Chlorine Use In Hot Tubs

My favorite sanitizing chemical for hot tubs is Sodium Dichlor.  I’ve outlined the reasons in other posts and the spa care guide, but what about other chlorine compounds?  I’ve noticed some recent searches lately that brought to my attention the fact that some folks want to know about the possibilities of using other chlorine compounds like Calcium Hypochlorite,  Sodium Hypochlorite,  TriChlor,and Lithium Hypochlorite.

• Calcium Hypochlorite:  Cal-Hypo as we call it in the industry is loaded with calcium and has a high hH. Now if you were filling your hot tub with soft water from a conditioner (which you should try to bypass) You could use Cal-hypo to bring up your calcium a bit. Continuous use however will raise your pH swiftly and your calcium levels as well and could cause scaling on your hot tub walls and your equipment, mainly heater elements.  As an emergency sanitizer or one time use, it probably wont hurt.  It just shouldnt be the chlorine you use all the time.  If you do use it, you should test your water frequently and adjust for ph levels that will increase!
  
• Sodium Hypochlorite:  You know this chemical as “Bleach.”  It too can be used in emergencies but also has an extremely high pH which over time will cause scaling and possible staining.  Using Sodium hypochlorite requires monitoring pH levels closely and correction will be required.   
  
• Tri Chlor:  Typically used in tabletized chlorine for swimming pools, tri chlor has an extremely LOW pH and a very high available chlorine content.  It will bring down your pH and Total alkalinity quickly and should not be used for hot tubs.
  
• Lithium Hypochlorite:  This chlorine compound is not as readily available as others but it has a neutral pH and is totally soluble. It is fine for use in hot tubs but more expensive than dichlor.
  
• Sodium dichlor:  Dichlor has a neutral ph and is also stabilized. It is the perfect sanitizer for hot tubs.  some people may argue that the stabilizer builds up over time, but if you drain your spa on a regular schedule it should not be an issue.
  

Hope this helps clear up the confusion on this often searched issue!  Using the right chlorine compound in your hot tub is critical to both your enjoyment and the condition of your equipment!