When and when not to "shock" your Hot Tub

Shocking your hot tub is a crucial part of maintaining clean, safe, and clear water. It involves adding a high dose of an oxidiser to your hot tub water to break down contaminants, kill bacteria, and reactivate your sanitiser (like chlorine or bromine).

Here's a breakdown of when you should and shouldn't shock your hot tub.

When to Shock Your Hot Tub:

* Weekly Routine: As a general rule, you should shock your hot tub once a week as part of your regular maintenance routine. This helps to keep the water sanitised and clear.

* After Heavy Use: If you have a hot tub party or a large number of people use the tub, shock it afterward. An increased bather load introduces more organic compounds like sweat, oils, and cosmetics, which can overwhelm your sanitiser.

* Initial Fill or Water Change: Always shock your hot tub when you first fill it or after a complete water change. This helps to establish the proper sanitizing levels from the start.

* Cloudy or Murky Water: If you notice that your hot tub water is cloudy, murky, or has a strong chemical odor, it's a clear sign that it needs to be shocked. This often indicates the presence of chloramines or bromamines, which are ineffective sanitisers that form when your primary sanitiser combines with organic waste. Shocking breaks these bonds and frees up the sanitiser to work effectively.

* Algae or Slime: If you see any signs of algae or slime forming, shocking the water is essential to kill the growth and prevent it from spreading.

* After a Period of Inactivity: If you haven't used your hot tub for a while (e.g., after a holiday), it's a good idea to shock it before you get back in.

When Not to Shock Your Hot Tub

* When People are in the Tub: Never add hot tub shock while people are in the water. The high concentration of chemicals can be irritating and dangerous.

* Right Before Use (with Chlorine Shock): If you are using a chlorine-based shock, you must wait until the chlorine level drops back to a safe range (typically 1-3 parts per million or ppm) before anyone can use the tub. This can take up to 24 hours. Non-chlorine shocks, on the other hand, often have a much shorter wait time (as little as 15-30 minutes).

* During the Day (with Chlorine Shock): It is recommended to shock your hot tub at dusk or night, as the sun's UV rays can burn off the chlorine before it has a chance to fully work.

* Without Proper Water Chemistry: Before shocking, it's important to test your water's pH and alkalinity levels. If they are not in the correct range, the shock may not work as effectively. Always balance your water chemistry first.