What is sanitizer level?
Sanitizer level refers to the concentration of sanitizer chemicals, such as bromine, chlorine or SmartChlor®, used in spa water. The relevant test result depends on which type of sanitizer you use and how your sanitizer is dispensed. (If your hot tub uses SmartChlor, skip to the heading, “What is SmartChlor?” on this page.)
- Example: Manually-dispensed bromine or chlorine granules require a somewhat higher concentration level. On the other hand, hot tubs equipped with in-line sanitation or cartridge-based floating systems require a lower concentration because of the ability to slow dose the water over time.
Why test it?
When total alkalinity, pH balance, and total hardness are within target ranges, they establish a stable foundation for sanitizers to work most effectively. Whenever making adjustments to this foundation, it is important to measure the sanitizer level again.
How is it measured?
Sanitizer concentration is measured in parts-per-million (ppm) using a test strip. If you are using the six-in-one test strip, three of the test sections relate to sanitizer level. These sections are: total bromine, total chlorine and free chlorine.
- Example: If your hot tub uses bromine sanitizer, focus on the “bromine” measurement; if your hot tub uses chlorine, focus on the “total chlorine” and “free chlorine” measurements.
Need help?
Use two clean water bottles to collect these samples: 1) a water-supply sample from your water source, and 2) a mid-depth sample of your hot tub water. Seal each sample tightly and bring it to your nearest Marquis Dealer for testing.
What is "total bromine?"
If your hot tub uses bromine: Total bromine measures the total concentration of bromine sanitizer in your hot tub water. Bromine is one of several sanitizer options available. While it is similar to chlorine in how it kills waterborne microbes, it is more stable in heated water and lasts longer. Bromine enjoys widespread popularity among hot tub enthusiasts and is available worldwide. It can be dispensed manually (by means of tablets or granules), or automatically dispensed by means of in-line sanitation or cartridge-based floating systems.
Why test it?
When total alkalinity, pH balance, and total hardness are within the recommended range, they establish a stable foundation for bromine to work most effectively. Whenever making adjustments to this foundation, it is important to measure the bromine level again. Ultimately, this helps to maintain water clarity and avoid eye, nose and skin irritation, plus it protects internal hot tub components.
How is it measured?
Total bromine is measured in parts-per-million (ppm) using a test strip. Bromine tablets and granules have target range of 4 to 6 ppm. Bromine in-line or floating cartridges have a target range of 1 to 2 ppm.
- Why do target ranges vary? When bromine tablets or granules handle the full burden of sanitation, a higher concentration is necessary. However, when the workload of sanitation is shared by an ozonator and an in-line sanitation system (available in ConstantClean+) less bromine is required, and the in-line cartridge dispenses bromine gradually over a longer period of time.
- Why is “low” total bromine bad? If the total bromine level falls below the recommended range, the hot tub water will be susceptible to harmful microbes and bacterial slime. Maintaining the recommended bromine concentration is important for your health, safety, physical comfort and peace of mind.
- Why is “high” total bromine bad? If the total bromine level is too high, it may begin to irritate your eyes, nose and skin. In addition, it may damage acrylic surfaces, foam pillows, or the underside of the hot tub cover. Maintaining the recommended bromine concentration is important for your health, safety, physical comfort and peace of mind.
What is "total chlorine" versus "free chlorine?"
If your hot tub uses chlorine: “Total chlorine” measures the total concentration of combined chlorine (or, "used chlorine") and free chlorine (or, "unused chlorine") in your hot tub water. Chlorine is one of several sanitizer options available. It is similar to bromine in how it kills waterborne microbes, but is not quite as stable as bromine in heated water. Even so, it still enjoys widespread popularity among hot tub enthusiasts and is available in most countries. A newly EPA-approved alternative to chlorine (dichlor) is called SmartChlor® (USA only). (To learn more, see the heading “What is SmartChlor?” on this page.)
Why test it?
When total alkalinity, pH balance, and total hardness are within the target ranges, they establish a stable foundation for chlorine to work most effectively. Whenever making adjustments to this foundation, it is important to measure the sanitizer level again. Ultimately, this helps to maintain water clarity and avoid eye, nose and skin irritation, plus it protect internal hot tub components.
- Total chlorine: This includes the sum total of free chlorine plus combined chlorine. “Free chlorine” has not yet come into contact with contaminants, so it is more potent against microbes. In contrast, “combined chlorine” has come into contact with contaminants and microbes, so it is less potent than free chlorine. Chlorine (dichlor) granules have a target range of 1 to 3 ppm. (CAUTION: Never use “trichlor” sanitizer in a Marquis hot tub.)
- Free chlorine: This measures the concentration of unused chlorine still available in your hot tub water. Knowing this measurement informs whether or not your sanitizer is working as effectively as possible. The target range is between 3 to 5 ppm.
What is SmartChlor?
If your hot tub uses SmartChlor: SmartChlor is a newly EPA-approved sanitizer for use in the USA. It is similar to chlorine (dichlor) in the way it kills microbes, but contains additional chlorine molecules which become activated (or triggered) at lower concentrations. Due to its ability to ‘regenerate,' SmartChlor remains effective at lower concentrations than would be possible with regular chlorine (dichlor).
Why test it?
For the sake of your safety and health, it is necessary to maintain the recommended level of SmartChlor to kill microbes and bacteria.
How is it measured?
Similar to bromine and chlorine (dichlor), SmartChlor is measured in parts-per-million (ppm). Use @ease® Test Strips. In the context of ConstantClean+, which includes an ozonator and dual-cartridge in-line sanitation system, the target range is between 0.5 to 1 ppm.
Need help?
Use two clean water bottles to collect these samples: 1) a water-supply sample from your water source, and 2) a mid-depth sample of your hot tub water. Seal each sample tightly, label each one, and bring them to your nearest Marquis Dealer for testing.
