hot tub chlorine floater

Chlorine dissolves fast, and remembering to add it as often as you should can be challenging. To make it easier, you may have asked should I use a floating chlorine dispenser in my hot tub?

Here’s what I know from using one:

Floating chlorine dispensers should be used in hot tubs. They are convenient, inexpensive, and low maintenance. Additionally, the chlorine will be dispersed evenly throughout the week. The floaters also work equally well with bromine tablets.

In this article, we’ll look at how to use floating chlorine dispensers, the pros and cons, whether bromine is better, and how many tablets to use. And we’ll talk about the 1 huge downside.

Let’s get to it…

Ready to Spend Less Time On Maintenance and More Time Enjoying Your Hot Tub?

Let’s face it. Balancing the water, cleaning filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out which chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who just wants to relax after a long hard day!

That’s exactly why The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course is so valuable!

This is from Matt over at Swim University and he developed it for people looking to save money, time, and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you buy only what you need.

So if you’re ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and start spending more time in it, check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course.

Just click that link to learn more on their website.

Was it a chlorine dispenser? pic.twitter.com/fd3V84pOPS

— Evan (@myrrhley) December 21, 2020

Can you put a chlorine floater in a hot tub? 

You can put a chlorine floater in a hot tub. Chlorine tablets in the floater dissolve gradually and last longer than the chlorine sold as granules. But, it is good to check the tub manual if that form of chlorine is okay for it. It could be too acidic for it, resulting in discoloration and corrosion.

Apart from enabling the slow dissolving of chlorine, the floater also protects the tub’s surface from direct contact with the highly acidic chlorine tablets. 

But, you must check the tub manual or confirm from the manufacturers that chlorine tablets can be used. If that’s not the case, you can also use bromine tablets in the floater.

The dispenser and tablets are a great addition that’ll help with your hot tub maintenance. Which dispenser and tablets are of exceptional quality and that I recommend?

CLICK HERE to check out ATIE Floating Mini 1″ Chlorine/Bromine Tablet Dispenser on Amazon.

First off, it’s an Amazon’s Choice product. It’s made of a U.V.-resistant material that protects the chlorine from sunlight. 

As you know, its heat makes the chlorine dissolve more quickly. Its twist-lock lid is easy to remove. It’s got easily adjustable vents at the bottom for proper dispensing of the chemical.

Interestingly, for all its awesome features, it’s inexpensive. It’s got over 2,100 ratings on Amazon, and almost all are 5-stars. 

Now, let’s check out tablets…

CLICK HERE to check out Clorox Pool&Spa Small Pool 1″ Chlorinating Tablets

It keeps your water clean and is effective in killing bacteria and preventing algae. 

And is made in a manner that protects it from the harsh effects of sunlight. It can be used in small and large hot tubs. 

It’s got over 4,400 ratings on Amazon, and almost all are 5-stars.

PSA – if you have a hot tub, be careful not to be in there with the chlorine releasing tablet dispenser. Had to call 911 for Evan bc he inhaled chlorine – he’s doing much better now thankfully! pic.twitter.com/XShSVlpVzw

— Jennifer Smythe (@jensmythe4) January 27, 2021

How do you use a floating chlorine dispenser in a hot tub?

Unlock the floating dispenser’s top by slightly twisting it and place the chlorine or bromine tablets at the base. Replace the lid and twist it to lock it tightly. Then, place the dispenser in the tub. As it floats around the tub, slow-dissolving chlorine tablets are gradually dissolved. 

As you can see from what I shared above, it’s super easy to use. There’s nothing complicated here.

But, please check your manual or contact the manufacturer of your hot tub to confirm if you can use chlorine tablets with your tub.

One of the main benefits of using the dispenser is a more consistent chlorine dosing pattern because it’s occurring as the dispenser floats innocently in the tub. In a sense, it’s a labor-saving device.

After all, you’d have had to manually apply chlorine granules now and then.

Chlorine tablets are inexpensive and are probably the most affordable way to get rid of bacteria. 

The “set it and forget” nature of the method is also great. Over time, you’ll have a reasonable measure of the number of chlorine tablets that’d last for a period.

If you’d like more detailed info about if you should be applying chlorine to your tub daily, check out a recent article of mine. In it, I showed that you should not use it daily, but rather…

Just click the link to read it on my site.

