Cloudy hot tub water can be annoying, but there are easy ways to fix it.…
Too Much Chlorine in Hot Tub? Here’s How to Fix It Quickly.
Learn how to spot and fix high chlorine levels in your hot tub for a safe, relaxing soak every time.
When you own a pool or hot tub, you know that chlorine is a must if you want to keep it clean and keep bacteria at bay. Chlorine acts like an oxidizer by attacking contaminants and destroying them. While you want this to happen to keep your hot tub sanitary, there is such a thing as too much chlorine in the hot tub. Your chlorine levels may be too high if you added too many chlorine tablets. This can happen frequently but is easy to fix.
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When your hot tub has too much chlorine it can not only damage the unit itself, but also cause skin, eye, and even lung irritation. We’re going to take a look at how to know when you have too much chlorine in your hot tub as well as how to fix it.
How Do I Know if I Have Too Much Chlorine in the Hot Tub
The only true way to know if you have too much chlorine in your water is to test it with a chlorine test strip. Some people may complain of eye or skin irritations, but that may not be due to the chlorine level. Using the test strip is the most effective method.
Quickly dip the strip in your water, no need to hold it under water, and wait 15 seconds for the strip to develop. When you take it out, you’ll be able to see the chlorine level and whether it is too high. The Centers for Disease Control recommends a chlorine concentration of 1.0ppm to 3.0ppm in hot tubs. If your test strip indicates that your chlorine level is above that, you’ll want to reduce the amount of chlorine. The strips are easy to read and will clearly indicate if your chlorine level is too high.
If you’re noticing a strong chlorine smell or cloudy water, these could also be signs of high chlorine in the hot tub, though testing remains the best way to confirm. Too much chlorine in the hot tub can throw off the balance, so it’s worth keeping an eye on.
What Causes High Chlorine Levels in a Hot Tub?
High chlorine in a hot tub usually comes down to simple mistakes. Adding too many chlorine tablets or granules at once is a common culprit—maybe you misjudged the dose or didn’t test beforehand. It can also happen if you shock the tub with chlorine and don’t wait long enough for it to settle. Even small tubs can end up with chlorine too high if you’re using the same amount you’d put in a larger one. Knowing the cause helps you figure out how to lower chlorine in the hot tub effectively.
How Can Too Much Chlorine Damage My Hot Tub?
Having too much chlorine can damage your hot tub by corroding pipes and eating away at the filter and acrylics. This is because it throws off pH levels and increases acidity. It’s this acidity that can damage your hot tub.
Beyond equipment issues, chlorine too high in the hot tub can also lead to some unpleasant side effects for you. Too much chlorine in hot tub water might cause itchy skin, red eyes, or even breathing discomfort—things you definitely don’t want from your relaxing soak.
Methods to Lower Chlorine in Your Hot Tub
Eliminating too much chlorine in the water is a fairly easy job. There are several different approaches you can take to lower chlorine in your hot tub, depending on how fast you need it done and what you have on hand.
Use a Chlorine Neutralizer
One way to lower the amount of chlorine in your water is to use a neutralizer. This is typically recommended if you want to use your hot tub quickly and need the chlorine levels to go down to do so. Sodium Thiosulfate is a neutralizer you can add gradually to get the chlorine level down. You’ll want to follow the directions on the bottle and go by your test strip reading to determine how much to use. This is a great option if you’re wondering how to lower chlorine in a hot tub fast.
Refill the Tub with Fresh Water
An easy way to get the excess chlorine out is to drain the tub and refill it with fresh water. Once you do this, you can retest the water to see if any chemicals are needed to get the water to where it needs to be chemical-wise. This method works well to reduce chlorine in the hot tub if you don’t mind the extra time it takes.
Let Nature Take Its Course
Perhaps the easiest way to fix your water when there’s too much chlorine is to do nothing at all. That’s right, absolutely nothing. Let nature take its course and allow the chlorine to drop down to safe levels on its own. If you don’t use the hot tub for a few days and don’t add any more chemicals, the chlorine levels will drop. You can retest after a few days to see if that has happened.
You can help the process along by running the jets and taking the cover off. The sunlight will help to lower the chlorine level as well. These tactics are usually recommended if you’re not in a rush to use your hot tub. If you have a few days to wait before going back in, this is the easiest way to deal with too much chlorine in the hot tub. It’s also a natural way to lower chlorine in the hot tub without adding anything extra.
Once you think the chlorine level is lowered, retest the water. Sometimes fluctuating chlorine levels can impact other chemicals. You want to be sure everything is balanced and the water is once again safe for you to enjoy.
Tips to Prevent Too Much Chlorine in the Future
If you’re tired of dealing with hot tub chlorine too high, a little prevention goes a long way. Measure your chlorine carefully—use a small scale or scoop instead of eyeballing it. Test the water before and after adding chemicals to avoid overshooting. And if you’re shocking the tub, wait a day or two before testing again to let it settle. These simple habits can keep you from having to decrease chlorine in the hot tub over and over.
Quick Reference Table: How to Lower Chlorine in Your Hot Tub
| Method | Speed | Effort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine Neutralizer (Sodium Thiosulfate) | Fast (hours) | Low | Quick fixes when you need to use the tub soon |
| Drain and Refill | Medium (half a day) | Moderate | Thorough reset of water chemistry |
| Let It Sit (Sunlight + Jets) | Slow (days) | Very Low | Hands-off approach with time to spare |
No matter which method you choose, always retest your water after to ensure the chlorine isn’t still too high. These steps will help you reduce chlorine in the hot tub and get back to soaking in no time.
Common Questions About High Chlorine Levels
What are the side effects of too much chlorine in a hot tub?
Too much chlorine in hot tub water can lead to skin irritation, red or itchy eyes, and even respiratory discomfort if the fumes are strong. It’s not fun, but lowering the chlorine level can fix it fast.
How do I lower chlorine in my hot tub naturally?
To lower chlorine in a hot tub naturally, simply remove the cover, run the jets, and let sunlight do the work. UV rays break down chlorine over a few days, reducing levels without chemicals.
How can I reduce chlorine in my hot tub quickly?
If you need to know how to lower chlorine in a hot tub fast, a chlorine neutralizer like Sodium Thiosulfate is your best bet. Add it according to the package, test, and you’re good to go in hours.
Why does my hot tub chlorine keep getting too high?
If your hot tub chlorine is too high often, you might be adding too much at once—like too many tablets or granules. Measure carefully and test regularly to keep it in the 1-3 ppm range.
Can I still use my hot tub if the chlorine is too high?
It’s best to wait until you reduce chlorine in the hot tub to safe levels (1-3 ppm). High chlorine can irritate your skin and eyes, so take a little time to decrease it first.
Got more questions about how to lower chlorine levels in your hot tub? Feel free to reach out to us at Epic Hot Tubs—we’re here to help you keep your soak perfect!
About The Author:
Manny Brambila
Manny Brambila - Pool & Spa Expert
Manny has been in the Pool & Spa industry for over 15 years and is considered a pool, swim spa, & hot tub expert. He has been a Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) since 2009 and worked 15 years in aquatic training and development for the largest pool chemical and customer care company. He also has been an outside consultant for the Pool and Spa industry in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles since 2018.
