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Hot tubs create peaceful oases in our daily lives but can quickly resemble swamps if they’re not kept clean. To ensure that you’re getting the best out of your hot tub, it’s important to maintain its safety conditions. We can accomplish safe conditions by use of hot tub chemicals.
As a hot tub owner, you have to use the very best chemicals available. Endless product options make decision-making tedious. That’s why we’ve used our experience and expertise to compile a list of products creating the best spa chemicals reviews. So, which hot tub chemicals are best?
Top Hot Tub Chemicals Reviews
1. CLOROX Pool&Spa XtraBlue 3-Inch Long Lasting Chlorinating Tablets
The Clorox Pool&Spa Granules is the all-in-one water-dominating formula. The Xtra Blue Chlorinating Granules formula is an all-purpose sanitizer, shock agent, and algaecide. The use of this product requires no additional solutions and hence covers all of your hot tub water needs.
The Clorox Pool&Spa formula keeps water clean and clear via organic contaminant targeting.
The Clorox Pool&Spa Xtra Blue Chlorinating Granules is a great all-purpose cleaning solution for hot tubs. As has been noted, chlorine is less stable at higher temperatures, though this product comes with protection from sunlight and chlorine odor reduction.
Pros
- Reduces eye irritation and chlorine odor
- Compatible with salt pools and compatible with chlorine pools
- Protected from sunlight
Cons
- Chlorine destabilizes at higher temperatures
2. LEISURE TIME 45430A Brom Tabs Bromine Cleanser for Spas and Hot Tubs
These Leisure Time Spa Disinfectant Brom Tabs Brominating Tablets are the best bromine spa chemicals. Among the chief chemicals needed for hot tubs, bromine acts similarly to chlorine in pools. The tabs are meant to make dosing easier and are compatible with bromine sanitizing systems. The Leisure Time Brom Tabs will sanitize hot tub water, and keep it clean, clear, and odor-free.
Ultimately, the Leisure Time Brom Tabs are ideal for hot tubs not exposed to direct sunlight. However, bromine is more stable than chlorine at high temperatures so it’s fit for most hot tubs. The four-pound container holds roughly 128 one-inch tablets.
Pros
- Odor-free
- Easy to use
Cons
- Bromine cannot be stabilized when exposed to UV rays
3. LEISURE TIME 22337A Spa 56 Chlorinating Granules for Hot Tubs
The best hot tub chlorine product is the Leisure Time E5 Spa 56 Chlorinating Granules. The Leisure Time Chlorinating Granules are the best chemicals for hot tub startup. The chlorinating granules are compatible with chlorine sanitizing systems. The Leisure Time Chlorinating Granules will also sanitize hot tub water and keep it clean, clear, and odor-free.
The Leisure Time Chlorinating Granules are convenient for those whose hot tubs are exposed to direct sunlight. The granules are ideal for those looking for a little more control of the chemical balance than tablets allow. Keep in mind the smell can be too noxious for some people. The bottle is five pounds of granules.
Pros
- Easy use and portioning
- Low cost
Cons
- Chlorine less stable at high temperatures
- Stops working after killing bacteria
- Unpleasant odor
4. SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock
The SpaGuard Enhances Spa Shock is compatible for use with other chemical solutions. The SpaGuard Spa Shock products are the best spa chemicals for sensitive skin. The Spa Shock is compatible with chlorine, bromine, ozone, and ionization systems. The shock treatment helps maintain ideal levels of pH in your hot tubs and cleans contaminant build-up.
The Spa Shock is ideal for people with sensitive skin and a past of irritation from other chemicals. The shock treatment is strong enough to remove the need for additional chlorine sanitization.
Pros
- Eliminates odors
- Fast acting: shocks then soaks-in in about 15 minutes
- Easy on sensitive skin
Cons
- Chlorine-based (58%) – less stable at high temperatures
5. In The Swim Bromine Tablets for Spa, Hot Tubs, or Swimming Pools
It’s noted that bromine is among the best chemicals to use for hot tubs. The Pool Bromine Tablets from In The Swim are similar to the previously mentioned Leisure Time Brom Tabs. The tablets make dosing easier, coming in small, one-inch discs. The Swim’s Pool Bromine Tablets require no additional stabilizing agent.
Like the Leisure Time Brom Tabs, the Pool Bromine Tablets are ideal for hot tubs not exposed to direct sunlight because of the damaging effects of UV rays. The tablets dissolve slowly, however, aiding in the lengthened lifespan of the chemical. The 10-pound container holds roughly 320 one-inch tablets.
