Welcome to a world of crystal-clear water in your hot tub. This device is a true paradise of relaxation and pleasure for many users. However, to enjoy crystal clear and antibacterial water, you need one simple element — the hot tub shock.
Hot tub shocks are special chemicals that can change the color, aroma, properly balance the water, lower the chlorine level, and add radiance.
We’ve done detailed research and found the 4 best hot tub shocks and are ready to present them to you right now. So keep reading to understand all the intricacies and nuances of choice and application.
Our team of experts has done detailed research and selected the 4 best hot tub shocks from 50+ models based on user feedback. All the best options have been rigorously tested, and we are ready to present these diamonds to you.
Category winner The Cleanest Water After Purification | - The freshest water after use - The most optimal volume of chemical Jump to the detailed review |
Category winner The Best Balancing Chemical After Cleaning | - The safest to skin and mucous membranes - The most detailed instructions Jump to the detailed review |
Category winner The Most Neutral Chemical Odor | - Best suited for users with children due to its gentle composition - Minimal chemical consumption for proper cleaning Jump to the detailed review |
Category winner The Most Affordable Option for Every Budget | - The fastest in mixing with water - Highly effective at eliminating algae Jump to the detailed review |
Well, here we come to the most interesting and important point, namely, what hot tub shock treatment is and what is it for.
Shock for hot tubs is a special chemical additive that is usually used for treating and cleaning water. It quickly and effectively eliminates contaminants, microorganisms, and bacteria that may accumulate in your hot tub.
Hot tub shocks have different chemical compositions, but chlorine and bromine are at the core. These two components are disinfectants that quickly and effectively prevent and destroy the growth of foreign substances in the water.
As experts, we recommend using a hot tub shock when a regular sanitizer doesn’t do its job well, and you see that the water is poorly cleaned. It’s important to realize that shock is not a replacement for a regular disinfector, and you should still sanitize your water regularly. One of the most important reasons to use this chemical is to boost proper hygiene in the water.
Well, you and I have already figured out what a hot tub shocking is and why this chemical is needed. Now let’s find out what criteria you need to rely on to choose the perfect product.
🫙 Disinfectant
Shock is based on bromine and chlorine. These two components have similar properties, but there are also differences. Chlorine shocks are slightly more effective. Bromine shocks have a cumulative effect and disinfect water better.
🧪 Product form
Shock for hot tubs is available in different forms: pellets, tablets, and liquid. It is easier to use the first two, as they are easier to dose. And liquid shock requires a little more effort to measure and add to the water.
💦 Water Condition
When choosing a shock for your hot tub, it is important to consider the initial water quality. You can use special test strips to see how many bacteria and microorganisms are in it. If you realize that the water is heavily contaminated, you need to choose a stronger shock (with a higher concentration of the active ingredient). If the water is cleaner, a weaker chemical will work for you.
👩🔬 Safety of use
Read the manufacturer’s instructions for use before purchasing. Also, make sure that you are not allergic to the ingredients in the product. Find out what chemicals are used to treat the pool water — this will help identify potential allergens. You can also observe your symptoms after using the pool. If you experience problems such as itching, rashes, or redness, then you should see a doctor.
We put a really great deal of effort into selecting these products and analyzed over 100 user reviews and over 50 products for choosing the 4 most worthy ones. For our research we’ve been guided by important criteria and now are ready to show you our winners.
The cleanest water after purification
Shock Characteristics:
The biggest advantage of Spa Essentials Hot Tub Shock and Oxidizer is the very effective water purification. Because it contains bromine, the water is quickly disinfected, bacteria and viruses die and do not have time to multiply. Let’s take a closer look at this chemical.
Firstly, this shock also has an oxidizer in its composition. It helps dissolve dirt, dust, lotion, and sunscreen residue. Moreover, it improves the water quality and prevents it from clouding in the hot tub.
Secondly, since this shock is in pellets, it is very easy to use. You need to measure the right amount of product per volume of water in your hot tub (usually recommended to use 1 pellet per 500 gallons of water).
But unlike SpaChoice Hot Tub Shock, this product costs a little more. Therefore, it is still a very good investment because the product is very economical in consumption.
The best balancing chemical after cleaning
Shock Characteristics:
Hot Tub Things Oxidizing Spa Shock is famous for being the fastest way to properly balance the water in your hot tub. It has a unique bromine chemical formula that helps to balance the overall alkalinity and pH levels, in addition to cleaning the water properly.
