Is your hot tub water looking cloudy, smelling a bit off, or simply not as inviting as it used to be? This is a common issue for spa owners, but the fix is surprisingly simple: shocking your hot tub.
Shocking is a vital part of hot tub maintenance. It’s the process of adding a dose of oxidiser to the water to break down contaminants, kill bacteria, and reactivate your sanitiser. The result is crystal-clear, safe, and ready-to-use water.
Why You Need to Shock Your Hot Tub
Every time you use your spa, you introduce organic compounds like sweat, oils, and cosmetics. These combine with your sanitiser (chlorine or bromine) to form "combined chlorine" or "chloramines," which are ineffective and cause that unpleasant chlorine smell. Shocking breaks these down.
- Eliminates Contaminants: It oxidises and removes organic waste that your filter can't catch.
- Reactivates Sanitiser: It breaks the bonds on combined chlorine, freeing it up to get back to work keeping your water safe.
- Prevents Water Issues: Regular shocking prevents cloudy water, algae growth, and unpleasant odours before they start.
- Ensures a Hygienic Soak: It provides a deep clean, eliminating harmful bacteria for a healthier experience.
Choosing Your Shock: Chlorine vs. Non-Chlorine
There are two main types of shock treatment, each with a specific purpose. Using the right one at the right time is key to easy maintenance.
- Non-Chlorine Shock (MPS): This is an oxidiser, perfect for weekly use. It removes organic compounds and reactivates your existing sanitiser without significantly raising chlorine levels. Its main benefit is speed – you can often use your spa just 15-30 minutes after treatment.
- Chlorine Shock (Dichlor): This is both an oxidiser and a powerful sanitiser. Use it to tackle more significant issues like cloudy water, algae, or after a party with heavy spa use. It will raise chlorine levels, so you must wait until they return to a safe range (1-3 ppm) before using the tub.
Our Recommended Shock Treatments
We've selected three effective products to keep your spa water in perfect condition, covering every maintenance need.
1. Jacuzzi® Non-Chlorine Shock
Keep your water sparkling with weekly treatments. This fast-acting formula quickly destroys contaminants and lets you get back in the spa in as little as 15 minutes.
View Jacuzzi® Non-Chlorine Shock
2. Jacuzzi® Chlorine Spa Shock
The perfect solution for clearing cloudy water or resetting your spa after heavy use. This powerful formula effectively kills bacteria, restoring total hygiene.
View Jacuzzi® Chlorine Spa Shock
3. Outdoor Living Non-Chlorine Shock
Our go-to for regular water care. These granules dissolve quickly to oxidise organic waste, reactivating your sanitiser and keeping water fresh week after week.
View Outdoor Living ShockHow to Shock Your Hot Tub: A 5-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to safely and effectively shock your spa.
- Test Your Water: Use test strips to check your water's pH and alkalinity levels. Ensure the pH is between 7.2 and 7.6 before shocking, as this makes the treatment more effective. Adjust if necessary.
- Prepare the Spa: Remove the hot tub cover and turn on the jets. This helps to circulate the shock treatment evenly throughout the water.
- Measure the Shock: Carefully read the product instructions to determine the correct amount of shock for your spa's water volume. Always use the provided scoop or a designated measuring spoon.
- Apply the Treatment: With the jets running, carefully sprinkle the measured granules directly into the water. To be extra safe, you can pre-dissolve the granules in a clean bucket of warm water before adding to the spa.
- Wait and Retest: Leave the cover off and the jets on for at least 15-20 minutes. Before anyone gets in, test the water again to ensure the sanitiser levels are back within the safe range (1-3 ppm for chlorine, 3-5 ppm for bromine).
"My hot tub water was starting to look a bit tired. After using a shock treatment, it's never been clearer. The process was so simple, and now I feel confident the water is perfectly clean for my family."
- Sarah P., ManchesterYour Questions, Answered
How often should I shock my hot tub?
For best results, you should perform a non-chlorine shock weekly as part of your regular maintenance. A stronger chlorine shock is recommended every 2-4 weeks, or immediately after heavy bather use, to fully sanitise the water.
Can I use the hot tub immediately after shocking?
With a non-chlorine shock, you can usually use the hot tub after just 15-30 minutes. After a chlorine shock, you must wait until the free chlorine level drops back to the safe range of 1-3 parts per million (ppm), which can take up to 24 hours.
Keep Your Spa Water Pristine
Maintaining a clean and healthy hot tub is easy with the right products. Find the perfect shock treatment for your spa today.
Explore All Shock Treatments