Hot Tub Water Chemical Start Up {Step by Step}

[@HotTubOwnerHQ]

**** Get the Poolmaster 4-way test strips on Amazon I show in the video - amzn.to/3stOSwp Check out all my chemical recommendations over on my website - hottubownerhq.com/best-hot-tub-chemicals/

[@cerusa827]

The link for the bromine doesn't work anymore. Can you recommend a new link and update the website?

[@MrHospiTALLity34]

Can you put the top of the inflatable hot tub on while the bromine tablets are in the floater with the floater left in?? I just bought one, set it up, filled it up, adjusted the pH, then put the floater in it. But want to continue to heat the water. With top on it seems to be going faster

[@CornbreadXVX]

Awesome video. Just bought a house with a hot tub. Drained it, cleaned it, and you just told me the rest to do. Appreciate your help.

[@RickySilvaMusic]

I’m a new hot tub owner After researching for quite some time… your video is the absolute best hot tube care video I found. Thank you very very much

[@Yankee2003]

Jeff, I hope you are doing well. We miss you. I get it..huge commitment. I have learned so much from your videos. I have gone from a confused newbie, to a confident hot tub owner that is no longer confused with hot tub maintainance. Almost entirely because of you. If you never return to making videos I understand…but I do need to thank you for sharing your knowledge and tips. So helpful and very much appreciated. Take care Jeff and may you and your family have good health and fortune. Mike

[@BrentHadley]

I ditto this comment. I'm a confident hot tub owner after 1 year and watching nearly every video Jeff has created on this channel. Hoping for more video's someday. Not so much because I have any questions, but just because I enjoy listening to Jeff talk about hot tub's.

[@banj59]

I just stumbled upon this video after having a hot tub for 3 years & still having water issues! I almost gave up today, but now I'm going to do what you suggest, & i actually understand what your saying! Thank you, I'm very excited to try this, & see your other videos on hot tubs as well!

[@johnnykilo4967]

I’ve recently discovered your videos and they put my mind at ease. My test strips have way too many things on there and has me chasing chemicals. I’m a newbie tub owner and I feel I’ve ruined my water by trying to fine tunes these as my water in very cloudy. Thanks! 🇨🇦 🤜🏻

[@todaywithbk]

Easiest explanation of using the chemicals that I have seen. Thank you!

[@xclarryx]

Doing my annual reference to your vids to get my spa ready for the season. Thanks for the content and info

[@ClixWizard]

Thanks for the guides! I inherited a spa with a new home purchase, and your videos have really helped.

[@melissalee1709]

Just had my hot tub delivered yesterday. Not wired up yet but these are very informative videos. Ordering my chemicals today.

[@batiger001]

Best video I’ve watched 4 different videos on this and yours help explain everything clearly in a way I could understand thank you!

[@richardepifer]

Thanks!!! New hot tub owner and now I feel ready to take on the maintenance.

[@drivewaygarage1561]

I just bought my 1st hot tub it's a 2 person tub and I'm trying to learn everything I can about how to maintain it, thanks for your videos

[@bassmaster3145]

This is the chillest hot tub bro out there. Thank you for what you do🙏

[@stevehuk902]

Setting my tub up today. Appreciate the advice! Thank you

[@jtharp9265]

Thank you for all kinds of videos of up- keep of a hot tub - Spa / Hot tub dealers are so willing to talk to you when you walk into purchase a Whirlpool , But once you purchase , They dont have time for you , which happened to use !!!!! For 1 it took 6 months to get our Whirlpool & we were paying on it b4 it was even delivered , then just dropped it off & never explained how to add anything to our Water - they gave us the kit & expected us to know how to clean it etc. We had a pool guy every week up until 3 months ago ( we stopped it as it was costing $125 a month and with everything going up right now we even drained the whirlpool to see if that was making our Electric bill even higher - NOPE OUR ELECTRIC BILL IS EVEN HIGHER THIS MONTH FROM GAS SURGARGE EVEN THO OUR WHOLE HOME IS ELECTRIC ) Here in Montgomery County , Texas . So Im always finding things on Utube & came across you !!! .God Bless you , i will be going through your playlist to learn more , as We tried selling and its only 1 year old & 6 months old , The latest person I thought was joking when he offered $2,800 for a $10,250 big huge whirlpool with cover , Big umbrella, stairs and handicap railing ,bluetooth speakers etc.... But because we cant go to resorts, travel etc , my husband wanted this because of the illness everyone was getting .we are in our 50's and Im so glad I found your channel , I see you stopped making videos about 11 months ago . I hope your ok & want u to know you have helped me now learn how to keep it ckean & not have to pay a pool guy $125 a month , as its hard enough with GAS & FOOD PRICES . GOD BLESS U MRS JOSETTE MONTGOMERYCOUNTY, TEXAS

[@ravenacupuncture4365]

Great video. Making it easy for us beginners

[@khollar]

Hey, Jeff. Thank you so much for posting this video. All of your videos have been very informative and helpful but his one really spoke to me about what to do and not to do when literally going from the water in the tap, into the hot tub, and then what to do next so that I can actually get in the hot tub and use it. It also helped me understand the difference between balancing the water and sanitizing the water. Thanks a bunch and keep up the great work!

