Can You Go in a Hot Tub Straight After Adding Chlorine?

Jennifer Rhodes

By Jennifer Rhodes · Updated

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Chlorine is a necessary chemical for hot tubs that helps to kill bacteria and keep the water clean. However, getting in too soon after adding chlorine can cause skin irritation and other problems.

So how long should you wait after adding it before using the hot tub? Keep reading to find out!

How long to wait after adding chlorine to a hot tub

Chlorine is an important part of keeping your hot tub clean and safe to use. However, it's important to wait a certain amount of time after adding chlorine before using the tub.

As a general rule of thumb, you should wait at least 30 minutes after adding chlorine before using the hot tub. This will give the chemical time to do its job without putting you at risk.

Chlorine can reach a very high concentration immediately after being added, so that's why you need to wait for the levels to drop before it's safe to use.

Why should you wait to use a hot tub after adding chlorine?

It's important to wait after adding chlorine to a hot tub before using it to allow the chlorine time to dissipate and reach a safe level for use.

Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant and it's used to kill bacteria and other contaminants in the water. However, it can also be harmful to humans if it's not used properly.

That's why it's important to follow the directions on the chlorine product you're using, and to always err on the side of caution by waiting 30 minutes before using the hot tub after topping up your chlorine.

What happens if you use a hot tub too soon after adding chlorine?

If you add chlorine and then use the tub immediately, you run the risk of irritating your skin and eyes. It's also important to give the chlorine time to work; if you use the tub too soon, the bacteria and contaminants will not have been effectively killed.

If you were to jump in the hot tub immediately after adding chlorine, you would be exposing yourself to a high concentration of the chemical.

It's also important to leave the cover off for 30 minutes after you add chlorine to allow the chemical vapors to escape. You need to give chlorine time to dissipate in order to avoid any of these unwanted effects.

Closing thoughts

If you are adding chlorine to a hot tub that is otherwise filled with water and ready to go, you will need to wait at least 30 minutes before using the hot tub. This will give the chlorine time to circulate and work properly.

Getting in the hot tub straight away could lead to possible skin irritation, redness, and burning—plus the chlorine will not have had enough time to do its job and kill any bacteria present.

If you're interested to learn more about how to use chlorine in your hot tub, I have a full guide on that here.

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