Easy Chemical Guide for Hot Tub Owners

New to owning a hot tub? Whether you’ve just bought your spa or are getting back into a regular care routine, understanding water chemistry is key to keeping your hot tub clean, safe, and enjoyable.

At My Hot Tub Shop, we’ve created this quick and simple guide to help you master the basics of water care. You’ll only need a few essentials, and with the right routine, maintenance becomes stress-free.

You’ll only use either chlorine or bromine – never both at once!

The Four Basics of Hot Tub Water Care

To keep your spa water clean and balanced, just focus on these four essentials:

1. Maintain Sanitiser Levels (Chlorine or Bromine)

Sanitiser is what keeps your water hygienic. Choose either:

• Chlorine Granules or Tablets – quick-dissolving and easy to manage

• Bromine Granules or Tablets – gentler on skin and effective at higher temperatures

Use a test strip to check levels regularly and adjust as needed.

2. Balance Your pH

Hot tub water should be slightly alkaline (between 7.2–7.6 pH). This helps your sanitiser work properly and keeps your spa comfortable.

• Use pH Increaser or pH Reducer to maintain the right level.

3. Shock Dose Weekly

A weekly shock dose breaks down organic matter like body oils, dead skin, and other contaminants.

4. Clean Your Filters

Dirty filters can cause cloudy water and poor circulation. Rinse filters weekly and use Hot Tub Filter Cleaner monthly to keep them in great condition.

Hot Tub Chemicals Made Simple

All the products mentioned in this guide are available on our website, as is our hot tub chemical subscription service.

Whether you use a classic chlorine system or prefer gentle bromine, our selection is designed for UK hot tub owners who want reliable, easy-to-use solutions.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure which chemicals are right for your hot tub or need support with your water balance, we’re here to help!

Give our friendly team a call on 02392 471 073 or visit our showroom for expert advice.