Free Chlorine Vs Total Chlorine Hot Tub. In other words, you can still have chlorine in your pool that has been used up and is no longer effective. Levels over 5ppm can lead to chlorine poisoning which adds the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Levels above that can lead to red, itchy skin & eyes, & respiratory issues. Slowly pour the chlorine granules into your hot tub as the pump is running. Simply put, free chlorine is the amount of chlorine available to sanitize water in your pool or hot tub.
So, to answer the question, if your total chlorine is high but free chlorine is low, it is an indication that the hot tub requires a shock treatment.
However, changes in how many people are using the spa, how long people are soaking, and other factors can affect the chemical levels of your spa. The chlorine that is still active to remove contaminants is known as free. Free chlorine is the most common way to test your proper chlorine levels in your pool water. The hot tub cover must be removed, and the ph of the water ought to be checked before the shock is applied.