Hydrogen Peroxide isn't for everyone, so here is a step by step guide on how to switch back to a chlorine sanitiser for your spa pool or swim spa.
Wondering how to switch from Hydrogen Peroxide back to Chlorine sanitiser in your spa or swim spa? In this article, we’ll explain the necessary steps to convert back to chlorine for sanitising your spa water.
We cover: Is hydrogen peroxide safe for spas? What are hydrogen peroxide disadvantages for spas? Steps in draining and completely staring with clean water And more...
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful sanitising agent that can effectively kill bacteria in your spa water. It is a safe and effective sanitiser that is approved for use in Australia by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority).
When it has finished sanitising, it returns to oxygen and water, with no odour. It’s an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin or respiratory issues like asthma.
Hydrogen peroxide does have some disadvantages. It’s more expensive than chlorine sanitiser and you will need to do more maintenance to manage your spa water compared to chlorine.
Hydrogen peroxide is also classed as dangerous goods for shipping, which means it is more expensive and slower to deliver because of additional care needed during transportation.
You’ll need to decide for yourself if hydrogen peroxide is right for you. If you do want to switch from Hydrogen Peroxide back to chlorine, follow these steps below.
Please note this is a guide for reference only. Ensure you carefully follow the instructions on all chemical labels.
If your spa water has been recently changed within the last 1-2 months and you are not having any issues with water quality, then you don’t need to change your water, skip straight to step 7 below!
If your water is more than 2 months old, or you are having water quality issues, then we recommend draining your spa completely and starting fresh with clean water. Follow the steps below on how to do this.
Now is a perfect time to remove, soak and rinse your spa filters. Use an approved filter cleaning solution, then rinse with a filter wand to ensure your filters are completely clean.
You are going to need to empty your spa water to switch from hydrogen peroxide to chlorine, so now is a perfect opportunity to run a degreaser through your spa to flush out any organic matter and oils that may have built up in your spa plumbing.
Read our detailed article on how to clean your spa pipes
The next step is to drain your spa completely. To do this, you can use a submersible pump or locate the drain valve on your spa, connect a hose and release the water from your spa.
Draining your spa may take a few hours, depending on its size and the method you use.
You’ll want to divert your water to somewhere on your property where it is suitable for that large volume of water to be released.
Take the opportunity to give your spa shell and components a good clean while your spa is empty. You can use a small amount of pipe cleaner to remove any oily residue that may be left inside your spa shell.
Once finished, rinse your shell out with clean water, then re-drain again and soak up all the remaining water. By doing this, you will remove any organic matter and oils that could make it harder to re-sanitise your water when you refill your spa.
Also pop your jets out and give them a good rinse with fresh water.
The average spa up to 1,500L will take between 90-120 minutes to fill. But be aware, there are some variables that will affect the fill time including; the size of your hose, your water pressure and the exact size of your spa. You should monitor your spa pool closely while filling in case it fills up more quickly than you expect!
After you have thoroughly cleaned your spa shell and components, now is the time to refill your spa with clean water. Make sure you close your drain valve from your spa. Keep your filters removed and place a hose into your spa, following the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct placement of your hose
Once you’ve filled your spa to the correct level shown in your owners manual, time to move onto the next step.
After refilling your spa with fresh clean water, the next step is to heat your spa up to your desired temperature. Turn on the power to your spa, and using your controller, select your desired temperature. Follow the directions in your spa owner’s manual on how to set your temperature on your controller.
If you like a particularly hot spa, you can set your temperature up to 38 degrees celsius, if you like it a little cooler, or if young children will be using the spa, we recommend around 34 degrees celsius.
The higher the temperature, the more energy your spa will use to heat up.
Once the spa is heated, it’s time to balance your water before adding sanitiser.
To do this, you’ll need to use spa test strips and water balancing products.
Read our detailed guide on how to test and balance your spa water.
Grab your test strips, remove one strip from your bottle, hold it underwater in your spa for about 5 seconds, until you notice the strips begin to change colour.
Remove your test strips, wait another few seconds for the colour to stabilise, then hold the strips against the colour chart on the test strip bottle and match the colours shown on your strip to the closest colour on the bottle. This will show you in what range your pH and alkalinity sit.
Your water pH level in your spa should be between 7.2 and 7.8. A pH level lower than this is too acidic - this can cause damage to your spa components and irritate your skin and eyes. Your sanitiser also won’t work effectively in a low pH environment.
You’ll need to use an alkalinity increaser product to raise the PH level of your water back into the ideal range.
If your pH level is higher than 7.8, then your water is too alkaline. This can cause a build up of calcium in your water, cloudiness and difficulty maintaining your water clarity.
If your pH level is too high, you’ll need to use a pH decreaser to reduce it.
Check your total alkalinity also. The total alkalinity in your spa should be between 80 to 120 PPM.
Once you’ve adjusted your pH and alkalinity levels, wait for 20-30 minutes to allow the balancing compounds to do their job, then test again.
Please note the sanitiser amounts recommended below are for guidance only. You should also follow the exact manufacturer directions on the label of your sanitising chemicals.
Once your water is balanced correctly, now is the time to add your chlorine sanitiser to your water.
As a start up dose, add 25 grams of chlorine per 1000L of water in your spa. Refer to your spa manufacturer’s handbook for the volume/literage of your spa.
This startup dose will kill any bacteria that is in your water when you’re first starting up. It will also help oxidise any organic matter in your water.
After the initial startup dose, you should use a daily dose of sanitiser 6-10 grams per 1000
After you have added the initial sanitiser dose, check your water balance again after a couple of days to ensure the pH and total alkalinity is still in the correct range.
As your sanitiser reacts with your water, the pH and alkalinity levels may need to be adjusted. Again use test strips to check your pH is in the range of 7.2-7.8 and that your total alkalinity is between 80-120 ppm.
Final thoughts about changing back from Hydrogen peroxide to chlorine. That is everything that you need to know about converting your spa back from Hydrogen peroxide back to Chlorine sanitiser.
Note that you need to continue to monitor your water balance regularly and sanitise your water regularly to maintain sparkling clean and clear water.
Remember to follow the directions on your sanitiser labels to ensure that your water is safe for use.
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