What chemicals are needed to maintain a hot tub?

10 Minute Read

If you are interested in becoming a hot tub owner, it’s very probable that you want to know exactly what is involved when it comes to your role in maintaining your future hot tub. You may have read, or heard from other hot tub owners, that maintaining a hot tub can be time-consuming or, quite frankly, a hassle. You may have wondered about what chemicals are needed to maintain your hot tub so it is ready to go when you are.

This article will cover the topic of hot tub maintenance, particularly as it relates to the chemicals needed to maintain a hot tub. It will also serve as a hot tub chemicals guide. As you read, you will receive a “hot tub chemistry 101 lesson” that will help you determine the best hot tub for you.

Article highlights:

Understanding hot tub chemicals and their purpose.
A list of common hot tub chemicals.
Introduction to Jacuzzi® True Water™, which does not require the addition of chemicals and is nearly maintenance-free.
Tips and tools for maintaining your hot tub without the hassle.

Why are chemicals needed to maintain a hot tub?

Before diving into the topic of what chemicals are needed to maintain a hot tub, it’s important to understand the purpose of chemicals for maintaining your hot tub. Just like a swimming pool, chemicals and sanitizers are needed to prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from developing in your hot tub water. Without the proper sanitization, germs can disrupt your soothing and relaxing hydrotherapy by way of cloudy, and potentially dangerous, water.

What chemicals are needed for a hot tub?

The answer to the question, “What chemicals are needed for a hot tub?” will be based upon the type of hot tub you purchase. There are several types of water care systems available and compatible with certain hot tub brands and models. Water care is an essential part of your hot tub maintenance. It should be a critical decision-making factor when it comes time for you to purchase the best hot tub for your needs. Keep in mind that high-quality hot tub brands will generally have the highest level of water care and filtration systems that either come standard with their most luxurious models or that are available as upgrades.

Some common chemicals include:

Sanitizers, such as chlorine and bromine that can kill bacteria
Shock treatment, which serves as a concentrated dose of oxidizer
pH increasers and decreasers to adjust the pH level of your hot tub water
Alkalinity increaser to stabilize and maintain your hot tub water’s pH level
Water clarifier to keep your hot tub water clear

What are the best hot tub chemicals?

The best hot tub chemicals are the ones that are intended for use with your specific hot tub model. Before you purchase chemicals for your hot tub, read your owner’s manual and follow the exact instructions of your hot tub owner’s manual when it comes to maintaining your hot tub. It’s also highly recommended to seek the guidance of your local hot tub dealer on the topic of chemicals needed for the specific hot tub you are interested in. They can also help direct you to the best hot tubs that require fewer chemicals and less maintenance time.

Besides chemicals, how can I maintain my hot tub?

Aside from adding the proper chemicals to your hot tub, it may require additional maintenance to keep it operating at tip-top form. For example, you may need to change the filters or drain the hot tub and refill it on occasion. You may also need to purchase an at-home kit to test your hot tub water’s pH balance, calcium hardness, and alkalinity. Skimming the water on a regular basis will ensure your hot tub is free of floating debris before your hydrotherapy session.

What are the best hot tubs with little to no chemical use or maintenance?

The Jacuzzi brand is once again revolutionizing the hot tub industry with the introduction of its latest product, Jacuzzi® True Water™. Recently introduced to market, True™ utilizes nanotechnology to clean* your hot tub water without the use of traditional cleaning agents such as bromine. Nearly all the chlorine is removed, too.

With True™, trillions of nanoscopic bubbles are suspended throughout your hot tub water. Though invisible to the naked eye, the nanobubbles can actually be viewed with a green laser light. These nanobubbles saturate your hot tub water and naturally scrub surfaces, including in the pipes, and in other places you don’t see. The True™ water purification system destroys microscopic contaminants that they encounter—without the use of chemicals, and virtually no chlorine.

True™ allows you to enjoy your hot tub without the need to add chemicals, and with as little as 15 minutes of maintenance time required each month. True™ has been proven to be more effective than any other water care system the Jacuzzi team has tested. Data from third-party lab results show True™ removes 99.9% of bacterial and viral contaminants without any chlorine or other chemical additives**.

