Should I Shock My Hot Tub After Refilling? (Maybe Not…)

By James Brockbank •  Updated: 12/21/21 •  15 min read

Should I Shock My Hot Tub After Refilling?

No, you don’t need to shock your hot tub after adding fresh water. This is because there are no contaminants in the water preventing the sanitizer (chlorine or bromine) from doing its job. However, after a week or so, adding shock to the hot tub will remove any contaminants from the spa.

Stop wasting time and money with hot tub maintenance and confusing water chemistry! The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course will help keep your hot tub balanced, sanitized, and crystal clear all the time.

Check out my list of high-quality hot tub products to help keep your hot tub clean and running great all year long!

My recommended product to help you test your hot tub or pool water for accurate pH, alkalinity, bromine, and chlorine readings is the AquaCheck Trutest Digital Reader.

It is essential to shock a hot tub periodically. The shock treatment will help remove any dirt, contaminants, and even bacteria built up over time.

If you are not familiar with how to shock a hot tub or what the process entails, this article will give you everything you need to know about it!

Should I Shock My Hot Tub After Refilling?

No, if you have just refilled your hot tub with fresh water, then there is no need to shock it yet. However, suppose you have let the water sit for an extended period (more than a week). In that case, shocking it will be necessary to remove any contaminants in the water and let the sanitizer in the spa reactivate.

Socking a Hot Tub: Quick Guide

Shocking a hot tub is an important part of maintaining your spa’s water quality. It helps remove any built-up contaminants and keeps the water looking and feeling great. Here’s a quick guide on how to shock your hot tub:

● Turn off all the jets and filters.

● Add the shock treatment to the hot tub following the manufacturer’s instructions.

● Wait for about 30 minutes, then turn on the jets and filters to the spa.

● Run the spa for at least 20 minutes, making sure to keep an eye on the chlorine levels.

One important thing to note is that shocking your tub means you’ll likely have a higher chlorine level than usual, so it’s a good idea to add extra chlorine in the days after shocking the spa if any guests will be using it.

Follow these simple steps. You will have your hot tub looking and feeling new in no time without having to spend a fortune.

I recommended SpaGuard Enhanced Shock for dichlor chlorine shock.

Step One: Locate the Filter

The first step is to locate the filter. This is where you will be adding the shock treatment. The filter should be located at the bottom of your hot tub, and it will have a large cap on top of it.

Step Two: Remove the Cap

Next, you will need to remove the cap from the filter to add the shock treatment. Be very careful when doing this, as the filter is full of water and can be quite heavy.

Step Three: Add the Shock Treatment

Once you have removed the cap from the filter, it is time to add the shock treatment. The amount you will need depends on the size of your hot tub. 

Again, it is best to use the instructions that come with your shock treatment.

Step Four: Replace the Filter Cap

Finally, you will need to replace the cap on top of the filter, and it should be hand-tight only. If you tighten too much, then this can cause damage to your hot tub system, which might require repairs or even a replacement.

That is all that you need to know about how and when to shock a hot tub! 

Shocking your spa will keep it looking clean, smelling fresh, and feeling great for years to come.

What Chemicals Do I Add To My Hot Tub After Filling?

Adding the right chemicals to your hot tub is very important. You need to make sure that you add enough chlorine or bromine to keep it clean, but not too much where it will irritate your skin! Check with the owner’s manual for recommended levels of these products.

Also, be careful when handling certain chemicals as they can be harmful if ingested. 

Finally, always read the safety instructions that come with your products and always store them in a safe place where children and pets cannot reach them.

My recommended choice for hot tub Chlorine Tablets. These tablets come in different-sized containers based on weight.

My recommended choice for a hot tub chlorine tablet dispenser is this U.S. Pool Supply dispenser.

I recommend these bromine tablets for your spa!

Shock Treatment Dos and Don’ts

DO:

– Add shock treatment to your filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

– Replace the cap on top of the filter once you have added the shock treatment

– Let it sit in your hot tub for a few hours after adding the shock treatment to give it time to work its magic!

DON’T:

– Use too much. Adding more than what is needed can be harmful and even dangerous for your skin or eyes. Follow the instructions on the label, and you should be fine.

– Let it sit in your hot tub for too long after adding shock treatment, as this can damage the surface of your spa or even cause corrosion to appear where there wasn’t any before!

How Often Should I Shock My Hot Tub?

