Hot tub-Additives for hot tubs & spas: what you need - and why it's important
Let's be honest - nobody wants to relax in murky or bad smelling water. The right Hot tub additives will turn your spa experience into a real wellness highlight. From disinfectants to fragrances and water care products: This guide shows you what you need - and what you're better off leaving alone.
And if you're unsure which products are right for your Hot tub - we at finawellness are here to help and advise you.
What are Hot tub supplements anyway?
Put simply, a Hot tub (or water vortex) is a rapidly rotating stream of water that creates a suction. This usually occurs where two different currents meet - for example in rivers, lakes or seas.
Hot tub additives are specially developed care products that keep the water in your Hot tub, jacuzzi or spa clean, skin-friendly and fragrant. They fight bacteria, balance the pH value, prevent foam and provide pleasant fragrances - in short: they make your bathing experience perfect all round.
My personal experience with sensitive skin and Hot tub additives
I suffer from a rather rare skin reaction called dermographism (also known as "skin writing" or dermatographic urticaria). This means that my skin reacts quickly to friction, heat or certain substances with redness, itching or rashes - sometimes a hot towel or a bath in thermal water is enough to trigger an unpleasant reaction.
That's why I'm particularly careful when I get into a Hot tub - especially if I don't know what care products have been used in it. Unfortunately, I've had rashes in public spas or hotels several times and have had to break off my stay or cool down with cold water - a real shame when you actually want to relax.
It was therefore all the more important to me that I thoroughly test our own products at Finawellness myself. I wanted to make sure that people with sensitive skin or skin problems could also enjoy their time in the Hot tub without any worries.
To be honest, I was pleasantly surprised: despite the hot water and active care products, I had no reaction, no rash, no redness. I deliberately went into the Hot tub with great caution - and came out feeling calm. That was a real eye-opener for me.
I can recommend our products with a clear conscience - especially for People with sensitive or irritated skin. Of course, every skin reacts differently - but the combination of high-quality ingredients, controlled dosing and regular measurement of the water values is the key for me.
Because one thing I've learned:
as long as the water is happy, the Hot tub - and its user - is too.
Tip: If you also have sensitive skin, make sure you
:- regularly checked water values (pH, chlorine/bromine, alkalinity)
- products without aggressive fragrances or foaming agents
- clean filters and fresh water
- hypoallergenic, spa-specific care products
If you have any questions about our products or my experience, please feel free to contact us - we will give you honest and personal advice.
The most important Hot tub additives at a glance
Here is a simple overview of which additives you need - and why:
Disinfectants (essential!)
They fight bacteria and keep your water hygienic.
- Chlorine: Effective and fast - good for outdoor hot tubs
- Bromine: More skin-friendly and ideal for high temperatures
- Salt systems: Increasingly popular - generate chlorine from salt directly in the water
💡 Tip from O-Care: Bromine remains more stable in warm water and needs to be added less often.
Shock treatment (freshness kick for the water)
ven with disinfectants, residues such as sweat, creams or body oils collect. A shock product removes these quickly and refreshes the water.
- Chlorine-free Shock: Ideal for weekly care
- Shock containing chlorine: Stronger - e.g. after parties or prolonged use
🔄 According to WhatSpa: If your Hot tub smells "musty" - time for a shock treatment!
Water care & pH balance
Balanced water protects the technology and your skin.
- pH raiser / reducer: Optimum range: 7.2-7.8
- Alkalinity regulator: Stabilizes the pH value
- Calcium hardness additive: Protects against corrosion in soft water
📏 Watson's Blog: Test regularly - preferably 1-2x per week with test strips or digital measuring devices.
Defoamer
Too much foam in the water?
- A defoamer works immediately - but: The cause is often soap or body oil residue. So also clean the filter!
Water clarifier (crystal clear water)
- If the water appears cloudy despite good values, water clarifiers can help - they bind the smallest dirt particles, which can then be absorbed by the filter.
Aromatherapy additives (for a real spa feeling)
Specially developed fragrance additives for whirlpools not only improve the smell, but also the feeling on the skin - without damaging the technology.
Popular fragrances
:- Lavender - calming
- Eucalyptus - liberating
- Citrus - invigorating
🧘 At Finawellness Store you will find aromatic additives that are 100% are suitable for whirlpools.
🚫 What you should NOT put in your Hot tub
This is what all the professionals say - and so do we: please don't use normal swimwear!
Avoid at all costs:
- Bath balls, bath oils or bubble baths
- Essential oils from the drugstore
- Household cleaners or vinegar
- Epsom salt (Epsom salt)
Why? These products clog the filters, attack the material and completely unbalance your water. In the worst case scenario, you could ruin your Hot tub.
Your simple maintenance routine (weekly)
Here's your practical maintenance plan - simple, efficient and stress-free:
✅ Test the water (pH, alkalinity, disinfection)
✅ Adjust the values
✅ Top up with disinfectant
✅ Use shock (e.g. on Sundays)
✅ Rinse out the filter
✅ Wipe down the waterline
✅ Top up with water if necessary
A little tip: print out the list and hang it next to the Hot tub!
Did you already know? - Fascinating facts about hot tubs
- The word "Hot tub" was first used in English in the 17th century and referred exclusively to natural water vortices.
- The most powerful natural Hot tub in the world is the Moskstraumen off the coast of Norway - so powerful that it even features in Edgar Allan Poe's stories.
- The Jacuzzi family developed the first electric pump attachment for therapeutic baths - for a family member with rheumatism. Thus began the modern Hot tub era.
- Studies show: Regular Hot tub use can lower stress hormones and improve sleep quality.
- Bathing in the outdoor Hot tub in winter not only strengthens the immune system - it's also an unforgettable experience!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
► How often do I need to change the water completely?
On average, experts recommend changing the water every 3 to 4 months - depending on use and care. However, it may also be necessary sooner, for example if: the water smells cloudy, foamy or unpleasant despite correct care, you have difficulties balancing the water values, many Persons use the Hot tub regularly, or there has been a prolonged maintenance error (e.g. no shock, filter dirty, etc.). In short: Change the water as required - whenever the water quality is no longer suitable or can no longer be stabilized. Tip: Use our test strips or digital water testers from the store at Finawellnessstore.eu to check your water regularly and identify the right time to change it.
► Why does my water smell funny?
Probably bacteria or dirt in the water. Use Shock and clean the filter.
► Can I clean my spa with vinegar or household cleaner?
No! Only use special Hot tub cleaners - anything else can damage rubber and technology.
► What is the ideal temperature?
37-40 °C (98-104 °F) - choose 36 °C for longer bathing.
A clean Hot tub is not rocket science - with the right additives, a little routine and a dose of relaxation, your spa will become a real feel-good place. Just remember:
✔️ Only use Hot tub-approved products
✔️ Test and maintain regularly
✔️ If you have any questions: We are here for you
Did you like this article or did it help you?
Feel free to share it with friends - or ask us your questions in the comments below or by email.
See you soon in your own wellness oasis! 💙
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