Hot tub chemicals play a big role in maintaining water chemistry and protecting your tub from algae, bacteria, and other uninvited guests. Depending on the size and how often you use your hot tub, you may need a variety of chemicals to keep it clean.

Here we reviewed some of the best hot tubs chemicals and accessories as well as compared the quality hot tubs chemicals and their features.

Why You Should Trust Us

For this review, we interviewed owners and employees at stores specializing in hot tub chemicals across the country. We also talked to hot tub suppliers, and spent several days in hot tub retail stores learning about preferred chemicals from the pros and what they use on their floor models.

For many years, I personally have purchased and owned hot tubs of all kinds. I currently own a hot tub as well as maintain it myself.

How We Researched the 20 Best Hot Tub Chemicals

• We spent several months researching the best hot tub chemicals
• We considered over 50 hot tub chemicals and fine tuned it down to the 20 reviewed in this article
• We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, testing the chemicals and comparing the features of each hot tub chemical

Best Hot Tub Chemicals Comparison Chart

IMAGE	PRODUCT
	Best Chlorine Hot Tub Chemicals Leisure Time Spa 56 Chlorinating Granules Kills algae and bacteria Disolves quickly Formulated for hot tubs	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Best Bromine Hot Tub Chemicals Pool SpaChoice Brominating Tabs Sanitizer Provides silky smooth water Odorless Kills germs and bacteria	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Best Hot Tub Chemical Starter Set Solar Waters Choice Spa Start-Up and Maintenance Kit  All chemicals in one box 3 month supply Increases water flow	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Best Chemicals for Inflatable Hot Tubs Intex iONRx Natural Hot Tub Sanitizing Treatment Uses 4 ounces per 100 gallons No harsh chemicals Two stage system	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Best Shock Hot Tub Chemicals SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock Removes build up Restores water sparkle Disolves in 15 minutes	VIEW LATEST PRICE →

The Best Hot Tub Chemicals

#1 Leisure Time Spa 56 Chlorinating Granules

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Product Specifications:

• Form:  Granules
• Purpose: Sanitizes water
• Cost: Mid price
• Hot Tub Type: Above and in ground

This steady source of chlorine is stabilized against UV radiation and dissolves quickly and completely in your hot tub. It controls algae growth and kills bacteria as well as destroys organic contaminants to maintain clean, clear, sanitized water.

It is compatible with chlorine sanitizing systems and specifically formulated for use in spa and hot tubs.

#2 SpaChoice Brominating Tabs Sanitizer

Bromine is a powerful and effective sanitizer like chlorine, but it is odorless and less irritating to your skin and eyes. Spa Choice bromine tabs are pre-stabilized, so your water is silky smooth without using a stabilizer or conditioner.

They have 98% active ingredients and are effective in killing germs and bacteria. These tablets dissolve very slowly and release the appropriate amount of bromine in the water.

#3 Waters Choice Spa Start-Up and Maintenance Kit 

This kit includes everything you need to start up and take care of your hot tub, all in one box and eliminates any second guessing. Waters choice is a box of all recommended hot tub chemicals to keep your water clean, clear, and soft.

This Ultra Natural Sanitation System kits come in a one-month, three-month, six-month, and seven-month supply of enzymes and provides you with everything you need for a clean, healthy, and natural-feeling hot tub. Your pumps, heaters, and jets will last longer and filters won’t get clogged, resulting in increased water flow and circulation.

#4 iONRx Natural Hot Tub Sanitizing Treatment

iONRx hot tub sanitizer and spa treatment removes almost all of the harsh chemicals from your hot tub. This is a  two-stage, ultra-low chlorine hot tub treatment and requires 4 oz. per 100 gallons along with tap water levels of chlorine.

This means you can save money by using less hot tub chemicals like shock, bromine, enzymes, stain, and scale.