It is recommended that you shock your hot tub once every 5 to 7 days. This will allow the sanitizer in the spa to reactivate and remove any contaminants in the spa water.

The frequency you need to add a shock treatment to your hot tub will depend on various factors. 

For example, if you use it more often, you will need to shock it more frequently! Also, your location can make a difference in how often this needs to happen.

If you are unsure about anything or have any questions, always consult the owner’s manual for your specific hot tub model. 

And as always, if you think that there might be something wrong with your spa, then do not hesitate to call a professional technician for help!

How to Shock a Spa?

When you need to shock your hot tub, it is best to take the filter cap off the system and add in chlorine or bromine. Depending on what type of treatment you prefer, you can either use granular pool shock or liquid spa chemicals. I recommend using one cup for every 250 gallons of water once per week.

Remember that you should never shock your hot tub with any other chemicals besides chlorine or bromine because this can cause damage to the components of your spa and might even ruin the color! 

It is also important that you do not overdo it, so stick to adding in one cup for every 250 Gallons once per week.

Shock treatments are an essential part of keeping your hot tub running smoothly and looking its best. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that your spa will be clean, fresh, and feeling great for years to come.

bacteria

When Should I Add Shock To My Hot Tub?

If you have just refilled your hot tub, then it is best to wait until after a week or so when the spa has been used a couple of times before shocking it again. If you are unsure about anything, always check with the owner’s manual for your specific model!

How Long To Wait After Hot Tub Shock?

After shocking your hot tub, you will need to wait a certain amount of time before using it again. The length of time you have to wait depends on the type of shock treatment you use. Typically after waiting 1 to 2 hours after shocking, you can use the hot tub again. 

For example, if you use chlorine bleach, you will need to wait 12 hours before using the hot tub again. 

If you use bromine, you will need to wait 12 hours. 

Be sure to read the instructions on the shock treatment you use so that you know how long to wait before using your hot tub again.

What Does Shocking A Hot Tub Do?

Shocking your hot tub helps to control the number of bacteria in it. However, there would be too much bacteria for bathers to use the hot tub or swim pool without shocking comfortably. It reactivates the chlorine or bromine sanitizer and helps destroy contaminants. Shock is used after several people have used the hot tub.

Therefore, you must keep proper sanitation levels at all times when using a swimming pool, including with chemicals like chlorine and bromine.

How Does Spa Shock Work?

Shock treatments use a high level of chlorine or bromine to kill bacteria. This also oxidizes any organic material in the water. It is important to remove all organic matter from the spa, as this will help reduce foaming. 

How to Shock a Hot Tub For The First Time?

If you have never shocked a hot tub before, it is important to read the instructions carefully. Also, be sure to remove all organic matter such as leaves or dirt from the spa before shocking it, as this will help reduce foaming. 

You may also want to consult with your local pool store about what type of shock treatment is best for your spa. They can help you decide on the perfect treatment for your hot tub.

Can You Shock A Hot Tub With Chlorine Tablets?

Yes, you can shock a hot tub with chlorine tablets. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow them closely. Shocking and adding chlorine simultaneously will raise chlorine levels and alter the pH for a brief time. Depending on the type of shock treatment you use, you will need to wait at least 2 hours before using the hot tub again. 

Can You Over Shock A Hot Tub?

Yes, over shocking can damage the equipment and even cause skin irritation. It will also raise sanitizer levels and alter pH levels if too much is used. However, one capful for a regular-sized hot tub is often enough.

When your spa starts to produce cloudy water or an unpleasant odor, that means it’s time for a shock treatment. The process of shocking your hot tub is simple but important: add enough chlorine or bromine to the water to make it completely clear and odor-free.

How To Shock A Hot Tub With Bromine Granules?

To shock your hot tub with bromine granules, follow these steps:

● First, ensure the pump is off, and all the jets are off.

● Finally, add the bromine granules to the water and stir until they’re dissolved.

● Leave your hot tub to circulate for 24 hours.

After adding bromine, leave your hot tub to circulate for 24 hours before using it again. This will give the chemicals time to work and the water to become clear and odor-free.

Follow these hot tub shock treatment instructions when shocking your hot tub.

To achieve a balanced chemical level in the water, you’ll need to add a few different chemicals each time you treat it. First, ensure that all three levels are balanced: pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

How To Shock A Hot Tub With Bleach?

It’s important to shock your hot tub regularly with a bleach solution to keep it running comfortably. Here’s how to do it:

– Check the water balance and make sure the pH level is between seven and eight.