[@lancecabral138]

You’re very well spoken sir! Thanks!

[@JusanTaiten]

Hey Jeff! I’m getting my hot tub this week and your videos are a life saver! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. Looking forward to your next video!

[@mikeb8921]

Anxiously awaiting delivery of my first hot tub (hoping for September) and have been thoroughly enjoying your videos & learning a lot! This video is particularly helpful... thank you!!

[@cmorgan2239]

Just set up my new tub and I really appreciate your simple video. Thank you

[@brianmillar6268]

Recently bought a cal spa, have lived your videos, so thank you very much! My spa has a ozonator and in the materials I received from cal spa it says that the ozonator will cause the test strip reading to often read low to zero for sanitizer as it is doing much of the sanitizing. I am using a bromine floater and just want to make sure I am doing everything correctly.

[@freekarella3024]

Great video. I’m about to open my hot for the first time at my new home. Your video is giving me lots of confidence to do this. Thanks for all the great advice.

[@sakic199]

Super helpful, especially the last bit about what to do while the bromine tablets are dissolving. My only other question was do you need to wait for the hot tub to come up to temperature for anything? I've heard the sanitizer will dissolve quicker once it's heated, but is that all? Cheers and thanks!

[@roycegabel9861]

Hi Jeff, I'm a new hot tub owner and you explain things slowly and more clearly then any other of the 20 + videos I've watched. I'm so new at this that I haven't even filled our tub yet , we are in backyard reno stage. I haven't watched all your videos yet but you said in a earlier vid that you found the floaters annoying but you seemed to have changed your thoughts on them. Was it strictly convenience or just easier to control your bromine levels with a floater?

[@silviomassa10]

Hi Jeff my wife is allergic to chlorine and bromine so we got a product called Spa Marvel can you do a review on it please I think people need to know this product is amazing no more rashes on my wife and daughter thank you love your videos my friend

[@FunGuyFruits]

A quick no nonsense video

[@TerryWWolbert]

Formative thank you I enjoyed having you hot tub so just trying to figure out what I need to do. Thank you.

[@bravenewozzy]

Great info again Jeff, thanks so much. I just hooked up and filled my first ever hottub last week, and almost everything went smooth. I had the water to the correct levels in less than a day thanks to your tips! The one thing that went wrong, I would like to detail for you, so that you might mention it in a future vid. If I had known before it would have saved a minor panic and long distance call to my hottub help line! So after filling and switching the power on for the first time, the pumps came on in prime mode and all seemed fine. But after 5, 10, 15mins, the pumps were not shutting off, and the heating mode would not start. I was thinking maybe some jets lines were not clear of air, so I was going around making sure they were all turned to full flow. My arm was going numb as the water was so cold! This was the problem! My hose water temp was 6C or 42F! Yes I am in Canada ;). So after 30mins and the pumps still running full out, I flipped the breaker to shut it off, and called the dealer helpline. After 20mins on hold, long distance, grr. They informed me it was the tubs freeze protection making the pumps run. Once the water manually got to 45F, they would shut off and heating would begin. Sure enough that was right, and it took 8hrs to get up to temp so I could add the first water treatment. Thanks for reading, I hope you can use this to save someone some time and worry. Keep the vids comming. Cheers!

[@socialseahawksfan9325]

That's crazy, I live in the midwest and i thought our well water was cold at 56!!

[@landonebmeyer1043]

Thanks Jeff. Videos are always informative. I am curious to know how long the filter should be run each day. I haven't come across that in one of your videos yet. Thanks .

[@efuucdgbjiddvhi]

Thank you. Very clear and helpful

[@delphijurbina4506]

Love we have new hot tub is 400 gallons of water can get water clear they fill the hot tub last Monday we used one day 2 people. And now say chlorine is very highly and look a little cloudy we add some stuff but still...

[@itchintogo7689]

Good job mate ! Spot on !

