Hot Tub Chemicals

CHLORINE

Buy Chlorine

Every hot tub sanitizer has two key functions, to sanitize (kill bacteria and all living organisms) and also to oxidize (destroy contaminants and waste).

The traditional hot tub chemical is chlorine. Chlorine is classified as a disinfectant, meaning that it is capable of killing bacteria, algae and other organic material instantly.

All chlorine does the same thing when it is added to the water, regardless of the type of chlorine used.

Free Chlorine: When added to water chlorine forms free, available chlorine. Free chlorine is the form of chlorine that kills bacteria, algae and disease-causing organisms. If you use chlorine as a hot tub sanitizer you must maintain free chlorine at a sufficient level to disinfect potential contaminants on contact. The more chlorine in the water, the more it can sanitize and oxidize the water. However, if the free chlorine level gets too high, it can make the water uncomfortable for bathers and the water can become toxic. The trick is to keep the free chlorine level in the ideal range of 3 to 5 ppm.

Total Chlorine: Chlorine in spa water may be present in two forms. It is free chlorine that does the hard work of killing bacteria and oxidizing contaminants. However, when the free chlorine combines with contaminants, such as ammonia, oils, soap and other nitrogen-containing organic compounds, it forms combined chlorine, or chloramines. In spa water, this form of chlorine has very little sanitizing ability and no oxidizing ability. Chloramines smell foul and can also irritate the skin and eyes of bathers. Total chlorine is just the sum of both combined chlorine and free chlorine.

There is no convenient, direct testing method that measures combined chlorine, or chloramines. Instead, we can measure total chlorine and free chlorine and calculate the combined chlorine as the difference between the two. If the total chlorine level is higher than free chlorine, it is obvious that combined chlorine is present and it is necessary to shock the spa.

Water Balance: When using chlorine as a hot tub chemical sanitizer you must maintain the Total Alkalinity and pH of the water within the following range since, outside this range the sanitizing effect of the chlorine is greatly reduced

	Required Range
Total Alkalinity	125 - 150 ppm (mg/litre)
pH	7.2 - 7.6
Free Chlorine	3 - 5 ppm

You should test your Total Alkalinity and pH daily and adjust as necessary, since the levels can change rapidly as the chlorine is used to sanitize the water.

Even if your tub is not in use, you should test the chlorine level at least twice a week to prevent any build-up of bacteria or algae.

Problems with Chlorine: Here are some reasons why you might want to consider reducing your use of chlorine:

The bi-products of chlorine use, Chloramines are smelly and sting your eyes

chlorine only kills bacteria when the pH of the spa water is correctly adjusted and the pH of the water can change rapidly as the chlorine is used up.

chlorine is a potent bleach and is highly carcinogenic. According to the U.S. Council Of Environmental Quality: Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.

To minimise your use of Chlorine, maintain a level of only 1 ppm in conjunction with the all natural Eco One Monthly spa treatment. Eco One will reduce your exposure to the unpleasant effects of chemicals and stabilise the pH in your tub so that frequent water balancing is not required.

CHLORINE SAFETY

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

Highly corrosive. Causes irreversible eye damage. Causes burns to skin, irritating to nose and throat. May be fatal if swallowed. Will burn with the evolution of chlorine and equally toxic gases. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Wear goggles or face shield and rubber gloves when handling. Avoid breathing dust or fumes. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

FIRST AID: IF SWALLOWED: Promptly drink one or two large glasses of water or milk. DO NOT induce vomiting. Get medical attention. Avoid alcohol. IF ON SKIN: Immediately brush off excess chemical and flush with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing. Wash clothing before reuse. If irritation persists, call a physician. IF IN EYES: Flush with plenty of water. Get medical attention. IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air. Call a physician. Probable mucosal damage may contraindicate the use of gastric lavage.

PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL HAZARD: Strong oxidizing agent. Will burn with the evolution of chlorine and equally toxic gases. Contact with water slowly liberates irritating and hazardous chlorine-containing gases. Mix only with water. Use clean dry utensils. Do not add this product to any dispensing device containing remains of any other product. Such use may cause a violent reaction leading to fire or explosion. Contamination with moisture, organic matter or other chemicals may start a reaction with generation of heat, liberation of hazardous gases and possible generation of fire and explosion. In case of fire, if possible isolate container in open air or well ventilated area, flood with large volume of water. In case of contamination or decomposition, do not reseal container.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: This product is toxic to fish and aquatic organisms. Highly hazardous to humans and domestic animals.