Bleach in hot tub

[tphaggerty]

You just need to add a teaspoon of dichlor every day (for 500 gal tub). and then 7-10 times that amount periodically to shock.


It is called the Vermont method or something like that, I will send along the URL, when I go to work tomorrow. it is on my computer there....

Hal

But, if you do that, you are adding CYA and that builds up very quickly in a small hot tub. I use dichlor right now and am investigating using BBB instead in order to extend my dump/refill cycle.

Currently, I have to dump/refill every 3 months or so because the CYA builds up and the tub becomes hard to keep completely "sweet". Even with proper levels of CL, it has the CC smell to it, even shocking doesn't completely eliminate that.

Now that I understand pool/spa chemistry a lot better, I am considering BBB for the hot tub as well. Bleach would serve as both the sanitizer and shock (you could still use the "vermont method", which I do currently with dichlor). My biggest concern is PH control as that is really important with a vinyl Softtub (too little PH causes the liner to permanently wrinkle very clearly).

[falken]

I have run my hot tub on bleach for a few years now.
Though I always make sure mine is 6ppm before I get in and always shock it if I test and it reads less than 2ppm.

I keep all of my values on the high side because I am immunosupressed and are not even really suppose to be in a hot tub.

[halds]

here is the link to the Vermont method

http://www.rhtubs.com/dichlor_vermonter.htm

While dichlor will build up the CYA, it is not a problem for me because I change the water every couple of months anyway. The di chlor is easier to handle in small amounts and easier to maintain pH. Have never had any problem with the CC smell... I guess it is a matter of how well you shock.

I tried Cal hypo once, but it was not good. The calcium levels build up fast, and you end up with cloudy water and clogging your filter with calcium precipitate.

Of course the BBB method is basically the same thing, just substitute liquid bleach for the di chlor. You just have to remember to add a little bleach everyday, especially after you use the tub.

Hal

[waterbear]

The water in a hot tup should be changed every few months because of the higher bather load to smaller volume of water than a pool. Just too much stuff builds up in it and it gets harder and harder to keep it balanced. This might be a case where the TDS ARE coming into play. Never checked them when I had a portable but it might be an interesting thing to see how fast and high they DO build up!