Shocking a hot tub is one of the things that hot tub owners need to do. Shock treatment refers to adding a high amount of chlorine or non-chlorine shock to break to clean and clear hot tub water. Shocking a hot tub after filling it up for the first time is highly recommended.
Shocking a hot tub for the first time can easily be done, even without the help of a professional. It only involves a few steps, like removing the cover, turning off the air to the jets, leaving the pump continuously running, and adding the right amount of shocker.
When you shock your hot tub, you can be confident that it is free from bacteria. Stick around because I will discuss ways to shock your hot tub for the first time. I will also provide information on how soon you can use the hot tub after the shock treatment.
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Do Hot Tubs Need to be Shocked Before the First Use?
Hot tub owners are quite divided regarding whether shocking a hot tub after filling it for the first time is necessary. Some say it is unnecessary because there are technically no contaminants in the water yet.
Those who do not buy the idea of shocking after filling the hot tub with water argue that doing this can harm the hot tub’s plumbing and fixtures. There is some truth to it, especially when you use chlorine. Chlorine is a harsh chemical that can cause damage if not properly handled.
Experts always recommend dissolving chlorine before adding it to your hot tub. Doing this also ensures quicker dispersion of the chemical.
On the other hand, other hot tub owners insist that it is still best to shock the hot tub after filling it with water. Accomplishing this ensures the water is free from bacteria or microorganisms before you soak. I would agree more with this idea.
The freshwater that you use to fill your hot tub may contain bacteria. It is said that a milliliter of water may contain about 1 million bacterial cells.
Since bacteria are everywhere, it is a good idea to ensure your hot tub is free from them by doing a shock treatment. These bacteria may cause serious health issues if not eliminated.
What Happens if You do not Shock Tour Hot Tub When Filling Up For the First Time?
If you do not shock your hot tub, it is easy for the water to look dirty and murky. It may not be a pleasant soaking experience for you if that is the case.
Not shocking your hot tub will also allow the bacteria to thrive in the water. These bacteria can potentially cause infections. The harmful organic materials will also stay in the water if you do not perform shock treatment.
Therefore, you should shock your hot tub for hygienic purposes. Don’t mind the money you spend to shock your hot tub. It is all about the health of your hot tub that matters.
How to Shock Your Hot Tub for the First Time Step by Step
You can use either chlorine (sodium dichlor) or non-chlorine (potassium monopersulfate) shocker or a combination of both. The combination of chlorine and MPS is a good way to compensate for each other’s weaknesses.
When you use a chlorine shocker, the chlorine content of your hot tub will increase, and you may have to wait longer periods or until it naturally drops before you can start soaking. Too much chlorine in the water may compromise your hot tub’s plumbing. However, chlorine is a very good oxidizer and disinfectant.
On the other hand, non-chlorine shock is good at removing contaminants and clearing cloudy water. But it is not capable of disinfection. MPS is ideal for use on a regular or weekly basis as part of your hot tub maintenance.
In deciding which shock to use, you must check the shock’s compatibility with other chemicals. There are many choices of shock products in the market, like the SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock. This product boasts a quick treatment ability of 15 minutes.
Look at the general steps when shocking your hot tub for the first time. The steps may vary, but these are pretty much the major steps.
Step 1: Let the oxygen reach the water by removing your hot tub cover.
Step 2: Ensure the pH level is in the proper range of 7.2 and 7.6 ppm.
Step 3: Let the circulation pump run but turn off the air jets. The circulation pump will help distribute the shock faster.
Step 4: Read the directions on the product’s label to know how much shock you need to add to the water in your hot tub. Never miss this. Using a product without reading the instruction always comes with consequences.
Step 5: Carefully add the shock to the water. In most cases, adding the shock to the water is okay without dissolving it first. However, it may disperse and dissipate faster when you dissolve the powder (but read what is on the label).
Step 6: Leave the hot tub uncovered for the next 20 minutes. Doing this ensures that the shock disperses more quickly.
Ensuring Safety when Shocking your Hot Tub
In dealing with chemicals to shock your hot tub, it is important that you also take precautions. Below are some things that keep you safe when shocking your hot tub.
- Wear protective gear (gloves, mask, and goggles) because you are dealing with a chemical. Chlorine is a dangerous chemical. Highly concentrated chlorine can burn your skin.
- In preparing a shock solution, always ensure to add the chemicals to the water, not the other way around.
- Be mindful of the wind to avoid the strong chemicals from getting into your face. I will have to repeat that you need to put on your goggles. Otherwise, you might end up hurting your eyes.
- Always read the chemical or the product’s label before applying it. It might be too late if you carelessly apply the chemical.
- If you have excess chemicals, keep them out of reach by the children to avoid unwanted accidents. Also, ensure to keep the chemical away from moisture so that you can still use it in the future.
How Long to Wait After Shocking Your Hot Tub For the First Time?
Hot tub experts agree that there is no hard rule on when to use the hot tub after shocking it. There are things to consider, including the amount of shock you added and the type of shock you use. The more shock you add, the longer it may take to use the hot tub.
But generally, it doesn’t take very long before you can start using the hot tub. It may just take a good 60 minutes. However, you need to test the water to ensure that the shock has fully dispersed and returned to where it should be.
The shock label may also indicate the period you need to wait before you can start using the hot tub. Regardless, it is always best to test your water. If you used chlorine shock, ensure that the chlorine level drops to 5 ppm before you soak.
Related Read: How Long to Wait After Shocking Hot Tub?
More Tips to Know when Shocking a Hot Tub before First Use
Although shocking your hot tub is not so complicated, there are a few more things that you need to observe to ensure that the result is good.
Here are a few more helpful tips to know when shocking a hot tub before first use:
- Shocking your hot tub in the morning or the evening is highly recommended. Chlorine easily deteriorates under direct sunlight and may not do its job.
- Don’t jump into the water right after shocking your hot tub. Read the shock label or, better yet, test the water to ensure it is safe.
- Do not cover the hot tub after shocking (at least for 30 minutes). Doing this will help the shock to dissipate more quickly.
- Do not forget to return the cover of your hot tub when the chemical level has settled. Covering the hot tub prevents evaporation and helps protect the equipment.
- Accurately measure the shock you add to your hot tub by following the label’s instructions. Never estimate. Use a measuring instrument, and don’t pour the shock directly into the tub from its container.
- Check the pros and cons of the shock that you decide to buy.
- Dichlor is the ideal shock when shocking a hot tub for the first time.
- When using chlorine or dichlor as the shock, dissolve it before adding the chemical to your hot tub. Doing this will avoid potential damage to your hot tub components.
- Wash your hands thoroughly or take a shower after shocking your hot tub. You need to rinse any chemical residues from your skin to avoid irritations.
- Bear in mind that hot tub shocking should be regular.
Conclusion
Shocking your hot tub for the first time helps clean the water of bacteria, microorganisms, and other impurities. Other people don’t think it is unnecessary, but I highly recommend it. The freshwater you filled your hot tub may contain bacteria that need elimination.
You can use chlorine (sodium dichlor) or non-chlorine products to shock your hot tub for the first time. It is important to keep the circulating pump running when applying the chemical to help disperse it quickly. After the shock treatment, you should test the water and ensure the chlorine level is 5 ppm or lower.
