? —> Use Scale Remover/Clarifier
Too many dissolved particles (Water is 3-4+ months old)? —> Drain & Refill
Foam
Lotions/Detergents/Soaps? —> Skim surface, apply Defoamer (temporary fix), balance water
Alkalinity/pH/Calcium imbalance? —> Balance water
Bacteria Build-up; Bio-film (Yellowish foam) —> Must purge with Jet Cleaner, Drain, Refill — Treat new fill with Chlorinated Shock & maintain high Sanitizer levels until gone
Green Water
Metals reacting with Sanitizer? —> Apply Metal Removers before sanitizing/shocking, Use a pre-filter hose attachment for future refills
Alkalinity imbalance? —> Balance water
Low sanitizer? —> Shock
Algae? —> Treat with Chlorinated Shock & maintain high sanitizer levels until gone —> If persistent, purge with jet cleaner, drain, refill
still need help?
Give us a call at (604) 907-2646! Sometimes, a personal solution for a specific problem is necessary.
If you can’t stand the guesswork that comes with regular chemical maintenance, we have professionals who can make your life easier (and safer).
Your hot tub is meant to be enjoyed— Not a headache!