The future of hot tub water care, True™ not only ensures your hot tub water is clear, beautiful, and fresh-smelling with hardly any effort on your part, this unique water purification system cares for you by being gentle on your skin and hair. It also allows you to reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals traditionally used for hot tub maintenance.

Tips for maintaining your hot tub without the hassle

Regardless of the brand and model hot tub you purchase, there are some things you can do to help maintain your hot tub, without much extra hassle, such as:

Purchase a high-quality hot tub — A well-built hot tub from a trusted, premium brand will be made to last, with components that ensure ease of operation and management. Do not underestimate the importance of purchasing a premium hot tub. This is an important investment in your wellbeing, and with a high-quality hot tub comes more peace of mind.

Invest in a hot tub cover — Your hot tub’s cover can be an invaluable asset when it comes to maintaining your hot tub. A superior, tightly fitting hot tub cover can keep debris, dirt, and other contaminants from getting into your hot tub and disrupting the delicate chemical balance of the water. It can also help save you from having to skim the water’s surface free of leaves or other falling foliage any time a breeze blows through. Aside from a maintenance aspect, your hot tub cover can help keep your energy costs down by locking in your water’s heat. It is also a great safety feature—helping to deter little ones and pets from accidentally getting into the water without your knowledge.

Explore Hot Tubs

J-475™ LARGE DESIGNER HOT TUB WITH LOUNGE SEAT

Experience the healing power of hydrotherapy. The unique J-475™ offers three layers of deep relief: exclusive RX hydromassage jets, Red Light, and Near-Infrared therapy in a stunning 6-7 seat package.

$$$$

Learn More

J-355™ HOT TUB WITH COMFORT LOUNGE SEATING AND COOL DOWN SEAT

With 6 seating options, the mid-sized J-355™ Hot Tub is engineered to deliver neck-to-foot therapy, from a longer, full-body lounge seat to diverse seating options.

$$$$

Learn More

Excellent water care and filtration systems — As you have learned by now, the water care and filtration systems of your hot tub are essential for your hot tub’s chemical maintenance. Depending on the hot tub you choose and its equipment, your maintenance will vary. So be sure to take your time when making the decision on what type of water care system you want for your hot tub. It can be the very thing that makes your hot tub ownership easy and nearly stress-free... or not.

Smart technology — Smart technology can make your role as a hot tub owner easier than ever. Take, for example, the Jacuzzi® SmartTub® System and App, one of the exclusive innovations compatible with luxury Jacuzzi® hot tub models.

Jacuzzi® SmartTub® puts control and convenience of managing and maintaining your hot tub in the palm of your hand. The most user-friendly, feature-loaded hot tub app on the market, Jacuzzi® SmartTub® gives you peace of mind, whether you are just steps away from your hot tub or thousands of miles away. Just some of the convenient features of the Jacuzzi® SmartTub® include:

Full Control

Full control of temperature, jets, and lights
Dealer monitoring software
Remote diagnostic testing

Energy Settings

Energy usage (kwh) sensor
Smart Heat mode
Carbon footprint estimates

Water Care

Personalized recommendations for water care
Filtration and water care reminders

Peace of Mind

Power outage notifications
Backup battery
Daily self-diagnostic check

Convenience

Voice assistant and wearables integration
Monthly email owner tips
Model-specific use and care tips

Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you should feel confident and knowledgeable about what chemicals are needed to maintain a hot tub, and even better yet, what hot tubs require as little chemicals and maintenance as possible—Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs.

Your hot tub is made for your relaxation and wellness. It should serve as a place of stress-free bliss, and you shouldn’t have to consider your hot tub as another task to cross off your already lengthy chore list. So when you are ready to purchase a nearly-chemical free, nearly maintenance free hot tub, think Jacuzzi.

*Clean is defined as the removal of microscopic (down to 3-micron level, varies by model) debris from the water.

**Chlorine can also be added. Number is reflective of water without chemicals.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.

Learn More With Our Hot Tub Buying Series

Unlock the secrets to the perfect hot tub with our exclusive email series. Get expert advice and tips right in your inbox. Subscribe now and take the first step towards finding your ideal hot tub.