Shock dosing your Lay-Z-Spa water refers to adding larger quantities of chemicals to your hot tub's water in order to break down any organic waste and contamination and re-establish a positive level of water cleanliness. A shock dose is often performed using chlorine granules, with chlorine tablets being used to maintain the correct daily chlorine level.
When do I need to shock my spa water?
Your Lay-Z-Spa water should be shocked when:
- You first fill up your Lay-Z-Spa
- At the first signs of algae or slime
- After periods of heavy usage
- After a loss of water clarity or quality
How often should I shock my spa water?

How to shock a hot tub
Shocking your hot tub is essential for hot tub maintenance by helping to prevent the build of bacteria. By shock dosing your hot tub it reduces the need for high chemical doses; aids in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and algae; and prolongs the life of your spa. Experts recommend shocking your hot tub before first use and then at least once a week - initial setup only, should be maintaining levels daily so not required to keep your water clean and clear.
To shock dose, follow these six steps:
- Ensure that your spa is filled with water up to the recommended level.
- Turn on the Water Filtration System but ensure the massage system is turned off
- There are two types of shock dose:
- Commissioning Chlorine Shock Dose: This is the shock does you add to your spa when you first add water to it
- Normal Chlorine Shock Dose: This is the shock dose you add to your spa when it has already previously had a Commissioning Chlorine Shock Dose.
- Check the water capacity of your hot tub. The size of your hot tub will impact just how much chlorine you need to add to your spa. Use the Shock Dose Recommendations Table to see how much Chlorine you need to add.
- After shock treating your Lay-Z-Spa water, wait a minimum of 24hrs then test chlorine level. Bathing can start when chlorine level is 5ppm or less (ideal 3-5ppm).
- Wash your hands. Once you’re done shocking your hot tub, wash your hands to ensure none of the shock treatment is lingering on your fingers.
Lay-Z-Spa shock dose recommendations table
The table below shows the recommended Commissioning Shock Dose quantities for each model.
Lay-Z-Spa Model |
Water capacity in Litres |
Chlorine Granules Shock Dosage |
|
20g per 1000 Litres |
Teaspoons (one teaspoon = approx. 5g) |
||
Bali AirJet |
669 |
13 |
3 |
New York AirJet |
806 |
16 |
3 |
Honolulu AirJet |
916 |
18 |
4 |
Riviera AirJet |
800 |
16 |
3 |
Havana AirJet |
669 |
13 |
3 |
Tahiti AirJet |
669 |
13 |
3 |
St Tropez AirJet |
935 |
19 |
4 |
Vegas AirJet |
848 |
17 |
3 |
Monaco AirJet |
1540 |
31 |
6 |
Miami AirJet |
800 |
16 |
3 |
Palm Springs AirJet |
916 |
18 |
4 |
Paris AirJet |
806 |
16 |
3 |
Hawaii AirJet |
840 |
17 |
3 |
Siena AirJet |
509 |
10 |
2 |
Havana AirJet |
669 |
13 |
3 |
St Moritz AirJet |
1190 |
24 |
5 |
Helsinki AirJet |
1123 |
22 |
4 |
Hawaii HydroJet Pro |
795 |
16 |
3 |
Maldives HydroJet Pro |
1050 |
1050 |
4 |
Palm Springs HydroJet |
795 |
795 |
3 |
Please note: The table is only applicable to Clearwater Chemicals. When it comes to shocking your hot tub, read the label to ensure you are conducting the spa shock correctly. Dosages are only approximate and the effect of chemicals on your water can vary each time you use them, depending on exact amount of water in your spa, water type, water temperature, positioning of spa etc. Therefore it is essential to test the water every time before you use it.

Lay-Z-Spa ClearWater daily dosing rates:
Following a shock dose it is important that you continue to monitor the chemical levels of your hot tub to ensure the chlorine levels stay at the recommended levels. The below table shows some guidance as to recommended dosage amounts per each Lay-Z-Spa model. We recommend using a ClearWater Dip Test Strip to monitor your hot tub's chlorine, Alkaline and pH levels.
Lay-Z-Spa Model | Water capacity in Litres | Chlorine Granules Daily Dosage | |
9g per 1000 litres | Teaspoons (one teaspoon = approx. 5g) | ||
Bali AirJet |
669 |
6 |
1 |
New York AirJet |
806 |
7 |
1 |
Honolulu AirJet |
916 |
8 |
2 |
Riviera AirJet |
800 |
7 |
1 |
Havana AirJet |
669 |
6 |
1 |
Tahiti AirJet |
669 |
6 |
1 |
St Tropez AirJet |
935 |
8 |
2 |
Vegas AirJet |
848 |
8 |
2 |
Monaco AirJet |
1540 |
14 |
3 |
Miami AirJet |
800 |
7 |
1 |
Palm Springs AirJet |
916 |
8 |
2 |
Paris AirJet |
806 |
7 |
1 |
Hawaii AirJet |
840 |
8 |
2 |
Siena AirJet |
509 |
5 |
1 |
Havana AirJet |
669 |
6 |
1 |
St Moritz AirJet |
1190 |
11 |
2 |
Helsinki AirJet |
1123 |
10 |
2 |
Hawaii HydroJet Pro |
795 |
7 |
1 |
Maldives HydroJet Pro |
1050 |
9 |
2 |
Palm Springs HydroJet |
795 |
7 |
1 |
Please note: The table is only applicable to ClearWater Chemicals. Dosages are only approximate and the effect of chemicals on your water can vary each time you use them, depending on exact amount of water in your spa, water type, water temperature, positioning of spa etc. Therefore it is essential to test the water every time before you use it.
From reducing chlorine levels to preventing cloudy water, explore our frequently asked chemical related questions on shock dosing your Lay-Z-Spa by visiting our Chemical Guide. If you need more chemicals explore the ClearWater Chemicals Range.