What is the best chemical for inflatable hot tub? All You Need To Know！

When it comes to chemicals for inflatable hot tubs, it's crucial to use the correct ones in the right amounts. Over or underuse can lead to damage and safety risks. But what are the right chemicals? Are they the same as those for regular hot tubs? Will sanitizers harm your inflatable hot tub?

This article addresses these questions comprehensively, covering all you need to know for safe bathing. From the types of chemicals available to their proper usage, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to hot tub ownership, this blog post has you covered.

Inflatable hot tub maintenance necessitates the use of various chemicals to ensure water safety:

1. Sanitizers
2. pH balancers
3. Alkalinity balancers
4. Shock treatments
5. Clarifiers and removers

1. Sanitizers

Inflatable hot tubs rely on sanitizers to maintain water cleanliness, crucial in shared environments. Common options include chlorine, bromine, mineral-based products, and saltwater systems.

Organic contaminants like skin cells and bacteria can pose risks if left unchecked. They can clog filters, hindering water circulation. Below are the most concerning contaminants in inflatable spas:

Dangerous Contaminants in Inflatable Hot Tubs

Contaminant	Disease	Symptoms
Legionella pneumophila	Legionnaires disease, a severe form of pneumonia which can be fatal	Fever, chills, cough, and difficulty breathing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa	Skin infections, such as hot tub folliculitis	Red, itchy, and painful bumps on the skin, usually on areas that are covered by swimwear
Mycobacterium avium	Skin infections and lung infections, such as "hot tub lung"	Fever, chills, cough, and difficulty breathing
Escherichia coli	Intestinal disorders	Diarrhea, cramps, and other digestive issues if ingested through contaminated water
Cryptosporidium	Intestinal disorders	Diarrhea and stomach cramps, as well as dehydration

Inflatable hot tubs rely on different types of sanitizers to maintain water cleanliness:

Chlorine Sanitizer: Chlorine effectively disinfects water by forming chloramine, killing microorganisms. Maintain chlorine levels between 1-3 ppm for optimal sanitation. Regular testing and adjustments are necessary to ensure safe water conditions. Different forms include chlorine granules or tablets and stabilized chlorine.

Bromine Sanitizer: Bromine releases active ions that react with impurities, preventing their growth. It's more stable in hot water and comes in tablet, granule, or liquid form. The recommended bromine levels range from 3-5 ppm.

Mineral Sanitizer: Utilizing minerals and natural compounds like silver or copper, mineral sanitizers inhibit microorganism growth. They're gentler on the skin but may require additional chemical sanitizers like chlorine or bromine. Regular testing and maintenance are essential.

Choose the sanitizer that best suits your needs, ensuring your inflatable hot tub remains a safe and enjoyable environment.

2. PH Balancers

pH balancers are crucial for maintaining the acidity level of hot tub water between 7.2 and 7.8, ensuring it remains slightly alkaline. This range prevents skin irritation and protects the hot tub from damage.

pH increasers are used to raise the pH level by neutralizing acidic compounds, typically containing sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide. On the other hand, pH decreasers lower high pH levels using chemicals like sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid, which react with carbon dioxide and ions to form weak acids. Sodium bisulfate is granular and less corrosive, while muriatic acid, though more effective, requires careful handling. Regular testing and adjustment with these chemicals are essential for optimal hot tub water quality.

3. Alkalinity Balancers

Total alkalinity (TA) in hot tub water measures the sum of alkaline substances such as bicarbonates, hydroxides, and dissolved salts. It's a crucial factor in determining the water's buffering capacity against pH level changes.

The optimal TA range for hot tubs falls between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). Alkalinity balancers are utilized to adjust TA levels accordingly.

To raise low alkalinity levels, an alkalinity increaser is employed, typically sodium bicarbonate, which acts as a base to elevate alkalinity.

Conversely, when alkalinity levels are excessively high, an alkalinity decreaser is applied. Common options include sodium bisulfate and muriatic acid, acidic compounds that lower alkalinity levels.

Regular monitoring and adjustment of alkalinity levels ensure the maintenance of a balanced hot tub environment.

4. Shock Treatments

Shock treatments serve as potent agents against bacterial growth in spa water, particularly addressing high bacterial levels. They excel in breaking down organic residues such as lotions, oils, and sweat, preventing their accumulation.

Inflatable hot tubs offer a variety of shock treatments tailored to different needs:

1. Chlorine Shock: A potent oxidizer, chlorine shock effectively sanitizes the hot tub by eliminating bacteria and algae buildup. Use periodically to maintain proper sanitation levels.
2. Bromine Shock: Similar to chlorine, bromine shock acts as a gentler oxidizer. It's an alternative to chlorine, free from harsh chemicals or fumes.

3. Spa Shock: Spa shocks serve multiple purposes:

   1. Remove contaminants and organic materials from the water.
   2. Help balance pH levels.
   3. Reduce foaminess when jets are activated.

4. Non-Chlorine Shock: These treatments efficiently cleanse inflatable hot tubs without disrupting the water's chemical balance. Ideal for regular maintenance and deep cleaning, they offer a gentle yet effective solution for keeping your hot tub clean without harsh chemicals.

5. Other Types of Specialized Hot Tub Chemicals

Inflatable hot tub maintenance requires a range of specialized chemicals tailored to specific needs. These include:

1. Water Clarifiers: Clear up cloudy water by eliminating small particles and improving water clarity.

2. Stain and Scale Removers: Combat unsightly stains and scale buildup caused by minerals and other contaminants in the water.

3. Foam Control Products: Keep foaminess at bay, particularly when jets are active, for a more enjoyable and relaxing experience.

To ensure safe handling of inflatable hot tub chemicals, follow these essential safety precautions:

1. Add Chemicals While Tub is Running: Always add chemicals to the hot tub while it's running to ensure thorough mixing and distribution.

2. Avoid Adding Chemicals to Hot Water: Adding chemicals to hot water can cause evaporation or concentration, leading to skin irritation or equipment damage. Wait until the water cools to a safe temperature.

3. Refrain from Using Body Oils or Lotions: Prior to adding chemicals, avoid using body oils or lotions in the hot tub as they can disrupt chemical balance.

4. Use Protective Gear: Wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling chemicals to prevent skin or eye irritation.

5. Minimize Exposure to Chemical Fumes: Avoid breathing in chemical fumes and limit exposure to chemicals for extended periods.

6. Follow Manufacturer's Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines for adding chemicals, ensuring correct dosage and application.

7. Consider Skin Sensitivity: Test the water regularly and be mindful of sensitive skin, preventing overuse of chemicals to avoid skin irritation.