[@PathologyMetal]

Hi, I have been trying out 4 different test strips and they are all giving me different results. I am also using the test strip that you recommended. What am I doing wrong? Thanks.

[@dj.spinatus]

Hey!! I stumbled across this video because I'm getting ready to close on a house that has a Hot Tub so I'm trying to learn as much as I can about water/chemical maintenance for hot tubs, as a new owner of a hot tub what should I know besides the info you have in this video? This one helped!!

[@AC-pu2eh]

Do we heat it up before doing the initial test and ph adjustments?

[@Lumina9306]

Thank you for the help! Great video

[@dstaedeli]

Thank you soo much for your videos, they are super helpful!! I use bromine tablets with a floater as you suggest. My spa has an ozone filter, do I have to do anything different with the chemicals?

[@dr.charlenecrump9651]

I have well water so I was told to use “fresh -n- clear oxiding shock” weekly. I missed two weeks so I doubled up the capful as jets was running. I got in hot tub and shock has settle in seats and wall of hot tub. Water is fresh but how can I get rid of grainy feel in hot tub? I rub the walls and seat hoping it will dissipate. What is your thoughts?

[@bloomonlinewithruth]

A Spa store told me that we shouldn’t use those floating tablet things and we should just put bromine powder when we use the pool as those tablets are not good for spa cover. Also because we don’t want to end up having too much bromine or chlorine in the spa. Thoughts?

[@imaFlamingFaggot123]

Pool and spa tech for 3 years and bromine works just fine, drain down hot tub every 3 months and re balance water and you won’t see any issues

[@BeersAndBeatsPDX]

You can adjust the the openings on the bottom to release either more or less sanitizer. Simply adjust it as needed

[@mikescuba1]

Hi, I seem to keep getting low ppm stabilizer when I use a test strip. All other chemical levels are fine. I use Aquafiness which is expensive but since using it the chemical levels are much more stable. I have to add one or two chlorine tablets each week, other than that I add a measure of Aquafiness about once a month and that's about it. Should I be worried about the low ppm level? Many thanks.

[@petergriffin5461]

Like your tap water test I have the same problem in the UK. if the alkalinity is too high yet the PH is a bit low, how do I fix it. The usual fix for high alkalinity is to reduce PH, this will surely make Ph too low. What is the fix please. Great videos for new tub owners by the way 👌

[@anthonygiordano6265]

Hi Jeffery, questions on after use should I be putting a sanitizer after each time we get out and a shock at the end of the week?

[@margaretmilroy3208]

Hi, just watched your video which is very good. I have had my hot tub for a week and have added 3-4 tablets of chlorine every day even when we have not been in the tub but the test strip shows no chlorine levels?

[@garywickens7460]

Hi, how often should I put tablets in the floater ?

[@bravenewozzy]

And as a side Q to Gary's Q here...I am having the opposite problem from what you mentioned in your vids. My floater to dispensing too much chlorine even at the smallest setting. I have had to take the floater out of the tub to keep the clorine level good. Any thoughts tips for this situation?

[@mauriceoneill-author4065]

Thank you - I could understand your logic and was able to follow. BTW. What size bromine tablets are you using?

[@kennethotzen451]

Hi Jeff I have noticed in my tub (under 1 year old) that the acrylic is getting blisters or small bobbles under the top coat. I know it's a sign for either bad maintenance or production fail. But what is your take on this? Kenneth from Denmark Thanks for some great videos ☺️

[@nicolecoleman7528]

Do you recommend adding the 8th of a cup of bromine along with filling the floater or just filling the floater? Thanks!

[@CatchMyDrift11]

Can you put bromine in the skimmer basket of the hot tub?

[@Sandbridgeman1]

What's the best process for hot tubs for rental properties with high turnover , we have renters on weekends on off-season and usually for a full week during summer time.

[@randypullman1155]

lol their main source of infection will be the shty floor. your a monster.

[@CadillacCowboy620]

Great video ! Thanks !

[@ColleenHitchner-et6jp]

I just got a 2002 Masterspas legend series barely used and was indoors. I will be first time owner and I need to do start up. I see you recommended bromine. Do you have a brand preference? I bought leisure time, but I believe it was chlorine

[@vinceagnes]

Always helpful!