#5 SpaGuard Enhanced Spa Shock

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Product Specifications:

• Form:  Granules
• Purpose: Shock
• Price Range: Mid price
• Hot Tub Type: Above and in ground

 

SpaGuard Enhanced Shock is a multipurpose shock with four functions in one: shocks, clarifies, flocculent and pH buffer. It restores water sparkle while removing unpleasant odors as well as build up.

It dissolves quickly and is capable of delivering great results in as little as 15 minutes. This can be used in both bromine and chlorine hot tubs and spas.

#6 FROG @ease Floating Sanitizing System

The FROG @ease Floating Sanitizing System combines sanitizing minerals and SmartChlor Technology to kill bacteria two ways with up to 75% less chlorine. The result is fresh mineral water that is silky soft with far less odors and simple water to maintain because it’s self-regulating.

This needs to be changed every 3-4 weeks and cleans hot tub surfaces with no smelly odors.

#7 Silk Balance Natural Hot Tub Solution

SilkBalance was formulated for removing excess minerals and metals, which if allowed to build up over time can be detrimental to filters and pumps. It was also formulated to be mild on your skin and contains mineral salts that leave your skin feeling silky smooth and invigorated.

It does not leave a lingering odor of strong chemicals but rather a clear refreshing water scent. SilkBalance will extend the life of your hot tub equipment components by breaking down existing lime scale deposits the first time you use it.

#8 Clorox Pool & Spa XtraBlue Chlorinating Granules

XtraBlue All-in-One Chlorinating Granules work as both a sanitizer and shock, helping to improve water quality, without degrading under the sun’s rays. While being tough on different types of algae it also protects against scorching beams of sun. It works equally well in salt and chlorine treated hot tubs.

Its super cleaning agents make your hot tub free from all kinds of bad odors and keep your eyes safe from irritating elements.

#9 SpaChoice Chlorine Granules

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Product Specifications:

• Form:  Granules
• Purpose: Sanitizes water
• Price Range: Mid price
• Hot Tub Type: In ground

Spa Choice Sanitizing Granules are designed to dissolve quickly and completely while providing a steady source of available chlorine to spa water to control algae growth, kill bacteria and destroy organic contaminants.

Spa choice chlorine granules are stabilized to protect against ultraviolet radiation from the sun, increasing the life of your chlorine. This product is best used on in ground hot tubs and pools.

#10 Hot Tub Things Bromine Sanitizer Tabs

This is an effective low-odor hot tub bromine sanitizer that is formulated specifically for hot tubs and keeps bacteria at bay. These tablets are slow dissolving and last longer and appropriately distribute bromine in water and leave behind no bad odor.

One tablet is needed for every 100 gallons of water and these are best used in a floating tablet feeder.

Other Hot Tub Chemicals We Reviewed

#11 Oh Yuk Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner

Oh Yuk Healthy Hot Tub Cleaner has been heavily engineered to remove the unseen contaminants from your hot tub’s system. When these contaminants are removed you will see clearer water, less foam, better filtration, higher chemical efficiency, and an overall safer, healthier spa experience.

This will extend the life of your hot tub and its equipment.

#12 Ahh-Some- Hot Tub Cleaner

Ahh-Some is a super concentrated product and contains equals or over (16 oz) Liquid Tub Cleaners. Just 1 Tablespoon will get the job done and there are 12 Teaspoons in the 2 oz. container. This cleaner provides a complete pipe cleaning for your Hot Tub, Jetted Tub, or Whirlpool Plumbing system.

It will help reduce the build up of inanimate non-public health biofilm and non-public health slime forming microorganisms developing in your jets and pipes.

#13 Poolmaster Smart Test 4-Way Spa Water Chemistry Test Strips

These test strips are a must have for maintaining healthy water chemistry in swimming pool or hot tub. They analyze four chemical factors; free chlorine, bromine, alkalinity and pH. They are very simple to use by dipping in the water for instant reading and the no-bleed pads give an accurate color reading.

They come in easy-to-store container and contains 50 strips per kit.

