Balancing Sanitizer Residual

The proper sanitizer residual for your spa depends on what sanitizer type you are using and sometimes whether the spa is commercial or residential. Use the following guidelines for ideal levels for your spa.

Chlorinating Concentrate:

Ideal range 3-5 ppm.

When first starting a spa with Chlorinating Concentrate, test the free chlorine residual frequently to determine how often you will need to apply product. Add 2 tsp. of Chlorinating Concentrate per 200 gallons at a time with the pump running. Circulate 2 hours, then retest the free chlorine residual. Adjust as needed.

Brominating Tablets:

Residential 2-4 ppm.
Commercial 4-6 ppm.

When starting with a fresh fill, fill up the feeder or floater with Brominating Tablets according to manufacturer’s instructions. Shock the spa using Chlorinating Concentrate or Brominating Concentrate according to label instructions to eliminate undesirable compounds and establish a sanitizer residual. Adjust the feed or flow rate for the Brominating Tablets and test frequently for the first week. Shock as needed until the proper bromine residual can be established and maintained for several days.

Brominating Concentrate:

All Spas 3-6 ppm.

When starting with a fresh fill, add 2 tsp. of Brominating Concentrate per 400 gallons with the pump running. Test frequently the first week and add Brominating Concentrate as needed to establish and maintain 3 – 6 ppm total bromine residual.

Note: This information is intended for a residential spa with average use.  It is not designed for public, commercial, or semi-public spas.  If your hot tub is used more than three times per week, you should check and make chemical additions more often than suggested.