Pros
- No chlorine odor
- Easy to use
- Slow dissolving
Cons
- Bromine cannot be stabilized when exposed to UV rays
6. Spa Depot Scum Buster Hot Tub Water Clarifier/Conditioner Tub Ring Eliminator
The ScumBuster 2-Pack Hot Tub Spa Water Clarifier is an awesome product in regard to chemicals for spas and hot tubs. There are no harsh chemicals present in this formula by ScumBuster and it is eco-friendly. This formula is meant to prevent tub rings and other scum on tubs without affecting pH.
This formula by ScumBuster is a great secondary solution. The bottles are sure to last for a while, meaning a cleaner hot tub for you for longer. Comprised of amino acids and no harsh chemicals, there are no cons to using this product. Because of this amino acid formulation, the solution is biodegradable as well.
Pros
- Removes scum associated with body oils, dirt, and deposits
- Economical: only use 1/2 ounce per 100 gallons
- Zero harsh chemicals
- No effect on pH levels
Cons
- N/A
7. SpaGuard Enhanced Shock (2 lb)
This product by SpaGuard is identical to the previously reviewed SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock, aside from product quantity. It’s compatible for use with other chemical solutions. The SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock products are great for sensitive skin. The Spa Shock is compatible with chlorine, bromine, ozone, and ionization systems.
The Enhanced Spa Shock is ideal for people with sensitive skin. The shock treatment is also strong enough to remove the need for additional chlorine sanitization. This product is great for those who need less than the six-pound product, weighing in at two pounds.
Pros
- Eliminates odors
- Fast acting: shocks then soaks-in in about 15 minutes
- Easy on sensitive skin
Cons
- Chlorine based (58%) – less stable at high temperatures
8. Spa Essentials Chlorinating Concentrate Granules for Spas and Hot Tubs
The Spa Essentials Chlorinating Concentrate Granules is one of the best hot tub treatment products. The formula is meant to combine sanitizing and oxidizing. The Spa Essentials Granules are simple to administer and can be added directly to the hot tub without any pre-dissolving process.
The Spa Essentials Chlorinating Granules are great for people looking for an easy, one-step sanitization formula. Because of the destabilization of chlorine at high temperatures, this product is mostly ideal for those hot tubs exposed to sunlight and trying to avoid bromine.
The granules quickly dissolve and begin acting immediately. They will give off a chlorine odor, for those easily irritated by this.
Pros
- Quick dissolving and fast acting
- Easy to administer
- 2-in-1 formula
Cons
- Chlorine odor
- Chlorine is less stable at high temperatures
9. LEISURE TIME Spa 56 Chlorinating Granules for Hot Tubs
These Leisure Time Chlorinating Tablets are effective spa chemicals. They are very similar to the previously reviewed Leisure Time Chlorinating Granules; the difference lies in volume. The chlorinating granules are compatible with chlorine sanitizing systems. The Leisure Time Chlorinating Granules will also sanitize hot tub water and keep it clean and clear.
The Leisure Time Spa 56 Granules are convenient for those whose hot tubs are exposed to direct sunlight. The granules are ideal for those looking for a little more control of the chemical balance than tablets allow with easy scoop control. Keep in mind there will be a chlorine odor present with use. The bottle is two pounds and the product dissolves and acts quickly.
Pros
- Easy use and portioning
- Low cost
Cons
- Chlorine less stable at high temperatures
- Stops working after killing bacteria
- Unpleasant odor
10. Renew Shock Treatment 2.2 Lbs. Non Chlorine
The Leisure Time Spa Shock Renew Non-Chlorine Shock is a useful secondary solution for your hot tub. Among the best hot tub chemicals, this solution acts as a shocking agent for your hot tub water. The Non-Chlorine Shock is compatible with chlorine, bromine, ozone, and mineral purification systems.
The Leisure Time Spa Shock Renew is designed to keep the water clean and clear. The Renew Shock from Leisure Time is perfect for anyone looking to supplement their hot tub stabilizer with an effective oxidizer. The formula helps to keep your water clean and clear and reduces odors associated with irritating contaminants. The bottle is about two (2.2) pounds.
Pros
- Reduces odors
- Clears cloudy, contaminated water
- Easy to distribute granule formulation
Cons
- Cannot be used alone (use along with a stabilizer)
What Chemicals Do You Need For Your Hot Tub?