First, you can easily clean the plaque in your hot tub with this shock. To do this, you need to mix the chemical with water (in the right proportions) and then wipe all the walls and the bottom of your hot tub with this solution. Thanks to this simple manipulation, you will get rid of the soot and muddy bottom.
But unlike SpaChoice Hot Tub Shock, this chemical has rather unreliable packaging, and you can spill it when carrying it. We recommend that you use special containers to safely store such preparations.
The most neutrals chemical odor
Shock Characteristics:
SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock has absolutely no toxic odor and would be an ideal choice for users who are allergic to chemical smell. Also, there is no chlorine in the composition of this shock, so it is suitable for the use of hot tubs in which children often bathe.
Secondly, this shock is very economical to use. The manufacturer recommends adding only 2 ounces of chemicals for every 500 gallons of water. When used this way, this shock will last about twice as long as similar products.
But unlike Hot Tub Things Oxidizing Spa Shock, this chemical is not good at cleaning and removing plaque from the walls and the day of the hot tub. If you encounter such a problem, you should clean the damaged areas more thoroughly with special plaque sponges.
The most affordable option for every budget
Shock Characteristics:
The greatest advantage of SpaChoice Hot Tub Shock, is its excellent value for money. This shock is ideal for users who do not want to spend much on hot tub chemicals, but still want quality water purification.
Another plus of this shock is the quick action and instantaneous reaction. This product increases the disinfecting effectiveness of chlorine and bromine and effectively eliminates all impurities, contaminants, and unwanted bacteria. According to numerous user reviews, this shock does its job twice as fast as similar products.
But unlike SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock, this product is not as economical to use. Since this chemical is in pellets, you will need a special measuring cup for proper dosing.
So, we learned what a hot tub shocking is, what criteria you should use to choose one, and looked at the 4 best hot tub shocks. Now let’s pay our attention to how to use a hot tub shock correctly step by step.
Step 1. Check the condition of your water
Before you use a hot tub shock, you need to understand what the pH and alkalinity levels are. Ideally, the pH is in the 7.2-7.6 range, and the alkalinity is 80-120ppm. You can use special test strips to properly check each indicator. If these values are higher or lower, you need to adjust them correctly, and only then use the hot tub shock.
Step 2. Clean all the filters in the hot tub
Make sure they are in good condition and free of dirt. It will help to enhance the shock and distribute all the chemicals properly.
Step 3. Measure the amount of shock needed
To do this correctly, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions, as the dosage may vary depending on the concentration of the product.
Step 4. Dissolve the shock
Take a separate container for this. It is important to remember that you should never add the shock just to the hot tub. It can lead to damage and failure of the equipment.
Step 5. Distribute the shock in the hot tub
Gently add the mixed shock to the water. Use a special stick to stir and ensure that the shock dissolves evenly.
Step 6. Give the shock time to work
This process usually takes several hours. During this time, it is recommended not to turn on the hot tub so that the chemicals have a chance to work properly on the water.
Step 7. Check the chlorine or bromine level
If after adding the shock, the chlorine level is not in the 2-4 ppm range and the chlorine level is low, repeat the shock addition process. It is important to realize that if your pool is all bromine based, then you need to check the levels of that particular component.
It is very important to properly balance the water in the hot tub with a shock treatment. Otherwise, the following consequences may occur:
The hot tub shocking is a very important and indispensable step to achieving clean and safe water. Proper balancing of chemicals is crucial in maintaining optimum conditions for relaxation and recreation in the hot tub.
But remember, each hot tub has its own water volume and special features, so read the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning to balance the water. The result will be perfectly clean and safe water for your relaxation.
We have analyzed many important criteria for choosing the right and quality shock. So now your hot tub will be spotless, with clear water.
The Cleanest Water After Purification | The Best Balancing Chemical After Cleanin | The Most Neutral Chemical Odor | The Most Affordable Option for Every Budget |
You can use a hot tub shock when a regular sanitizer doesn’t do the job. Some users also use shock after intensive use of the pool, when they notice cloudy water, or when there is an unpleasant odor.
Yes, it’s best to treat the hot tub with shock immediately after filling it. It will help disinfect the water and remove excess germs. It will also improve the color of the water and remove unpleasant odors.
We recommended that you wait a few hours after shock cleaning to swim in the hot tub. Times may vary, you need to study the manufacturer’s instructions in detail. Usually, you should wait from 15 minutes to 3 hours. During this time, the chemicals are mixed with the water and begin to take effect.
The amount of shock needed may vary depending on the volume of your hot tub. It is usually recommended to use 2–4 ounces per 500 gallons of water. Remember, it is important to review the manufacturer’s instructions in detail before using them.
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