What is Proper Hot Tub Chemical Storage?

Ensuring that your hot tub is always ready to deliver a relaxing and satisfying soaking experience requires proper maintenance as well as a number of chemicals. In addition to caring for your hot tub, you also need to properly use and store hot tub supplies. In the case of chemicals in particular, if not stored properly, their shelf life can be drastically reduced.

This article is to help make sure that never happens to you! At Hydropool, explaining how hot tub chemicals must be stored is a normal part of a business day at our retail outlets and that’s why we wanted to write this article.

As a hot tub owner or prospective owner, you may have wondered “Can hot tub chemicals be stored outside?” There are actually a number of factors involved in properly storing and using your chemicals, not just temperature alone.

Hot tub chemicals require proper storage to maintain their effectiveness and to keep them away from curious children or pets.

The main elements to be aware of are temperature and light. Extreme temperatures in either direction need to be avoided, while direct sunlight also needs to be limited. Those factors can have an effect on the quality of your chemicals.

As a result chemicals do best in a stable, dark environment, ideally at a temperature between 10C and 21C.

In the article below, we will discuss exactly what you need to know about safely using and storing your supplies to ensure the best hot tub experience possible. We will cover:

• What hot tub chemicals do I need?
• Where should I store hot tub chemicals?
• Can hot tub chemicals be stored outside?
• Can hot tub chemicals be stored outside in winter?
• What are some hot tub chemical storage ideas?

By the end, we hope you’ll know exactly what to do with your hot tub chemicals!

 

 

What Chemicals Do I Need for My Hot Tub?

It can be surprising to some just how many chemicals are needed to maintain your hot tub's water. With self-cleaning models, owners do not need to spend much time on maintenance, although their water will need to be tested and treated regularly.

The must-have list of chemicals and supplies for your hot tub includes:

• water test kits – to regularly check on the water balances
• shock (two kinds, chlorine shock and non-chlorine) – used at least once a week to help clean your hot tub
• bromine or chlorine tablets - for regular, consistent sanitization
• stabilizer to balance alkalinity
• pH plus – to raise pH
• pH minus – to lower pH
• filter cleaner – to use every few months to deep soak your filter
• scale reducer – a product that removes any scale build up on the inside shell of your hot tub, usually on the water line

Depending on where you live, you may want other chemicals, including enzymes, water polishers, calcium removers and others.

Where Should I Store Hot Tub Chemicals?

As with most other chemicals, hot tub chemicals can have sensitivity and react to both moisture and heat and need to be stored away from both. To ensure that they stay dry, pick a location that is dry year-round and out of direct sunlight path.

Sunlight is notorious for reducing the effectiveness of spa chemicals and if exposed long enough, renders them useless. Keeping them in a container can help, and choosing a waterproof container is also recommended in case they are exposed to moisture. So a dry, dark place is what you’re looking for.

Can Hot Tub Chemicals Be Stored Outside?

The answer is sometimes. It depends on how cold it gets in your area. In Canada, we generally advise people to keep their hot tub chemicals inside their home or at least in an insulated or warmed garage or pool shed through the winter. The main issue is that chemicals can lose their capabilities, especially in overly cold weather. Anything approaching freezing is a reason to get them warmer.

So if you live in an area north of the Canadian border or anywhere close to it, we’d advise you to keep your chemicals in an enclosed warm area where they can’t be frozen.

Can Hot Tub Chemicals Be Stored Outside in Winter?

It is also important to keep your chemicals out of extreme hot or cold temperatures. Ideally, the recommended temperature for storing chemicals is between 10 to 21C or 55 to 70F. Depending on the climate you live in, this can mean bringing chemicals inside both during summer and winter to avoid overheating or freezing.

Do I Need to Think About Safely Storing Hot Tub Chemicals?

Hot tub chemicals can be dangerous if accidentally ingested. For this reason, storing them where young children or pets cannot get at them is a good idea. A lockable container is a good option if you do not have a dedicated lockable storage room or closet.

What Are Some Recommended Storage Ideas for Hot Tub Chemicals?

There are a few common recommendations for where you can store your hot tub chemicals safely and securely.

• Closet: A lockable storage container can be stored in a walk-in closet or mudroom. Even if your container is locked. If a lockable area isn’t possible, high shelves are also good options.
• Locked Cabinet: One of the best options to consider is a locked cabinet inside your home. Secure and in a climate-controlled environment, your supply cabinet can be placed near the door that has the closest access to your hot tub to make for easy access.
• Hanging Rack: Is space is an issue? Consider using a hanging shoe rack to store your hot tub supplies and chemicals. These can easily be placed over a door, in a garage or even off of a wall.  

If you are concerned about properly storing your chemicals, then it is probably best not to store them outside in the winter unless you have an insulated pool shed or garage space. Taking care of your chemicals and supplies will save you money in the long run and always ensure that your hot tub is ready for a soak.

What is the Best Way to Store Hot Tub Chemicals?

As we said above, hot tub chemicals require proper storage to maintain their effectiveness and to keep them away from curious children or pets. And most of that storage is about protecting your chemicals from light or temperature extremes, as well as preventing your loved ones from accidentally coming in contact with the chemicals themselves.

At Hydropool, we know that hot tub chemicals may be the first time someone is regularly using chemicals to maintain something in their home. So we understand that questions about proper storage are important for any hot tub owner or prospective owner. We hope this article has answered all your questions about hot tub chemical storage, but if there’s anything we missed, we hope you reach out to your local retailer.