A hot tub is meant to be a place of relaxation and enjoyment. If your chlorine levels are too high, though, it can quickly turn into a frustrating situation. Maybe you added a little too much, or perhaps your hot tub hasn’t been used in a while, and the chlorine hasn’t had a chance to dissipate.
Whatever the reason, you’re now dealing with water that isn’t as inviting as it should be.
The good news? You’re not the first to deal with this. Hot tub owners before you have run into the same issue. The even better news? It’s an easy fix. Let’s go over what you need to know about high chlorine levels and how to bring them back to a safe range.
Why is my hot tub chlorine too high?
Chlorine plays an important role in keeping your hot tub water clean and killing harmful bacteria, but, like anything, too much chlorine can cause problems. From too much sanitizer to not enough airflow, there are several reasons your chlorine levels might be running higher than they should.
Overdosing: If you add too much chlorine, your levels will be elevated. It’s easy to miscalculate how much chlorine your water needs.
Recent shocking: If you’ve recently shocked your hot tub with a chlorine-based shock, the levels will naturally be high for a short time.
Low bather load: If your hot tub hasn’t been used much, the chlorine has fewer contaminants to break down, so it stays in the water longer.
Poor ventilation: If your hot tub cover is always on and the spa is not allowed to air out, chlorine gases can get trapped, leading to higher readings.
How high is too high?
A safe chlorine level for a hot tub is between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). Anything above 5 ppm is considered too high and can cause issues. If your test strip or kit shows a chlorine level above this range, it’s time to take action.
Excess chlorine can have negative effects on both you and your hot tub.
Skin and eye irritation: Too much chlorine can cause redness, itching, and discomfort.
Strong chlorine smell: A harsh odor can indicate high chlorine or the presence of chloramines, which form when chlorine binds to contaminants.
Fading and damage: High chlorine levels can break down hot tub covers, headrests, and swimsuits faster.
Unbalanced water chemistry: Excess chlorine can throw off pH and alkalinity, making water more acidic and leading to scaling or corrosion.
How to lower chlorine levels in your hot tub
If your chlorine levels are too high, you don’t have to completely drain your spa. There are some simple, effective methods that will help you bring chlorine levels down safely.
Let it dissipate naturally
One of the easiest ways to lower chlorine levels is to do nothing; just give it time. Chlorine naturally breaks down when exposed to air and sunlight. Here’s what you can do:
- Remove the hot tub cover to allow the water to ventilate and help the chlorine dissipate naturally.
- Run the jets to help circulate the water and speed up chlorine breakdown.
- If possible, you can turn up the water temperature. Warmer water burns through chlorine more quickly, while cooler water requires less sanitizer.
Depending on how high the chlorine level is, this process can take several hours to a day or two.
Use your hot tub
One of the best ways to lower chlorine is to simply enjoy your hot tub. The more people use the spa, the more chlorine gets used up as it sanitizes oils, sweat, and other organic material. Just make sure the level isn’t too high before getting in. Anything above 5 ppm could cause skin irritation.
Turn on the jets and air
Turning on your jets, blower, or waterfall features helps chlorine break down faster by increasing oxygen in the water. Just make sure to keep the cover open while the jets are running, as this allows the chlorine to escape into the air.
Dilute with fresh water
If your chlorine levels are significantly high and you don’t want to wait, you can speed up the process by adding fresh water.
- Drain a small amount of water from the hot tub (about 6-12 inches).
- Refill with fresh water to dilute the chlorine concentration.
- Run the jets to mix the water thoroughly.
- Retest and repeat if necessary.
This method is great if your levels are extremely high and you need a faster solution.
Avoid adding more chlorine too soon
After adjusting your chlorine levels, it’s important to resist the urge to add more chemicals right away. Even if the level dips slightly below the recommended range, it’s better to wait until it naturally stabilizes before adding more sanitizer.
How to prevent high chlorine levels in the future
Once you’ve successfully balanced your chlorine levels, there are a few steps you can take to keep them in check moving forward.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use accurate measurements to avoid overloading the water with chemicals. If you’re using chlorine tablets, a floating dispenser can help regulate the release of chlorine over time, preventing you from adding too much all at once.
Regular testing is also key. Check your chlorine levels at least 2-3 times a week to catch any imbalances before they become an issue. When it comes to shocking your hot tub, don’t overdo it.
Shock treatments are important, but they should only be used when necessary. If you do want to use a hot tub shock, look for a non-chlorine product such as oxidizer.
Be sure to keep your spa uncovered every so often. This allows the water to ventilate, helping to release any trapped chlorine gases.
If your hot tub’s chlorine levels are too high, don’t panic. With a little patience and know-how, you can bring your water back to a safe and comfortable level. The key is to monitor your chemical levels regularly and make small adjustments as needed to keep your hot tub clean, balanced, and ready for relaxation.
Still have questions about maintaining your hot tub? The Master Spas hot tub dealer near you can provide expert advice and water care products to help you get the most out of your spa.
Ready to take the next step in your hot tub journey?
If you’re looking for an easier way to manage water chemistry, consider a saltwater hot tub. With the Master Clear Salt System, you can enjoy the benefits of saltwater without the hassle of high chlorine levels. It’s a great option for maintaining clean, balanced water with less effort.
Are you ready to invest in your well-being and create the perfect backyard retreat? Master Spas hot tubs are built to be enjoyed for years to come. Learn more about the benefits of hydrotherapy and how a hot tub can improve your health and relaxation. Curious about pricing? Request a quote and start your journey to ultimate relaxation today.