Getting Your Hot Tub Started for the Season

As the season changes, it's time to prepare your hot tub for relaxation and enjoyment! Whether you're a seasoned spa owner or new to the experience, getting your hot tub started properly is crucial for ensuring clean and safe water. Here’s a simple guide to help you kick off the season right with the essential starting chemicals.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you dive in, make sure you have the following essential chemicals on hand:

1. Sodium Bromide: This is a key ingredient for establishing a bromine residual in your hot tub. It's essential for sanitizing the water and keeping it free from bacteria.

2. Spa Up: This product is used to raise the pH levels of your hot tub water. Proper pH balance is crucial for comfort and the effectiveness of sanitizers.

3. Metal Gon: This chemical helps prevent metal staining and scale buildup in your hot tub. It’s especially useful if you have hard water, as it binds to metals like iron and copper to keep your water clear and clean.

4. Chlorinating Granules: These are used for shocking your hot tub, providing an initial boost of chlorine to eliminate bacteria and organic contaminants.

5. Bromide Tablets: These tablets release bromine into the water, ensuring a consistent level of sanitizer, which is gentler on the skin compared to chlorine.

Step 2: Test Your Water

Before adding any chemicals, it's important to test your hot tub water. Use a water testing kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. The ideal pH level for hot tubs is between 7.2 and 7.8, and total alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm. Adjust these levels as necessary with your Spa Up and other balancing agents.

Step 3: Add Your Chemicals

Once your water is tested and balanced, it's time to add your starting chemicals:

1. Add Sodium Bromide: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct dosage based on your hot tub size. This will help establish your bromine reserve.

2. Raise pH with Spa Up: If your pH levels are low, add Spa Up to bring them into the ideal range. Always add the chemicals gradually and retest to ensure balance.

3. Add Metal Gon: This will help prevent staining and scale. Follow the recommended dosage for your hot tub's capacity.

4. Shock with Chlorinating Granules: Add the appropriate amount of chlorinating granules to shock your hot tub. This helps to eliminate any contaminants and bacteria.

5. Insert Bromide Tablets: Place the bromide tablets in the floating dispenser or skimmer basket as per the manufacturer's guidelines.

*Wait about 10-15 minutes between adding each chemical*

Step 4: Let the Hot Tub Circulate

After adding your chemicals, run the hot tub jets for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the water to circulate and the chemicals to mix thoroughly. This helps distribute the chemicals evenly throughout the water.

Step 5: Test Again

Once the chemicals have circulated, test the water again to ensure everything is balanced. Adjust any levels as needed before you take your first soak!

Enjoy Your Hot Tub!

Now that your hot tub is ready for the season, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the soothing warm water. Regularly check your water chemistry and maintain your hot tub to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience all season long. If you need any assistance or supplies, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

Happy soaking!