As excellent and relaxing as inflatable hot tubs can be, they also require a little work and maintenance to keep them clean and ensure they are safe to use and remain durable. This involves the use of spa chemicals, which can be a little intimidating if you are not used to using them.
So you’ve gone and got yourself a cheap inflatable hot tub, but now you’re asking yourself what chemicals do I need? In the following article, we hope to put a lot of your worries and anxieties regarding this to rest and advise on the best hot tub chemicals to use.
Don’t have time to read our full review right now? No worries! Here are our top 3 picks off the best hot tub chemicals you just might have;
- 3-Part pack
- Chlorine free
- Gentle on skin
- Stain control
- Powerful clean
- Crystal clear water
- Fights Bio-matter
- 1 use per week
- America's #1
- No cloudy water
- Assured Quality
- Purest Chemicals
Best Chemicals to Use for Inflatable Hot Tubs
We will look at the different types of chemicals for hot tub you need and how you should use them, and hope this hot tub chemicals guide reassures you and enables you to enjoy yours to the full.
So whether you have a brand new Intex inflatable hot tub or an older model we have your hot tub chemicals covered. Please note: these chemicals do not replace the need for a proper hot tub vacuum for removing larger, visible dirt and debris.
1. Leisure Time Spa Up
Worried about your hot tub’s pH level dropping too low? This bottle of Spa Up fixes exactly that. The ideal pH level for a spa is between 7.2 – 7.8. Anything lower than 7.2 is bad for your equipment because it causes corrosion.
Spa Up is part of a range of hot tub chemicals by Leisure Time. You only need small amounts; 1 ounce for when the pH is between 6.8 – 7.2 and 2 ounces for when it is less than 6.8.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- Compatible with all sanitizers including bromine, chlorine and biguanide
- Only small amount needed
Cons
- Only serves one purpose
2. Hot Tub Things Oxidizing Spa Shock
This popular American brand has a great versatile product that is suitable for preventing organic buildup in all kinds of water including hot tubs, swim spas, and swimming pools.
Every week, sprinkle in 2 ounces for every 300 gallons of water and keep the pump running for at least 30 minutes for an even spreading. This oxidizing shock formula is meant as an addition to your regular sanitizer. It helps reach the right levels faster.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Suitable for all sanitizers
- More affordable
Cons
- Poor shipping
3. Baqua Spa 3-Pack Introductory Maintenance Pack
Get everything that you need with a single order by getting this Baqua set. It includes a waterline control, oxidizer, and sanitizer which takes you through all 3 necessary steps of keeping a spa clean.
This product does not contain bromine nor chlorine so if you have sensitive skin this is a less irritating alternative. Follow the instructions and use these chemicals once a week without ever having to add harsher chemicals.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- Chemicals used are kinder to skin
- Complete maintenance kit
Cons
- Not suitable for toughest organic buildup
4. Hot Tub Serum Total Maintenance
Do you prefer to buy things in bulk over having lots of empty plastic bottles lying around the house? Then set yourself up for 24 weeks of beautifully clear and soft spa water with this jumbo bottle.
A single 2-liter bottle lasts for 4 months and prevents organic buildup while also keeping the pipes squeaky clean. Combine this with the Hot Tub Serum sanitizer for weekly maintenance and you will get the best effect.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- Long-lasting bottle
- Suitable for all kinds of water
- Advanced scientific formula
Cons
- Only effective in combination with a sanitizer
5. Spa Choice Sanitizing Chlorine Granules
Prefer sticking to tried and true products? Then get the required chlorine dose for your spa from these quickly dissolving granules containing 56% available chlorine.
Chlorine is the standard choice as a cleaning chemical for spas and swimming pools. It kills bacteria and prevents algae from growing leaving you with clear and clean water.
This product comes in a big 5-pound bucket which lasts for a long time considering each teaspoon already provides 1.4 ppm for 500 gallons of water.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- Granules dissolve quickly
- Very affordable
- Long-lasting effect
Cons
- Difficult to measure exact proportions
6. Leisure Time Bromine Tabs
There is a sharp odor to chlorine which is why many people prefer bromine which is odorless but still effective. These are bromine tabs which slowly dissolve with minimal dust inside floaters.
Leisure Time also has the same bromine tabs available as a set with non-chlorine shock or with extra water test strips. Each pack is a 4-pound package which is quite large and so enough for several months.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- Odorless sanitizer, a good replacement for chlorine
- Available as large pack and combination packs
Cons
- Tabs might crumble inside the pack which makes it less effective
7. Spa Choice Brominating Tabs
If you are looking for a more affordable alternative to the Leisure Time bromine tabs then consider getting this 5-pound bucket sold by Spa Choice. Just because the price tag is smaller does not mean it is lesser quality – this formula has 98% of the active ingredient.
The packaging is also an advantage. The lid gives you easy access while still being a child-safe design to prevent the young ones from accessing it unsupervised.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- Value pack
- Slow-dissolving, perfect for warmer water temperatures
- Stable bromine levels
Cons
- Child-safe lock takes some getting used to for the easy opening
8. In The Swim Brominating Tablets
Get the best of the two most trusted chemicals for keeping spas clean with this combination spa cleaning tablet produced by In The Swim. It contains 61% available bromine and 27% available chlorine, delivering a double punch to any bacteria and algae.
The great thing about this combination is that it has all the effects of chlorine but because of the low dosage does not have a sharp odor. It is suitable for filling any bromine floater or feeder.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- Contains chlorine without the smell
- Slow-dissolving for a longer-lasting effect
Cons
- Cannot be stored in cold temperatures
9. SpaGuard Enhanced Shock
Shock is a spa cleaner that combines several functions in one. For example, this extra strong shock by SpaGuard is an oxidizer, water clarifier, flocculent and buffer in one.
