The New Owner's Guide to Sparkling Spa Water (The Bromine Edition)

Updated on Jan 12, 2026

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:

  • 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
  • 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

  • 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.

  • Clear Water = Happy Soaker: Maintaining proper chemistry prevents the two biggest spa killers: Foam and Algae.

  • 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.

  • 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.