[@mynamea.n.s.s5472]

number one spa guy

[@mynamea.n.s.s5472]

many years ago I said there is stuff in our drinking water that doesn’t need to be added im crazy now 20 years later we all know now 😂

[@jackieroyals339]

Hi Jeff! Your videos are the best at explaining hot tub. ? Can you add ph deform and shock all at the same time or do you have to wait between each?? Thanks

[@whitfieldclouse9307]

All of our house water flows through a water softener and we are planning to fill the tub soon. Is this cause an issue with chemicals? Thanks

[@DarenG05]

Can you do a review on IonRX? I keep seeing it all over the place as a replacement for chemicals, but I don't see any expert reviews.

[@caturner21]

Hello, I am trying to balance my hotub chemical. I purchased a used hot tub. After testing I added bromating tablets and two teaspoons of baking soda, and two teaspoons of ph increaser with the jets running, after 6 hours, test again and it seems as the levels are okay. I got in the hot tub for an hour last night; I felt like the water was stingy my legs and slightly flimsy, but after submerging my entire body in the spa, after some time past. I wasn't feeling the sting sensation, and I now have some skin irritation under my arms and near the pubic area below my waist. What should I do to resolve my issue with my soa contamination & do you know what I should apply to my skin to treat the rash or burning sensation? Thank you,

[@jackmorales2524]

great information thanks

[@AC-pu2eh]

My tub came with a mineral care kit. 5 bottles. It’s confusing. Refresh, lower, lift, boost and guard. Plus it came with the frog ease floater. I’m so confused how to add the initial chemicals. My alkalinity and ph are both high on the test strip.

[@ThomasTramposch-by6oc]

Very informative

[@dr.josephlawrence1038]

Should I use shock if the water was from a lake to fill up the hot tub

[@littleapplepilatesco.3448]

This is so helpful!

[@brandonoh777]

I know it's a little off topic for this video but I have an older maybe mid-1990s fiberglass hot tub and the Shell has become little bit faded and oxidized at least the cleatcoat has I would like to restore the gel coat it needs more than just buffing with a wheel and rubbing compound i think it actually needs the chemical clearcoat reapplied and then sanded and smooth out with either sanding or rubbing compound and then finally polished... my question is what types of chemical clear codes for fiberglass can stand up to the chlorine and the UV light overtime any ideas or product suggestions

[@normmillar6237]

I bought a spa and ready to fill it up with well water W hitch is hard what chemicals do I need to get started

[@teannebasham3063]

We just got our hot tub and are doing the start-up. My question is about the water. We live in the country and have a rainwater reclamation system for our water. It goes through 3 filters and is very clean. We are using that water for our hot tub. I can't get the ph to raise hardly at all and have used 6 ozs so far of Leisure Time Spa Up and the ph is still 6.4 Any suggestions?

[@kdawg1983]

I have followed and watched all your videos. I have even bought everything you use for your hot tub including the floater. I can't get the bromine levels to register at all in my tub. Its brand new and has been full for 5 days now. And so far 4 tablets are almost dissolved in the floater. The only reading I got was when I shocked it yesterday went from almost too much on the test strip back to not showing up. What am I doing wrong? Do I need sodium bromide on fresh fills?

[@paulfoster451]

Thanks for doing these videos Jeff. A question, please. My neighbour uses a 'Nature2 stick' instead of a sanitizer. Expensive, but she says it means 'less chemicals needed'. Hmm. Do you have a view, please? Cheers

[@nicolecoleman7528]

What if you cannot drain the original water completely? My subversive pump always leaves a few inches in the bottom. Would you need to shock it then? What type of shock do you use?

[@cameronjohansson9447]

Great video thank you

[@Ms2Chill]

whats ur take on only maintaining the spa with a UV system and chlorine? From what I see, it negates the need for a shock, correct?

[@COOKEDPOLITICS]

Wait a day or two to use a hot tub? Is there no way to use another chemical to stabilize instead of time?

[@mariagordon9980]

What do I do if I've already put in clorine shock into fresh unclorinated water now its the chlorine is too high.? Help

[@jeffpedro2249]

Adjust PH first? Cold or hot water?

[@jackward6986]

How much shock do you use?

[@healingourcoreissues8154]

If you are using a floater do you still need to shock water every 7 days?

[@Combat556]

Hi Jeff, what about water hardness? Will hardness fall in balance once Ph/Alkalinity is correct? Thank you 😊

[@robs227]

Water hardness is basically dissolved solids. Only way to make that go down is to drain the hard water and add soft water. Even the hardest water in america is only around 300. But as water evaporates from the spa, dissolved solids are left behind.

[@samuelramer7029]

Hey Jeff! What kind of cover lift caddy do you have?

[@lyndabell7402]

Super informative, thank you for sharing it all in simple terms for us newbies!

[@russfrasier9840]

What is your thoughts on Vita Spas by Maax? Really having a hard time deciding on the brand to buy, there is so many options! Thanks!!