#14 Zodiac Nature2 SPA Stick Mineral Sanitizer

Nature2’s patented technology uses minerals to destroy bacteria for up to four months and is unaffected by heat. This process of reducing bacteria also decreases the amount of harsh chemicals used to keep your spa water balanced.

This natural alternative to Chlorine and Bromine improves performance of ozone-equipped hot tubs. Not only does is make for an odor-free spa, it significantly improves the look and feel of water.

#15 Essential Values Gallon Hot Tub, Pool & Spa Defoamer

Essential Values Hot Tub & Spa Defoamer has been engineered to eliminate and stop foaming issues of all sizes. It is great for fountains, hot tubs, ponds, to even pools. The silicone based formula is designed to take on the biggest foaming headaches and can combat body oils, soaps, shampoos, deodorants and other fluids that may lead to the annoying foaming obstacles.

This product is safe, eco-friendly, and easy to use with only one ounce needed per 100 gallons.

#16 Life Deluxe Hot Tub Floating Tablet Dispenser

This Hot Tub Dispenser is great for use with spas, hot tubs and small pools. It features easy access for bromine and chlorine tablet refills, without the need to readjust the feeder or fully unwind the stem.

It also has a fully adjustable flow erosion control and comes with a float and a tie string to keep it in place.

#17 Leisure Time Spa Balance pH Balance

This is a granular product that balances the pH levels in hot water in hot tubs and spas. This unique formulation locks in pH levels between 7.2 & 7.8, eliminating pH drift & continuous water adjustment.

It is compatible with chlorine, bromine, ozone and mineral purification systems and one quart treats up to 500 gallons of water.

#18 Hot Tub Things Bromine Sanitizer Tabs

This Clorox clarifier binds small particles in your water,  into larger ones, so your filter can remove them easier. One ounce of this product can clean up to 5,000 gallons of water and is safe for both hot tubs and pools.

This clarifier will leave your water looking clean, clear and sparkling after application and allowing your pump to run for 8 hours.

#19 eLander Pro Water Thermometers for Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs

This thermometer measures pool, hot tub and spa water temperature to provide accurate readings. It has a large temperature reading display, in Fahrenheit and Celsius and reads up to 120 Fahrenheit and 50 Celsius.

It is durable and shatter resistant with a tie down so it won’t end up in skimmers. 

#20 Spa Essentials Chlorinating Concentrate Granules

Spa Essentials Chlorinating Concentrate is a spa and hot tub sanitizer. It is a fast acting granular stabilized chlorinator that acts as a sanitizer and an oxidizer. This product will kill and control bacteria resulting in clean and clear water.

Because of its perfectly stabilized chlorinating impact, it will not only leave the hot tub clean but also makes it soothing for human skin.

What to Consider When Buying the Best Hot Tub Chemicals

To keep your hot tub water clean and your hot tub running smooth you will want to get all the right chemicals, cleaning products and accessories. The initial investment maybe a bit pricey but with hot tub chemicals you do not need large amounts to keep it clean.

Besides necessary chemicals for care and maintenance, you may want to consider optional items to make your hot tub experience even more enjoyable.

The minimum hot tub chemicals you will need are:

• Bromine or Chlorine
• Ph Plus
• Alkalinity Plus or Ph Balance
• Demineralizer or Metal Out
• Water Clarifier

These items are also recommended but not entirely necessary at all times:

• Water Softener
• PH Minus
• De-foamer

You will also need to have these accessories in order to balance and maintain your hot tub chemicals:

• Test Kit or Test Strips
• Bromine Floater

These hot tub accessories are recommended but not necessary:

• Spa Draining Pump
• Thermometer
• Spa Scents
• Thermal Blanket

For regular cleaning and maintenance your may consider the following products:

• Scumballs or Scumbugs
• Shell Cleaner
• Filter Cleaner
• Spa Vacuum
• Cover Care Conditioner