Hot Tub Clarifiers and Conditioners: What Each One Does
Clarifiers make the water look clear. Conditioners make it feel soft.
Both work alongside your sanitiser, and each has its own job. Here is what clarifiers, foam removers, scale preventers and conditioners do, how much to add, and how often.
Which product does which job
| Product | What it does | Dose | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spa Sparkle (clarifier) | Keeps the water clear and clean1 | About 20 ml per 1,500 litres, pumps on1 | Weekly1 |
| No Foam | Settles foam so the filter can collect it2 | A small amount, normally up to 20 ml, jets on2 | When foam appears2 |
| No Scale | Keeps calcium in solution to prevent scale on the heater and pipes3 | About 15 ml per 1,000 litres, pumps on3 | Weekly3 |
| Conditioner sachet | Improves the look and feel of the water4 | One sachet per 1,500 litres, jets on4 | Weekly4 |
| O-Care | Removes and prevents slimy build-up (biofilm) in the hot tub’s parts5 | 150 ml per 1,500 litres5 | Weekly5 |
None of these replaces your sanitiser. Keep testing and topping up chlorine or bromine as usual, and keep the pH in range.45
For clear, calm water
Start with the basics: test the water and bring the sanitiser and pH back into range. Our cloudy water guide walks you through it.
Then a clarifier keeps the water bright. Add about 20 ml of Spa Sparkle per 1,500 litres with the pumps on, once a week. A 1 litre bottle lasts a 1,500 litre hot tub over 12 months.1
If foam appears, add a small amount of No Foam with the jets on, normally no more than 20 ml. It sinks the pollutants that cause foam so the filter can remove them.2 Our foam guide covers the causes.
No Scale works in the background: shake the bottle, add about 15 ml per 1,000 litres with the pumps on, and use it weekly to help keep scale off the heater and pipework.3
For water that feels soft
A conditioner is about how the water feels. Our conditioner sachet gives softer-feeling water, helps prevent scale building up in the pipework, and reduces the sanitiser you need. Add one sachet per 1,500 litres each week with the jets on, and check the pH as usual.4
The Spa Frog conditioning cartridge conditions the water for a softer feel, helps keep the pH neutral and polishes the water for clarity. It lasts up to 4 months, and Spa Frog recommends you drain and refill at least every 4 months.6
O-Care is a weekly blend of minerals that removes and prevents biofilm, a slimy layer that shelters bacteria, in the hot tub’s parts, making your sanitiser more effective. Add 150 ml per 1,500 litres each week; a box lasts 3 to 5 months.5
Clarifiers and conditioners we stock
AquaSPArkle Hot Tub Conditioner Sachet
£3.49
One sachet a week for 1,500 litres of soft-feeling water.
See all hot tub clarifiers and water conditioners.
Quick answers
Open a question to read the answer.
What is the difference between a hot tub clarifier and a conditioner?
A clarifier keeps the water looking clear and clean. A conditioner improves how the water feels, for softer water, and several also help prevent scale and reduce the sanitiser you need.
How much clarifier do I put in a hot tub?
For Spa Sparkle, add about 20 ml per 1,500 litres with the pumps on, once a week.
Do I still need chlorine or bromine with a conditioner?
Yes. Conditioners work alongside your sanitiser, so keep testing and topping up chlorine or bromine and keep the pH in range.
How do I make my hot tub water feel softer?
Use a conditioner each week, such as our conditioner sachet (one per 1,500 litres) or a Spa Frog conditioning cartridge, which lasts up to 4 months.
How often should I use No Scale?
Weekly. Add about 15 ml per 1,000 litres with the pumps on.
Sources
- Outdoor Living, Hot Tub Spa Sparkle product page, viewed 12 November 2026
- Outdoor Living, Hot Tub No Foam 1 L product page, viewed 12 November 2026
- Outdoor Living, Hot Tub No Scale 1 L product page, viewed 12 November 2026
- AquaSPArkle, Hot Tub Conditioner Spa Specialities Aqua Sachet product page, sold by Outdoor Living, viewed 12 November 2026
- O-Care, Hot Tub Weekly Spa Care product page, sold by Outdoor Living, viewed 12 November 2026
- Spa Frog, Hot Tub Water Conditioning Cartridge product page, sold by Outdoor Living, viewed 12 November 2026
Paul Margerison
Managing Director & Founder, Outdoor Living
Sanitiser keeps the water safe. A weekly clarifier and conditioner are what make it look and feel inviting.
Rather we did it for you?
Our own service team visits hot tubs across Great Britain. Book online, then we call you to pick a date.
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Drain, clean and fillDrained, cleaned inside and out, and refilled ready to heat. Ideal every 3 to 4 months.
£129View service
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Annual hot tub serviceA 32-point check, a drain and clean, and a photo report. About two hours.
£179View service
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Drain and winteriseDrained and readied for the cold, so water left in the pipes and pumps cannot freeze.
£129View service