[@hillaryedwards1246]

Shouldn’t you have a test strip that checks hardness also?

[@thronepotato]

Hey Jeff. I’ve watched your videos and even directed folks to your channel on my spa purchase journey because of your great advice. I’ve seen your videos on Bromine vs Chlorine but I was wondering if you have even used mineral sticks Nature2 Cense system? There isn’t a ton of info on this system and was wondering what your thought are on it. Thanks

[@MrDad74]

Jeff, new hot tub owner. Once the levels are good, what is the time frame before levels are off again. I am thinking of having a party and I didn't want the water to be way off with people in the tub throughout the day.

[@randypullman1155]

when it starts to stink of chlorine you've screwed everyone...thanks for acting like the government and only reacting....YA MONSTER.

[@hard12time]

Do you have to check total chlorine? Or just free chlorine?

[@rudeerude5730]

Can you talk about chlorine tablets? I’m afraid of corrosion can you suggest a tablet? Thanks

[@amiemcmahon5292]

I am using bromine. My test strips have total chlorine/bromine but also have free chlorine. Do I just ignore the free chlorine part?

[@Eec2023]

I was taught that your alkalinity should always be done separately first once it’s set you then adjust your pH separately and because your alkalinity is on the money your pH will not fluctuate.

[@randypullman1155]

wtf

[@adamhunt1513]

Jeff, what is your experience with a saltwater system. Caldera makes one. How does this match up with chlorine and bromine in your opinion?

[@randypullman1155]

search yt my dude

[@johnyray590]

Hello! Thanks for the great information. My question: my new spa has inline ‘mineral’ sticks for sanitation. Can I still use the bromine float in conjunction with the mineral sticks? The manufacturer simply suggested I use a shock, such as Spa 56. Thank you,

[@geoffbogart]

This video gives good info, but he is referencing chlorine levels, but then is saying to use bromine?

[@ritzenhauf]

Any problem mixing bromine and chlorine?

[@thanks4that261]

Thanks! 🙏

[@humanfox19]

Just had a new hot tub delivered, got it hooked up and filled. Looked in the bag of chemicals they left and there was no chlorine or shock. 😂

[@brianaspinall8700]

Hi bud I’ve been watching you for a while now, I’ve got all my chemicals right, I’m using bromine. Ph plus or minus when needed shock every 10 days but still get foam. What am I doing wrong????? Had hot tub 6 month. Help.

[@user-uw8fb8ny8b]

My hot tub was doing the same thing as yours with all the foam. I did a bit of research on it and it’s caused by swimsuits and or oils/lotions on our bodies. How long has it been since you changed your water out? That’s what we had to do change out the water and start over. Ugh.

[@brianaspinall8700]

@@user-uw8fb8ny8b I it was within days of a refil, I’ve changed back to chlorine and using a bit of anti foam. It’s better but still I think your right about the body oil, we wash and rinse our costumes in just water. Bromine never looked like it was melting. So went back to chlorine. Thanks for the reply.

[@randypullman1155]

toss a tennis ball into the tub...as

[@terrynoble8662]

What about water with iron?

[@brighton09100]

It seems like people are far to picky about water quality. I grew up swimming in the local creek and we never cared about the quality of that water. Haha

[@william13318]

Just keeps you from changing water constantly. What I tell my kids would you run bath water and continue to keep using it for weeks?

[@ABentPaperclip]

a local creek is self replenishing and controlled by a microcosm of biological processes. A hot tub is basically a petri dish. The first time you get folliculitis or a staph infection you will also be picky with water quality:)

[@michaelbradley6463]

That’s how I got my middle ear infection. Unless you live in New Zealand creek water cannot be trusted

[@babasingh6606]

Thank you

[@tonymccalmant444]

My Bromine levels are ALWAYS low. I have to shock prior to using EVERY time to get my Bromine levels up. What am I missing?

[@Motoro40]

Generally, if you are constantly adjusting your sanitizer it may be time to drain and fill.

[@brianmillar4173]

Does your hot tub have an ozonator? My manufacturer said that you will consistently get very low bromine (and I assume chlorine) readings with one, and it is fine.

[@tonymccalmant444]

No Ozonator that im aware of. And i just got the tub in January. Had this issue since day one.

[@randypullman1155]

your test stinks

[@mainiacmoto2564]

Do you still need to add an activator with the bromine tablets? Or are the tablets al you need?

[@Lean-is2rb]

What spa up and spa down products do you recommend?

[@randypullman1155]

lol