Download Article
Download Article
Chlorine is a popular sanitizer used in pools and hot tubs to kill germs. Having high enough chlorine levels is important since it protects you and other bathers from dangerous germs that thrive in hot water. However, chlorine levels that are too high can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs, so you don’t want to go overboard. [1] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If you think your hot tub has too much chlorine in it, the first thing you should do is test it to make sure. If the chlorine levels are too high, you can either wait it out and let the chlorine break down naturally or replace some of the water in your hot tub with fresh water. You can also use a chlorine neutralizer to quickly eliminate excess chlorine.
Steps
-
Use chlorine test strips for an easy at-home option. With test strips, you just swirl one of the strips around in your hot tub for a few seconds, then compare the color that appears on the test strip to the chart provided with the product. The chart will tell you how much free chlorine is in the water. Some test strips will also test the pH and alkalinity of your hot tub. [2] X Research source- You can find chlorine test strips at hardware stores, pool supply stores, and online. [3] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- Always use test strips that can differentiate between free chlorine and combined chlorine. Free chlorine is the level of active chlorine that’s sanitizing your hot tub, while combined chlorine is all of the chlorine that’s been used up. You need to be able to test free chlorine separately (not just total chlorine) so you know your hot tub has a safe level of active sanitizer in it. [4] X Research source
-
Test for chlorine using a DPD test kit for the most accurate results. A DPD test kit comes with different reagents that you mix with your hot tub water to test things like chlorine and pH. They’re generally more accurate than test strips. To use a DPD kit to test free chlorine, just fill the provided vial with water from your hot tub, and add the chlorine reagent according to the instructions. Cap the vial, shake it, and compare the color of the water to the provided chart to see what the chlorine levels are. [5] X Research source- DPD stands for N,N Diethyl-1,4 Phenylenediamine Sulfate, which is the reagent used in the test kit.
- You can purchase DPD test kits in pool supply stores and online.
- Remember to measure for free chlorine with your test kit, not just total chlorine.
Advertisement -
Have the chlorine tested by professionals if you want an expert opinion. Many hot tub dealers offer in-store testing for hot tub water. Just collect a sample of your hot tub water in a plastic bottle, bring it to your local dealer, and pay to have the free chlorine levels tested. [6] X Research source- Having a professional hot tub technician test your chlorine levels ensures that you’ll get an accurate reading. They’ll also be able to offer advice if your chlorine levels are too high or low.
-
Lower your hot tub’s free chlorine level if it’s over 3 ppm. Three ppm is the recommended free chlorine level for preventing disease-causing germs in a hot tub. A free chlorine level that’s higher than that could possibly irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs when you use your hot tub. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source- If your hot tub’s free chlorine level is under 3 ppm, add more chlorine instead.
Advertisement
-
Wait for the chlorine levels to lower on their own if you’re not in a rush. Chlorine levels naturally break down over time. Try waiting 24-48 hours, and then test your hot tub water again. The chlorine levels might not be too high anymore. [8] X Research sourceTip: Leave your hot tub cover off while you wait. Ultraviolet rays from the sun break down chlorine faster. [9] X Research source
-
Replace some of the hot tub water to dilute the chlorine for a faster option. Scoop out a bucketful of water from your hot tub, then add a bucketful of fresh water. This will lower the overall concentration of chlorine. After you add the fresh water, turn on the jets and let it circulate for 20 minutes. Then, test the water again to see if the chlorine is at a safe level. [10] X Research source- If the chlorine levels are still too high, try replacing one bucketful of water at a time, testing your hot tub water after each one. For particularly high levels, you may need to drain your hot tub completely and refill it with fresh water. If you do refill it, make sure you sanitize it with the right amount of chlorine.
-
Use a chlorine neutralizer to lower chlorine levels without replacing any water. Chlorine neutralizer, also called sodium thiosulfate, is a compound that lowers chlorine levels when it’s added to pool and hot tub water. Just add the crystals to your hot tub water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, run the jets for a few minutes to circulate the neutralizer, and retest the water to see if the chlorine levels are still too high. [11] X Research source- You can find chlorine neutralizer at pool supply stores and online.
-
Test the water again before using your hot tub. Whenever you attempt to lower the chlorine levels in your hot tub, it’s important that you test the water again before you get in it. If you accidentally removed too much chlorine and the levels are low now, it puts you and other bathers at risk of contracting diseases from germs in the water. If the levels are too low, you’ll just need to add some more chlorine back into your hot tub water and retest it to see if it’s at a safe level.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
- Avoid lowering your free chlorine levels below 3 ppm or the chlorine may not be strong enough to kill all of the germs in your hot tub. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to sourceThanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/aquatics-professionals/chloramines.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwbXM8By4pw&feature=youtu.be&t=8
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/pool-spa-test-strips.html
- ↑ https://www.watertechonline.com/wastewater/article/15529492/maintaining-spa-water-quality-is-easier-than-you-think
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adIbRmgYehg&feature=youtu.be&t=5
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ch0JirOZIM&feature=youtu.be&t=14
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/about/home-pool-and-hot-tub-water-treatment-and-testing.html
- ↑ https://poolcareguy.com/hot-tub-chemistry/
- ↑ https://sciencing.com/heat-sun-affect-pool-chlorine-21723.html
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 73,437 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "I accidentally put too much chlorine in my hot tub rather than buying reducer. I used your advice and removed 12 buckets of water in total and replaced with fresh. Did the trick, thank you very much." ..." more
Advertisement
96%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"I accidentally put too much chlorine in my hot tub rather than buying reducer. I used your advice and removed 12 buckets of water in total and replaced with fresh. Did the trick, thank you very much."
..."
more
"Very informative for beginners."
