Hot Tub | Chemicals

For first-time chemical setup, fill your spa with cold water, test the water (you’ll typically see high pH and zero chlorine), then add pH reducer to bring pH to 7.2–7.6. Add 2–3 teaspoons of chlorine granules, run circulation for 2 hours, and retest.

Adjust levels to reach 1–3 ppm free chlorine, pH 7.2–7.6, and total alkalinity 100–150 ppm. Use the Wave starter kit, which includes chlorine granules, pH increaser/reducer, and test strips, and always dissolve granules first, never mix chemicals, and wait 15 minutes between adding and retesting.

Complete chemical setup before starting the first heating cycle for best results, and use Wave’s test kit for the most accurate readings.

For a 4-person spa, add 1–2 teaspoons of chlorine daily, 1 teaspoon of pH minus or plus to adjust by 0.2 units. For a 6-person spa, use 1.5–2.5 teaspoons of chlorine daily, 1.2 teaspoons of pH adjuster for 0.2 unit changes.

Always start with smaller doses, retest, and adjust as needed, pH reducer lowers pH, pH increaser raises it, and alkalinity increaser should be used sparingly. For multifunctional tablets, follow manufacturer guidance (usually 1 per 1,000L weekly). Use measuring kits, wait 15 minutes between different chemical additions, and keep a record of doses and test results for consistent water balance.

Keep your spa water pH between 7.2–7.6 for comfort, equipment protection, and effective chlorine action. If pH is high (above 7.6), add pH reducer (1 tsp per 1,000L lowers by ~0.2 units). If pH is low (below 7.2), add pH increaser (1 tsp per 1,000L raises by ~0.2 units). Maintain total alkalinity at 100–150 ppm to prevent rapid pH swings, testing every 2–3 days.

Remember: hot water naturally raises pH, and some shock treatments can cause temporary increases. Adjust alkalinity first, then pH, then chlorine for the most stable and balanced water.

Shock treat your hot tub weekly, after heavy use, or whenever water smells strongly chlorinated. For routine care, use 3–4 tsp per 1,000L; for heavy contamination, use 5–6 tsp. Choose chlorine shock (most powerful, boosts chlorine) or non-chlorine shock (oxidizes without raising chlorine).

Always dissolve the powder in a bucket first, add with jets running, and avoid daylight application. After shocking, wait 15–20 minutes, test, and only use the spa once chlorine is below 5 ppm. Regular shock keeps water clear, removes waste, and restores sanitizer effectiveness.

To start and maintain your hot tub, you’ll need chlorine granules for sanitizing, pH increaser and pH reducer to balance water, along with a test kit to monitor levels.

Wave’s Chemical Starter Kit includes everything you need and a guide. Optional extras like clarifier, algaecide, or no foam can enhance water quality. Keep a steady supply with monthly refills or subscriptions, and use Wave’s guide for precise dosing based on your model.