 Hot Tub Itch and How to Prevent ItHaving a healthy soak in your hot tub can be a wonderful, relaxing experience. That’s probably why you’ve either purchased or are considering purchasing a hot tub in the first place. A good hot tub soak can offer a much-needed break from the stresses of everyday life.
However, for too many people, the relaxing feel of your hot tub stops just as soon as the itching starts. This so-called “hot tub itch” after a soak can be incredibly aggravating and put you in a sour mood. What Causes a Bromine Rash? Hot tub itch can occur for a variety of reasons, including non-showered guests using your pool or spa. However, arguably the most common reason is due to the cleaners used to sanitize a hot tub. The two most common cleaners for hot tubs are chlorine and bromine. While they can be effective, they require precision when applying them to your tub. Too little and you risk bacteria and germs. Too much and you will receive a chlorine or bromine rash. This bromine rash, sometimes called a “hot tub rash,” is caused by the cleaner destroying fatty acids and Vitamin E in your skin, which causes your skin to become irritated and to dry out. The end result becomes the common hot tub itch. How to Prevent Hot Tub Itch If you don’t want to have to worry about the balancing act of applying just the right amount of cleaner and to prevent bromine rashes, visit Rocky Mountain Hot Tub Co. today. Not only do we offer hot tubs that use alternative cleaning methods, but we can also service your hot tub to ensure the water in your tub is just right.  Hot tub care includes regularly checking, balancing, sanitizing, and shocking your water. These four components of hot tub maintenance are vital to keeping the water clean, safe, and pleasant to use.
While using hot tub chemicals may sound a bit intimidating, it’s actually quite simple. Just follow this guide and you’ll have pristine water just in time for your next ultra-relaxing soak. 1. Checking Your Water’s AlkalinityThe first thing to do is to check your water’s alkalinity, which should fall between 80 ppm-120 ppm. Alkalinity between these levels will help to prevent fluctuations in the pH level. If the alkalinity is too high, your chlorine-based disinfectants won’t be as effective. This will lead to mineral buildup, cloudy water, skin/eye irritation, algae formation, and scales along the sides and bottom of your hot tub. If the alkalinity is too low, the water can irritate or dry out the top layer of skin. To correct, use a Total Alkalinity Increaser or check to see if you have significantly hard water. 2. Balancing Your Water’s pH LevelNext, you need to check and balance your water’s pH level to see how acidic or basic it is. It should fall between 7.2-7.8. If the pH level is too low, it can impact the overall efficiency of your hot tub, corrode equipment, and cause ear/eye irritation. If the pH level is too high, it can cause cloudy water, poor sanitizer efficiency, and skin/eye irritation. To correct, add either pH increaser or pH decreaser. When it comes to brand, the best hot tub chemical comes down to what works best in your particular circumstances. You might ask your local dealer for recommendations. 3. Sanitizing Your WaterSanitizing your hot tub water is important to keep it disinfected from bacteria and viruses, to keep it clear, and to keep it smelling fresh. To do this, you can choose between bromine and chlorine:
You might look at that list and determine that one, in particular, is your choice for the best chemical for your hot tub. Each has its strengths and weaknesses so it comes down to your preferences. Performing a Shock Treatment Finally, performing a shock treatment to your water breaks down the organic contaminants that can lead to cloudy water and unpleasant odors. Shocking the water reduces the need for high doses of chemicals, helps to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and algae, and keeps your equipment lasting longer. A shock treatment should be performed at least once a week. There are two types of treatments: non-chlorine shock (used regularly) and dichlor shock (used occasionally). The dosage depends on:
By correctly using hot tub chemicals, keeping your hot tub clean, and performing routine hot tub maintenance, your hot tub will provide you with fun and relaxation for many years to come. |
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