The New Owner's Guide to Sparkling Spa Water (The Bromine Edition)
Welcome to the Club!
Keeping your spa water crystal clear doesn't have to be a chemistry exam. Since you are using 20g Bromine Tablets, you've chosen a method that is gentle on the skin and highly effective in hot water. Here is your simple roadmap to relaxation.
🚀 Phase 1: The Start-Up
Do this when you first fill your spa or after a water change.
Fill & Circulate: Fill the spa with fresh clean water. Turn on the circulation pumps and let them run for 1 hour to get things moving.
Balance First: Before adding sanitiser, you need a solid foundation. Test your water and adjust the pH to between 7.2 – 7.4.
Note: Also check your Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness levels and adjust if necessary (check your test strip bottle for ideal ranges).
The Bromine Boost: It's time to sanitise.
- Dosage: Add 1 Bromine Tablet per 400 Litres of water.
- Pro Tip: If your spa holds 1200 Litres, you would start with 3 tablets. This establishes your sanitiser "bank."
📅 Phase 2: Regular Maintenance
The "Set and Forget" Routine.
The Weekly Check
You don't need to obsess, but consistency is key. At least once per week:
- Test the Water: Dip a test strip. You are looking for a Total Bromine level of 3–5 ppm.
- Feed the Floater: Use a floating dispenser or your spa's inline feeder.
- The Rule: One 20g tablet dissolves gradually. Check the dispenser and add/replace tablets to keep that residual level steady.
- Watch the pH: Keep that pH locked in at 7.2 – 7.4. If the pH drifts, the bromine stops working effectively.
The Weekly Refresh
Once a week, give your spa a little extra love:
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Shock It with O2 Shock: We recommend O2 Shock – a non-chlorine shock treatment specially formulated for spas. Why O2 Shock? Because you should never mix chlorine-based shock with bromine, and O2 Shock is completely chlorine-free. It oxidises dead organic matter (oils, sweat, lotions) that the filter missed and keeps your water fresh and odour-free.
- Dosage: 30g per 1000 Litres (about 2 tablespoons for most MSpas)
- How to use: With the pump running, broadcast O2 Shock directly into the water
- Wait time: Just 15 minutes before you can hop back in
- Pro Tip: For spas with heavy use, increase to 2–3 times per week for best results
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Rinse Filters: Pop your filters out and give them a good rinse with a hose to keep the water flowing freely.
💡 Phase 3: Pro Tips for Success
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Don't Overdo It: Adjust the opening on your floating dispenser. If your bromine levels are constantly high (above 5 ppm), close the vents slightly. If low, open them up.
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Clear Water = Happy Soaker: Maintaining proper chemistry prevents the two biggest spa killers: Foam and Algae.
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Cloudy or Smelly Water? Increase your O2 Shock frequency to daily until the water clears. The effervescent action works fast to oxidise contaminants and eliminate odours.
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O2 Shock is NOT a Sanitiser: It's an oxidiser that cleans and refreshes your water, but you still need your bromine tablets to kill bacteria. Think of it as the perfect partner to your bromine routine.
📝 Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Step | Action | Frequency | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start-Up | Fill, Balance, & Add Tablets | Once (per refill) | Establish a base. Use 1 tab per 400L. |
| Test | Dip a test strip | At least weekly | Ensure Bromine is 3–5 ppm. |
| Balance | Adjust pH | At least weekly | Keep pH between 7.2 – 7.4. |
| Shock | Add O2 Shock (30g per 1000L) | Weekly (or 2–3x for heavy use) | Clear up cloudy water & odours. Wait 15 mins before bathing. |
| Clean | Rinse Filters | Weekly | Ensure good filtration. |