Want to chill in a hot tub after a crazy day?
While hot tubs can be a great source of relaxation, you might find yourself wondering Is it safe to go in a hot tub with high chlorine levels?
The short answer is no. Let’s find out why it is not safe to soak in a hot tub with too much chlorine.
So, How Much is Too Much Chlorine in Your Hot Tub?
When it comes to hot tub maintenance, monitoring the chlorine levels in your hot tub is crucial.
Excess chlorine can cause skin irritation and damage your hot tub, so it’s important to regularly test the chlorine levels using a chlorine test strip.
If the levels are too high, you can reduce the amount of chlorine by adding a chlorine neutralizer or using hydrogen peroxide.
The safe level of chlorine in hot tubs is typically around 3 ppm. Keeping the water clean and free of excess chlorine will help keep your hot tub clean and safe for use.
What Happens if There’s Too Much Chlorine in Hot Tub Water?
Having too much chlorine in your hot tub water can be harmful and damaging. It can be harsh on the skin and eyes, and even cause respiratory irritation.
Eyes
They are super sensitive to chemicals. If you dive into a hot tub with too much chlorine, your eyes might start to burn or turn red.
Skin
A chlorine overload can make your skin feel dry and itchy. If you find that your skin is feeling dry and itchy, it may be a sign that the chlorine levels are too high and you should temporarily avoid using the hot tub.
Breathing
Too much chlorine can make the air around the hot tub sting your nose. It can feel tough to breathe. That strong chlorine smell isn’t a sign of super clean water; it’s a warning signal that the chlorine levels are too high.
Ways to Reduce Chlorine Levels in Hot Tubs?
Here’s how to fix chlorine levels in your hot tubs:
Chlorine Neutralizer
One way to reduce chlorine levels in your hot tub is to use a chlorine neutralizer. If you detect high levels of free chlorine in the water in your hot tub, reducing the chlorine with a neutralizer may be advised.
Use Chlorine Tablets
Too much chlorine can be harmful and even damaging to your hot tub.
Refill it with fresh water and consider using bromine or chlorine tablets to control the chlorine levels.
If the pH levels are consistently high or the chlorine levels quickly rise higher than 3 ppm, seeking expert advice is recommended.
Draining and Refilling
If you have been using too much chlorine, the level of your hot tub might be too high. In this case, draining and refilling the hot tub with fresh water is the best solution.
Thiosulfate
You can also use sodium thiosulfate to quickly lower the chlorine concentration in the water. It is important to test the water in your hot tub regularly to ensure that the chlorine levels are within the recommended range.
Naturally Let it Go Away
Another option is to simply let nature take its course and allow the chlorine in the water to naturally dissipate. If you don’t use your hot tub frequently, covering it with a hot tub cover can help reduce chlorine levels.
How Can You Tell if There is High Chlorine Level?
Here’s how you can know if there’s too much chlorine in your tub:
Strong Chemical Odor
One of the most obvious signs of high chlorine levels in a pool is a strong chemical odor. If you can smell a strong bleach-like or chemical scent as soon as you approach the pool, it is likely that the chlorine levels are too high.
Irritated Skin and Eyes
Another common indicator of high chlorine levels is irritated skin and eyes. If you or your swimmers experience red, itchy, or burning skin and eyes after swimming in the pool, it is possible that the level of chlorine is high.
Cloudy or Murky Water
High chlorine levels can also lead to cloudy or murky water in the pool. If you notice that the water looks hazy or unclear, it could be a sign that there is too much chlorine present.
Rapid Dissipation of Chlorine Smell
While a strong chlorine smell can indicate high levels of chlorine, if the smell quickly dissipates once you enter the pool, it could mean that there is not enough stabilizer present to maintain chlorine levels. This can also be a problem and may require adjusting the chlorine levels.
Testing the Water
The best way to regulate hot tub chlorine levels is to regularly test the water with a test kit. Chlorine can damage your hot tub’s equipment and is harmful to your health if the levels are too high.
Using test strips are easy and convenient, and it only takes a few seconds to get a test strip reading to determine the chlorine levels.
Recommended Chlorine Levels For Spa Water
Recommended chlorine or bromine levels for spa water typically range between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm). Higher chlorine levels can be damaging to your skin and irritate your eyes if not properly balanced.
When talking about bromine or chlorine levels, it’s important to understand the different types of amounts: free, combined, and total.
| Type | Description | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Total Chlorine | Total chlorine measures both free chlorine and chloramines in water. | < 3.5 ppm |
| Combined Chlorine | Result of free chlorine reacting with contaminants in water. | < 0.5 ppm |
| Free Chlorine | Active form of chlorine to sanitize and kill bacteria. | 3 ppm (Best) |
Keeping Your Hot Tub Safe and Fun
Here’s how to keep your hot tub safe and enjoyable:
Testing
It is important to regularly test and adjust your chlorine or bromine levels every few months to keep your pool or hot tub safe and enjoyable.
Professional Help
If you are unsure of your hot tub’s numbers or what they mean, seek help from a professional. Hot tub experts can diagnose and fix any issues to keep your spa in perfect working order.
Hot Tub Maintenance
Regularly maintaining your hot tub ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for all. If you take care of your hot tub and get some help from the pros every now and then, it’ll stay a cool, chill spot for good times.
Safety First!
It’s best to wait until the chlorine levels are back to normal. Too much of it can be harsh on your skin and eyes, and it’s not worth the risk. Keep an eye on that chlorine, and you’ll be splashing around safely in no time!