How to: Peroxide in the Hot Tub
Just like swimming pools and whirlpools, the water in hot tubs needs to be kept clear and sanitized. You can simply buy and use chemicals from a local pool supply store to do the job. But, they have their drawbacks. They're costly, smelly, and they can dry and irritate your skin. Sometimes the instructions are complicated as well. Instead, you can clean the water in your hot tub by using a common household product. It's affordable and easy to use.
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Read the hot tub owner's manual or consult with the manufacturer to make sure you can use 35 percent food-grade hydrogen peroxide. If there is any natural rubber in the tub, the peroxide will
break it down if it comes into contact with it. Man-made rubber isn't affected.
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Drain the water out of the hot tub so you can start fresh. Turn the power off at the breaker box. Then, hook up a garden hose to the drain, or use a submersible pump, depending on how the hot tub is designed. If you're unsure how to drain it, refer to the owner's manual. Refill the hot tub with water
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Remove the hot tub filter. Either clean it off per the instructions in the owner's manual or replace it.
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Put on rubber gloves and safety goggles. Add 1 cup of 35 percent food-grade hydrogen peroxide for every 500 gallons of water in the tub. Turn the power back on. Turn the circulation pump on and run it intermittently for a day. Don't use the hot tub during this time. Check the filter often and clean it as needed.
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Check the level of hydrogen peroxide in the water every week. Use peroxide test strips to determine the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide. Read and follow the strip package instructions. You'll want the concentration level of the peroxide to be between 50 and 100 parts per million (ppm).
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Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the hot tub water whenever the concentration level drops below 50 ppm.
References
Tips
- You can adjust the amount of hydrogen peroxide you use; you may need more than the recommended amount to keep the water clean and sanitary. The exact amount needed depends on several factors, including the water source, how often the hot tub is used, how many people use it, and how much organic material gets into the water. If the amount of organic material is very high, the hydrogen peroxide concentration can be raised to as high as 1,000 ppm.
- To help keep the hot tub water clean, cover it in between uses. Use only chlorinated water, too.
Warnings
- Use extreme caution when handling hydrogen peroxide. It's corrosive and can cause burns. Store it in its original container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from combustibles, oxidizers, metallic powders and acids. Keep it away from children and pets.
Writer Bio
Kayar Sprang has been a professional freelance writer and researcher since 1999. She has had articles published by clients like Kraft Foods, "Woman's Day" magazine and Mom Junction. Sprang specializes in subjects she has expertise in, including gardening and home improvement. She lives on and maintains a multi-acre farm.
Photo Credits
- Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
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