There are two necessary types of hot tub chemicals: stabilizers and oxidizers. Stabilizers are the sanitizers like bromine and chlorine that effectively kill bacteria and maintain proper pH balance in the hot tub. Sanitizers like bromine and chlorine cannot be used simultaneously. When you are stabilizing your pool, choose only one chemical of the two.
Bromine
As has been mentioned in the list of reviews, bromine is more stable than chlorine at higher temperatures. Because of this, bromine is typically the chemical of choice for stabilization. However, because of the effect that UV rays have on bromine, it is not ideal in every situation.
If your hot tub is directly exposed to sunlight, beaming it with UV rays daily, then you should consider using chlorine. Although it is less stable at higher temperatures, the stabilizing effect is similar as long as treatment is properly kept up.
Chlorine
A more active sanitizer than bromine as well. Chlorine, however, stops working after it has acted on bacteria; whereas the lifespan of bromine is longer and continues after initial sanitization.
Chlorine is also notorious for irritating skin and giving off an unpleasant, noxious odor, which not many people desire when relaxing in a hot tub. Though not all people are irritated by it and some situations even call for the use of chlorine, such as hot tubs exposed to direct sunlight.
In addition to the stabilizers, you’ll need an oxidizer. This is what shock agents are. The shock agents clear cloudy and contaminated water while the stabilizers work on killing bacteria and maintaining pH balances.
Some products on the market are both stabilizers and oxidizers, minimizing the steps needed to maintain a healthy hot tub.
Because of its importance, the stability of the water, and its effect on safety, pH test kits should also be used on your hot tubs. While they are not alone as a chemical necessity for your hot tub, they’re essentially a mandatory accessory for stabilizers and oxidizers.
Testing should be carried out on your hot tub water frequently, nearly daily if possible.
Tips on Choosing
The following is a list of tips for choosing hot tub chemicals:
- Do research: If needed, read further about the differences between bromine and chlorine. Researching the two and getting a feel for the differences will go a long way. Additionally, use comparison charts between similar products to give yourself an idea of which product is best suited to your needs.
- Ask others: Ask other hot tub owners what they use in their hot tubs and why. They’ll be able to provide you with all sorts of information all the way down to why they chose a specific product. Also, search the web for hot tub communities/groups and see what they have to say about hot tub chemicals. If you have a question of your own, post it and wait for a reply.
- Read reviews: Reviews are a straightforward way to get a general idea about a product’s success. Many people like to leave tips and pointers that aren’t noted by retailers in their reviews, which provides an extra layer of info. Just be wary of all reviews and take them with a grain of salt because they are mostly subjective.
Factors To Consider
The factors to consider when buying hot tub chemicals are mostly centered on your hot tub model, hot tub location, and personal preference.
The first factor is your actual hot tub model. Not all hot tub models are created equal. Depending on your model, such as hot tubs with vinyl walls, you may or may not be able to use certain products. While most, if not all, of the products reviewed in our list, are safe for all types of hot tubs, some products are not.
Be careful to read full descriptions about the contents of the stabilizers and oxidizers you are buying to be sure they are compatible with what you have. Again, they almost always will be but it is safest to know.
Another important factor is the location of your hot tub. As has been noted throughout the review, if your hot tub sits under, or is exposed to, direct sunlight you should be using chlorine because UV rays destabilize bromine.
If your hot tub is heavily shaded, covered, or inside, then the hot tub chemical choice is up to you (though we recommend bromine solutions). Bromine is also less pungent, making it ideal for enclosed or less aerated places.
The final factor to consider is your personal preference. Some people are not tolerant of chlorine solutions, citing distasteful odors and skin irritation. However, for those without intolerance to chlorine, the choice of how to stabilize and oxidize your pool is yours.
By knowing how much effort you are willing to put into the upkeep of your hot tub and what your bodily tolerance is of each cleaning solution, you’ll be able to narrow down your options markedly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bromine and chlorine hot tub chemical solutions are ideal and necessary for the healthy upkeep of your hot tub. We’ve compiled the best reviews, important tips, and factors for choosing hot tub chemicals right here to help you work through the buying process smoothly.
Getting the right product for your hot tub is essential. Armed with the best spa chemicals reviews and other information provided, you’re ready to tackle the task and keep your hot tub clean and ready to go. Relaxation can wait no longer, get your hot tub chemicals ASAP!