You know you’re a writer by heart when you name your chlorine dispenser Mr. Stewart, which we did. #amwriting #indieauthor pic.twitter.com/YSSwxJGqme

— Alexander Frost #PSHome #PlaystationHome (@FrostedSapphire) May 31, 2018

Do you leave the chlorine floater in the hot tub all the time? 

The chlorine floater should be removed when the tub is being used. It is not a good idea to have the chlorine being dispensed when bathers are in the tub. Chlorine is transmuted into an acid, which in high concentration may be harmful.

In any case, the water should be tested before people soak in it.

Chlorine in high doses may alter the pH and alkalinity level. Using a floater does not negate the need to balance the water and do the usual tests.

It’s best to leave the floater in the tub when you know it won’t be used for some time. 

What are the effects of soaking in a tub where the chlorine level is too high? Is it okay?

One should never soak in a tub where the chlorine level is too high. Find out why in a recent article of mine where I explained in some detail…

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Argos, £60, no idea where the unicorn came from. Pool comes with a filter pump too but worth buying a floating chlorine dispenser to keeep the water clean pic.twitter.com/tuxqaODujZ

— Dominic Emery (@domsloft) May 30, 2020

How often should I put chlorine tablets in my hot tub’s floater?

Add 3-5 tablets once a week. About 1- 3 tablets for small tubs, or 3- 5 tablets for big tubs. But depending on how many people use it and how often it is used, more may be necessary.

You’ll also test the chlorine levels to know if there’s a need to add more tablets, more granules, or to oxidize the water.

What’s right for each tub owner would vary. Factors such as how frequently the tub is used and by how many, the tub’s size, and water flow play a role.

So, there’s a need to check if the chlorine level is okay, too low, or too high. Proper adjustments should be made accordingly.

A few weeks into using the dispenser and tablets, you’d have a feel for how often the tablets need to be added.  

Assuming you were busy and couldn’t be on top of the tub maintenance, what happens if your chlorine level is too low?

I explored the theme in a recent article of mine. In it, I explained that when chlorine or bromine levels are too low, it can allow bacteria and other harmful contaminants to grow in the tub, making it unsafe for users.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

To all my @AdamSandler fans out there, my daughter picked this out for the chlorine dispenser for our new pool and I’ve asked it at least thirty times what it’s looking at. #billymadison pic.twitter.com/PqCzpEImgK

— Chris Arnold (@Chris_GoVols) June 1, 2020

How long does it take for chlorine tablets to dissolve?

As a general rule, 4 to 6 one-inch chlorine tablets will, on average, dissolve slowly over a period of 5-7 days. 

It is vital to note how long the first batch you applied took to serve as an estimate for future reference. The rate of dissolution is affected by some factors.

Water temperature, how often the tub is used, and water flow affect how long it takes to dissolve the chlorine tablets.

Chlorine is sensitive to heat, so if the hot tub water is very hot, the tablets will dissolve faster. Whether the tub is under some shade or it is exposed is also a factor.

If the tub is used sparingly, it is understandable that the tablets would last longer than if they were being used heavily. But relative to chlorine granules, they are slow-dissolving and might be a better option.

Now and then, even when you’ve been on top of your tub maintenance, you still need to shock the water. 

How often should you shock the water? In a recent article of mine, I explained why and how often you have to shock the water. I also compared using chlorine or non-chlorine shock.

Just click the link to read it on my site.

Conclusion

We looked at floating chlorine dispensers. We checked out if it is okay to use them in a hot tub. Yes, it is.

We looked at how to use them. It’s a straightforward process of putting the tablets in the dispenser and leaving the dispenser to float in the tub. 

We learned that the floater shouldn’t be in the tub while it is being used.

We checked out how often chlorine tablets should be added. Finally, we looked at how long it takes the tablets to dissolve.

Ready to Spend Less Time On Maintenance and More Time Enjoying Your Hot Tub?

Let’s face it. Balancing the water, cleaning filters, dealing with rashes, and trying to figure out which chemicals to buy and add can make you feel more like a chemist than someone who just wants to relax after a long hard day!

That’s exactly why The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course is so valuable!

This is from Matt over at Swim University and he developed it for people looking to save money, time, and frustration. His tips on chemicals can save you $100/year just by making sure you buy only what you need.

So if you’re ready to stop being confused or frustrated with your hot tub and start spending more time in it, check out The Hot Tub Handbook and Video Course.

Just click that link to learn more on their website.