Use of Chlorine Liquid Bleach in a Hot Tub

Chlorine Bleach

• Regular household bleach is made of a combination of 5 percent chlorine and sodium hypochlorite; however, different products consist of different levels of chlorine. Bleach is often used as a disinfectant for many household surfaces and is often included in name brand household cleaners. It can be used to clean around the outer shell of an above ground hot tub. Mix the bleach in a 2-to-1 ratio with warm water and dip a clean rag in the mixture to wipe down the outer shell.

Water Maintenance

• Keeping the water clean and sanitized is key to maintaining your hot tub. When you sanitize the water properly, it kills all the bacteria that, over time, produce scum, algae and other organic matter. The pH levels in the water need to remain balanced and consistently in the range of 7.2 to 7.8. Manufacturers recommend special cleaners or tablets with chlorine added to them to keep the water at the proper acidity and alkaline levels. Chlorine bleach should never be used in hot tub water to raise or lower the pH or chlorine levels.

Cleaning Hot Tubs

• Every few months, you need to drain the hot tub and give the inside a thorough cleaning. Chlorine bleach is safe to use on the inside of an empty hot tub. Once you drain the hot tub, use a combination of bleach and warm water in a 2-to-1 ratio to wash the inside portion of the shell. Rinse the bleach away with fresh, warm water and then dry using clean towels. Refill it with clean water. Make sure to add the necessary chemicals prior to using the hot tub.

Considerations

• According to The Spa Depot, if you use bleach on the filters to clean them, it can weaken the fibers to the point where you have to replace them more often. If you were to add bleach to the water, it would leave a distinct bleach odor that would not easily go away. You also run the risk that the constant exposure to bleach could discolor the shell or possibly harm the jets. When using it to wash the outer shell or an empty hot tub, always use cleaning gloves so you don't dry out or irritate your hands.