Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: kervis on August 23, 2006, 10:57:37 am

Title: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: kervis on August 23, 2006, 10:57:37 am
Hi,

My brain cells are not all firing together this morning.  My 400 gallon tub has:
TC--.5
FC--0   oops!    ::)

It's looking like it's on the brink of going cloudy--just starting.  
I use LT Spa 56 which has 55% available chlorine.

How many TBS or TSP should I put in to shock it?

Thanks--I don't do math well and I want to get enough in to kill everything without creating more chloramines or whatever.   :)

I'd like it to be ready for the weekend.

Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Bill_Stevenson on August 23, 2006, 11:01:32 am
Put in 4 tablespoons with the pumps running in clean cycle.  Wait 15 minutes and measure chlorine.  It should be 3-5 ppm.  If it is not add some more.  

Regards,

Bill
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: kervis on August 23, 2006, 11:03:19 am
Thanks Bill!  I knew I'd get my answer in around 3 minutes!!  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: drewstar on August 23, 2006, 11:16:43 am
Quote
Put in 4 tablespoons with the pumps running in clean cycle.  Wait 15 minutes and measure chlorine.  It should be 3-5 ppm.  If it is not add some more.  

Regards,

Bill


I use those amounts for daily sanitation, not "shock"  No ?   How much do you suggest to add for shocking, and what do recomend the ppm be for shocking?
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: kervis on August 23, 2006, 11:34:13 am
And then I would need the measurements because I am challenged in that area!

Right now I have the 4 TBS in and am in the process of running the jets for a full hour.

Dr. Spa, I need a dichlor chart where I plug in my info and it spits out an answer tailored just for me.  :)
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on August 23, 2006, 11:35:49 am
You have .5 ppm of combined chlorine. You need to raise the free chlorine level to AT LEAST 10 times that in order to reach the breakpoint level and get rid of it. If you don't get high enough you'll just add to the combined chlorine
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on August 23, 2006, 11:41:36 am
Quote
Dr. Spa, I need a dichlor chart where I plug in my info and it spits out an answer tailored just for me.  :)

The problem is there's way to many unknown variabls, to come up with a formula. Sure, it's easy to tell you have much chlorine to add, to a set amount of PURIFIED water, to reach a certain point. Problem is, any organic debris in the water will raise the amount of chlorine necessary to reach a certain level.

The formula would look something like;

A. How many gallons is your spa_________________
B. How much organic debris needs to be oxidized before the chlorine can begin sanitizing ________________________________
C. How much chlorine is necessary to oxidize this organic debris ____________________
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: kervis on August 23, 2006, 11:45:30 am
Yes, I understand that, thus my first post.  I want to shock and kill.  So, according to your chart, 1/2 tsp should raise my 400gal tub 1ppm.  I would need to raise it 10 1/2 times, so I need to add 11 tsp?

See? I need you to make me a chart like your other ones!
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on August 23, 2006, 11:45:55 am
oops......... my mistake.......... corrected;

Chloramines can be removed from the water by the following three methods:

By adding a high dose of chlorine and raising the levels to 10 times the level of combined chlorines (5 to 10 ppm) for a minimum of 4 hours. This is called super chlorination. To remove chloramines, the ratio of chlorine to chloramines must be at least 7.6 to 1. If this ratio is not obtained more chloramines will be produced.

By adding a non-chlorine shock to the water. The most common chemical used for this is potassium peroxymonosulfate (MPS). This "shocking" requires the addition of 1 oz. per 625 gallons of water.

By adding ozone to the water. If an ozone generator is installed and wired so that it comes on each time the pump comes on, then oxidation of the ammonia and nitrogen compounds will take place on a continuous basis. This reduces, and can even eliminates the need for   shocking. Each time ammonia and nitrogen enter the ozonated water, they are oxidized by the ozone.


And, for everythinbg else you ever want to know about chlorine;

http://www.rhtubs.com/chlorine.htm
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: kervis on August 23, 2006, 11:50:55 am
I have noticed in the past, that those variables you mentioned have come into play for me before.  Thanks for the reminder and I understand then why you cannot make a chart.  

My tub is pretty cleanish, so I do not anticipate my variables being drastically variable today.  

I am hoping the 4 TBS is enough, but I will go test it now as the jets have been on for 40 minutes.
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on August 23, 2006, 11:52:34 am
HEY! I have a chart (just found it)

50% chlorine, 1/8 tsp,  will raise 100 gallons of water 1 ppm

1/2 tsp will raise 400 gallons of water 1 ppm

10, 1/2 tsp will raise 400 gallons to 10 ppm

10, 1/2 tsp = 5 tsp = about 2 TBS

 ;D I had my coffee!

Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: kervis on August 23, 2006, 11:57:20 am
YOU ROCK!!  I guess I have then added more than enough.

Thanks for not losing patience with me.  
My pink color is way beyond 5 with my Taylor kit.

I am super shocking and killing!  No chlorine smell.  I am at peace.

I will save "my" numbers--thanks!
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Pathfinder on August 23, 2006, 11:59:14 am
Go with 35 grams  to shock     later down the road to save you thought you can buy pre measured packets of di chlor  or non chlorine shock  just cut the corner and pour  

no guess work
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Bill_Stevenson on August 23, 2006, 11:59:30 am
"1/2 tsp will raise 400 gallons of water 1 ppm
 
10, 1/2 tsp will raise 400 gallons to 10 ppm
 
10, 1/2 tsp = 5 tsp = about 2 TBS"

Careful there, he is using only 56% dichlor.  You guys need to listen to me once in a while.  I told him 4 TBS for a reason.

Bill
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Pathfinder on August 23, 2006, 12:02:02 pm
you mean her ;)
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: kervis on August 23, 2006, 12:12:05 pm
Thanks, Pathfinder!  

I did add 4 TBS per Bill's instruction, and I did find Dr. Spa's chlorine chart (he posted the 400G instructions for me with my 56% dichlor)

I do use more than 2 TBS per day sometimes just for daily use maintenance (like Drewstar mentioned) as we have 5 people hopping in and out.  

4 TBS seemed reasonable to me as I need to kill stuff.  

Thanks you guys!  We'll see how it all shakes out, but I know it will be ready for the weekend after I rinse my filters.  :)
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: drewstar on August 23, 2006, 12:24:39 pm
KJervis, I use teaspoons to get to 5ppm. not tablespoons.  :)  

After each use, I dose with dichlor to get to 5ppm. In my tub that's about 1 teaspoon, per person,  usually no more than 3-4 teaspoons or my chlorine goes to 10.

The best way is to check 10 minutes or so after you added the dichlor and ensure you are at the ppm for either sanitizing, or shocking.
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Vinny on August 23, 2006, 05:25:54 pm
Ya know, I was going to correct the tablespoon thing. I have 400 gallons and I use 1 teaspoon for about 1 1/2 PPM and 4 teaspoons for 6 PPM "shock".

4 tablespoons would give about 20 PPM.
Title: Re: How much Dichlor to shock?
Post by: Dr. Spa™ Ret. on August 23, 2006, 09:09:22 pm
I based my calc. on 50% chlorine, so, 2 TABLESPOONS (6 teaspoons) should theoretically be a little more than is necessary.

2 TBS it is. :)

Quote
"1/2 tsp will raise 400 gallons of water 1 ppm
 
10, 1/2 tsp will raise 400 gallons to 10 ppm
 
10, 1/2 tsp = 5 tsp = about 2 TBS"

Careful there, he is using only 56% dichlor.  You guys need to listen to me once in a while.  I told him 4 TBS for a reason.

Bill