How To Shock Dose a Lay-Z-Spa Hot Tub

Shock dosing a Lay-Z-Spa refers to adding larger quantities of hot tub chemicals to your water in order to break down any organic waste and contamination and re-establish a positive level of water cleanliness. A shock dose is performed using chlorine granules, whilst chlorine tablets are used to maintain the correct daily chlorine level.

When Do I Need To Shock My Hot Tub Water?

Your Lay-Z-Spa hot tub 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
• After refilling with fresh water

How Often Should I Shock My Hot Tub Water?

It is good practice to shock dose hot tub water with ClearWater Chlorine Granules after a period of high usage. This will help to rectify the sanitizer level, prevent the growth of microorganisms and help maintain sparkling, crystal clear water. After treatment, water quality and clarity is often completely restored.

How To Shock Dose 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. Don't forget to consider our Shock Dose Pack, which contains everything you need to shock dose your hot tub.

To shock dose, follow these six steps:

1 Ensure that your spa is filled with water up to the recommended level.

2 Turn on the Water Filtration System but ensure the massage system is turned off.

3 There are two types of shock dose:

Commissioning Chlorine Shock Dose: This is the shock dose 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.

4 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 below to see how much Chlorine you need. If your water is below 20°C, pre-mix in a jug of warm water. If your spa is over 20°C, you can add it straight in. After this, we recommend activating the massage system for a short period of time to circulate the chlorine.

5 After giving a shock treatment to your Lay-Z-Spa water, wait for a minimum of 24hrs then test chlorine level. Bathing can start when the chlorine level is 5ppm or less (ideal 3-5ppm).

6 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

Please note: The advice above 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.

ClearWater Chemicals Recommended Daily Chlorine 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 stay at the recommended levels. The below table shows some guidance as to the recommended dosage amounts per a selection of Lay-Z-Spa models. We recommend using a ClearWater Dip Test Strip to monitor your hot tub's chlorine, Alkaline and pH levels.

For a complete list of Lay-Z-Spa models and daily chlorine recommendations, please visit our hot tub chemicals guide.

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 hot tub chemicals, explore the ClearWater Chemicals Range.