It is a simple step in your hot tub maintenance because it does not require any pre-mixing and dissolves quickly. The enhanced chemicals are quick in action, providing you with clear and clean water in just 15 minutes.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- All-in-one spa cleaning chemicals
- Quick action with quick results
- Available in multipacks for easy stock at home
Cons
- Not suitable in combination with other sanitizers
10. SpaGuard Spa Water Clarifier
Sometimes, the water in your hot tub can get a little cloudy from the combination of cleaning chemicals. Bring it back to a nice clarity using this SpaGuard clarifier that does not affect the pH levels of the water.
How it works is that the small particles in the water are pulled together into larger particles. These larger particles are much easier for the filtration system to trap leaving you with only clear water.
(don't worry, button opens a new tab)
Pros
- Doesn’t affect water pH levels
- Aids the filtration system
Cons
- Not sufficient on its own, must be combined with a sanitizer
Hot Tub Chemical Buying Guide
When investing in a new hot hub, there are some things to know about hot tub chemicals. Even water that looks crystal clear and sparkling clean still needs to be sanitized, because there are many invisible nasties that are probably present. So, from the very first time you use your inflatable spa, you need to make sure you have a sanitizer at the ready to add.
Once the water has warmed up and is bubbling nicely, that’s when it’s time to add the sanitizer. From that moment onwards, you need to check the level regularly, to make sure its pH level is safe.
What are Sanitizers?
Sanitizers are by far, the most important chemicals in a hot tub that you will need to purchase and use with your inflatable hot tub. This spa chemical is to help ensure the water is always hygienically safe and clean.
It is able to do this by basically attacking and then destroying any algae and other harmful bacteria that might be present and building up inside the water. Hot water is the ideal breeding place for many kinds of germs, so it’s crucial that you use sanitizers to get rid of them.
We also recommend using a hot tub thermometer to ensure your hot tub is the correct temperature before usage.
Different Types of Sanitizers
There are two main types of sanitizers to choose from, and it really depends on personal preference as to which is best. The two chemicals you can choose from include:
- Bromine
- Chlorine
Using a Chlorine Sanitizer for your Inflatable Hot Tub
Chlorine is by far the most popular sanitizing chemical for inflatable hot tubs. This is because it is very effective at eradicating bacteria and is much cheaper than bromine and other alternatives. One characteristic of chlorine though, that many people do not like is the fact that it has an odor.
You’ll remember the smell from any time you went to a public swimming pool, as they use chlorine. The smell though will not be quite as bad as it is in a swimming pool, because your spa is a lot smaller than a public swimming pool.
It is also worth noting that the smell is actually a positive thing. The smell means that the chlorine is dying and it only dies when it is attacking and destroying the bacteria in the water. So, the smell is a sign it is doing its job properly.
There are two options if you are going to invest in chlorine, tablets, and granules.
Learn how to avoid chlorine rash here.
Hot Tub Chlorine Tablets
These tablets are generally used in a plastic chemical floater that will normally be included when you buy the unit. Although you should refer to the owner’s instructional DVD or manual to determine how many tablets you should use, it is generally between two to six. Although that will depend on the size of your model.
Put the right amount into the floater and then drop it into the water when it’s hot. As the tablets dissolve slowly, it will be released gradually and start to work its way through the water. Importantly, this means you need to wait a minimum of two hours before getting into the tub.
As time goes on, you should check the chlorine levels in the water regularly and add additional tablets when necessary. They tend to last around three to five days on average, which means you will need to use quite a lot over time. That’s why it’s best investing in a larger container from the get-go.
Hot Tun Chlorine Granules
Chlorine in granulated form can either be used by simply adding the correct amount directly into the tub and letting the heat dissolve them and the air jets swirl them around or you could use a plastic pitcher.
Add the appropriate number of granules to the pitcher, then the hot water from your hot tub and stir until dissolved, before adding the combined mixture into your spa.
This is probably the best way to do it as it ensures the granules are fully active and ready to do their work. As with tablets, you still need to wait around two hours before getting into the tub.
Chlorine Pros and Cons
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Acts fast
- Easy to control and use
- Aggressive killer of bacteria
Cons
- Chemical smell
- Needs to be shocked to reactivate
- Irritable to sensitive skin
- pH needs to be checked regularly
Using a Bromine Sanitizer for your Inflatable Hot Tub
Bromine is second in popularity only to Chlorine and is equally effective with the distinct advantage that it’s completely odorless. The big downside about bromine though is that it is more expensive. Furthermore, it doesn’t tend to last quite as long, so it needs to be added much more frequently and regularly.
Similarly, to Chlorine, you can use bromine in granule or tablet form. The procedure is also exactly the same. However, the biggest difference you need to keep in mind between the two is that bromine works slower than chlorine.
This means you need to wait a little longer before you can get into the water. Generally, it is around four to eight hours but it depends on the amount you use and the size of your tub. Many people prefer to just add bromine at night and leave it to work on the water overnight before using the tub.
Not sure how to add chemicals to your hot tub? Don’t worry there are lots of videos online to help you do this.
Bromine Pros and Cons
Pros
- No chemical smell
- Aggressive killer of algae
- Great choice for people with sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive
- Needs to be replaced more frequently
- Works slower
- Breaks down when exposed to sunlight
You should now have enough information to ensure that your inflatable hot tub is hygienic and safe to use.
