Rick from New Jersey writes,
After getting out of my hot tub, I smell! I know that sounds like a setup line for a good joke, but it is in fact accurate. Why is this happening and what do I do?
Hi Rick,
The smell could be due to excessive amounts of chlorine or bromine, but if it was chlorine you would recognize the smell as we all would. So, chances are it is neither of those.
Most frequently, The Pros find bad odors from chemical reactions that occur with improperly balanced PH levels.
Improper PH balancing typically occurs from one or more of the following:
- Improper or underutilized sanitizer use (Bromine/Chlorine)
- Lack of regular application of oxidizers (Shock)
- Water changes too infrequent
- Hidden plumbing line factors from long term build up of biofilm
Getting rid of the smell should be top priority, as it is in indicator that your water is not healthy. Chlorine or bromine are both excellent sanitizers. Simply put, they breakdown and combine with waste product, forming nitrogen. The combined molecules are captured by the filtration system and then released when you clean your filter. An overused or dirty filter will allow these molecules to re-circulate. During this process, a side effect occurs called off gassing. This is the release of Chloramines when using Chlorine as a Sanitizer and Bromamines when using Bromine. Chloramines and Bromamines can affect people differently but are typically considered a bad smell by just about everybody.
In order to increase the free bromines & chlorines and consequently decrease the “bad” Chloramines and Bromamines, you must shock the water. Shocking with a 45% di-chlor ingredient is the safest method for reducing Chloramines. If you are utilizing the bromine sanitizer program, you will want to apply a non-chlorine oxidizer such as potassium mono-persulfate. An important aspect with either chemical is to leave the spa cover open or completely off for up to 2 hours after administration. This will help the life expectancy of hot tub covers, but will also prevent the shock from failing and the smell worsen!
NOTE: Never use swimming pool shock – the odor will only be worse. Only use products formulated for hot tubs.
Happy Tubbing!
Ethel Elliott
