Garden Improvement

How to Lower Chlorine in a Hot Tub

If you have a home hot tub, it is essential to maintain safe levels of chlorine. Chlorine has an important role in home hot tub care. It keeps the water clean and safe for use. Sometimes, chlorine levels can get too high. Other times, they may drop too low. Both situations can be hazardous.

In this guide, we cover the basics of chlorine balancing in a hot tub. We will also answer key questions about what to do when chlorine levels are either too high or too low.

What Do I Do If Chlorine Is Too High?

High chlorine levels are dangerous and can cause irritation. High levels of chlorine in the spa water can affect your skin, eyes and even lungs. If you notice sensitive skin or eyes after bathing, this may be a sign your hot tubs chlorine levels are too high. High chlorine in a hot tub will also produce a strong chemical odour.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Test the water: Use a testing kit to check the chlorine level. The ideal range is 1-3 parts per million (ppm).
  2. Leave the cover off: Let the chlorine levels drop naturally by exposing the water to sunlight. UV light breaks down chlorine.
  3. Dilute the water: Add fresh water to the hot tub to lower the chlorine concentration.
  4. Use a chlorine neutraliser: These products reduce chlorine quickly. Always follow the instructions for correct usage.

You can find high-quality chlorine products to help maintain the right balance.

whirlpool-hot-tub-garden-summer
Image by Petra from Pixabay

Is It Safe to Go in a Hot Tub with High Chlorine?

No, using a hot tub with high levels of chlorine is not safe. Overly high chlorine levels in a hot tub can cause:

  • Skin irritation: Your skin may become dry or itchy.
  • Respiratory irritation: Chlorine fumes can irritate your throat and lungs. Chlorine fumes can cause temporary respiratory distress and even be fatal in extreme cases.
  • Eye irritation: watch out for sore, red and itchy eyes as this can be a symptom of high chlorine concentrations.

Always check the chlorine level before using your hot tub. If it’s too high, wait until it drops to a safe level (1-3 ppm).

How Do I Lower the Chlorine in My Hot Tub Fast?

If you need to reduce chlorine levels quickly, here are some tips:

  1. Add fresh water: This will dilute the chlorine concentration.
  2. Remove the cover: Exposing the water to sun will help the chlorine to evaporate naturally.
  3. Use a chlorine neutraliser: This is the fastest method to lower chlorine. Make sure to re-test the water before using the hot tub..

What Happens If You Use a Hot Tub with Low Chlorine?

Low chlorine levels can be just as dangerous as high levels. Chlorine helps keep the water clean. If the chlorine is too low, bacteria can grow. This makes the hot tub unsafe to use.

Signs of low chlorine include:

  • Cloudy water
  • Bad smell
  • Slippery surfaces

To fix low chlorine levels, adding more chlorine is usually all that is needed. Add chlorine granules in the dosage advised by the manufacturer and test before use.

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Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels

Conclusion

With a little know how, chlorine balancing is an easy and effective process. Maintaining the right chlorine level is the key to safe and enjoyable bathing. If chlorine is too high, you can lower levels quickly by adding fresh water, exposing it to sun or using a neutraliser. If levels are too low, simply adding more chlorine will top levels up for hygienic use.

Regular testing is key to ensuring your hot tub levels are regularly balanced and ready for use.

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