– Mix two tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water in a bucket.

– Pour the mixture into the tub.

– Turn on jets and let them run for 30 minutes to circulate the bleach throughout the water.

– Run the filtration system for an additional hour.

– Drain and refill the tub with fresh water.

Make sure to shock your hot tub regularly to keep it running comfortably!

Is Spa Shock The Same As Chlorine?

Spa shock and chlorine are not the same. They both do different things, but they work together to make sure your hot tub water is always clean and clear. Spa shock kills bacteria that cause odors, clogs, pumps filters, and creates an awful spa experience.

If you have ever been swimming in a pond or lake as a child (or adult), you know how that “lake smell” can stick to your skin and clothes for hours after. 

That is because those bodies of water are filled with bacteria, and when there is a lot of it, the water can turn murky and smelly. The same thing happens in your hot tub if you do not shock it regularly.

Spa shock treatments are a great way to keep the water clean and clear. The right spa shock treatment will help prevent your hot tub from becoming that smelly lake you want to get out of as fast as possible, but also make sure it is safe for you and all your friends to enjoy in total comfort. 

Should I Add Shock Or Chlorine First?

Both chlorine and spa shock work together to keep your hot tub clean, so it is best to add them both simultaneously. When you add chlorine to your spa, it starts working immediately to kill bacteria. However, all the organic matter in the water (hair, skin cells, etc.) can quickly make chlorine less effective. When that happens, spa shock kicks in to replace it.

At this point, you should check your pH level and adjust as needed with a chemical treatment like PH Plus or PH Minus before adding more chlorine/spa shock.

bromine tablets for hot tubs

Does Shock Raise Ph?

Yes, spa shock can raise pH levels. If this is a concern for you, make sure to check your water before and after adding any form of chemical treatment. This is especially important if you have added chlorine/spa shock without checking the pH first because it could be too high now due to previous treatments.

Socking a Hot Tub in Winter

Now that the temperature has cooled down a bit, it is the perfect time to get your hot tub ready for winter. One of the most important things you can do to make sure your spa stays in good condition all winter long is to shock it regularly. Follow these simple steps and keep that water clean and clear all season long!

– Regularly shock your hot tub to keep the water clean and clear.

– Add chlorine and spa shock together to get the best results.

– Check pH levels and adjust as needed.

– Get your hot tub ready for winter now!

Can You Use a Hot Tub After You Shock It?

No, The shock will kill bacteria and break down organic material. It’s best to wait at least 2 hours after shocking a hot tub to use it again.

Consider Using a Water Care Monitor

Monitoring the health of your hot tub can often be challenging if you are not testing the water on a regular basis. This can also be a problem if you go on holiday or you are unable to take care of your hot tub due to mobility issues.

A test system I highly recommend is the Exact Industrial Test System. This system is great for hot tubs and pools and gives your a highly accurate digital readout of your water chemistry compared to other methods.

The pHin Smart Water Care Monitor for pools, hot tubs, and inflatable spas continuously tests the water and alerts you when to add chemicals with the integrated mobile app.

This water care monitor also takes constant readings of the temperature inside your hot tub. This will give you peace of mind while away from your spa.

The mobile app will inform you when to add chemicals such as chlorine, and how much chemical is recommended. This is done by entering your hot tub or pool’s unique dimensions.

This mobile app is great if you’re wondering “does chlorine raise pH in a hot tub?” sometimes it’s not always clear.

Simply scan the bar code of any chemical brand and the pHin app will calculate how much chemical is to be added to the water. Most products and brands are recognized by the application.

The pHin device will sample water more than 1000 times per week to give you an accurate reading compared to using test strips.

The pHin device works with different water types including chlorine, bromine, and saltwater hot tubs, swim spas, inflatable hot tubs, and pools.

This unique device comes with a lifetime warranty to ensure your water remains clear and ready for you to use at all times.

Should I Shock My Hot Tub After Refilling: Conclusion

should I shock my hot tub after refilling

This article has talked a lot about shocking hot tubs, chlorine, and bromine.

You don’t need to shock your hot tub right after refilling it with fresh water, as the chlorine will do the job for the first week.

After that, shock your hot tub at least once a week to keep the water clean.

Shocking a hot tub is a great way to reduce contaminants and keep your spa clean and clear for you and your guests.

I hope the question “should I shock my hot tub after refilling” was answered for you.

Thanks for visiting spatoolkit.com

James Brockbank