From a previous post my hubby and I are still deciding on what sanitation route to follow. I want to use something that has little chlorine in it as possible because I am sensitive to it. Well my hubby emailed me this but not sure from what website it is from... but is this true or a farce???
Hydrogen Peroxide for Hot Tubs
There is nothing so relaxing as a warm, bubbling soak in a hot tub… Particularly if that hot tub is cleaned with hydrogen peroxide rather than chlorinated. The oxygen enriched water smells clean and fresh, softening your skin and soothing your body as you soak.
According to the Merck index, hydrogen peroxide can be used as a water disinfectant. In fact, it is used internationally for water disinfection, treatment of waste water, water gardens and, increasingly, in swimming pools and spas.
Some newer pool disinfection systems actually use recently developed equipment to generate oxidation in the water as it passes through the cleaning system. In these newer systems the need for additional chemicals in the water can be completely, or nearly completely eliminated.
While older spa systems rely on harsh toxic chemicals which fill the surrounding area with their fumes and odor, these newer system provide clean, fresh oxygen enriched water for bathing which has no odor.
For those not ready to invest in an entirely new hot tub filtration and water disinfection system, food grade hydrogen peroxide offers a transitional solution.
You can eliminate the use of chlorine or bromine chemicals in the spa and use hydrogen peroxide instead of these chemicals. Adding any type of ozonator or UV sterilizer to the system will also assist the hydrogen peroxide in the event that your water contains high levels of iron or organics which will break down the hydrogen peroxide more quickly. If you are unsure of the mineral content of the water, begin using the hydrogen peroxide as described here, and test for hydrogen peroxide levels frequently.
Begin by shocking the tub with a high dose of 35 percent food grade hydrogen peroxide. Add one cup (8 ounces/250 milliliters) of 35 percent hydrogen peroxide per every 250 gallons (1000 liters) of water in the tub. Run the pumps to circulate the water as you add the hydrogen peroxide and then intermittently over the next 24 hours.
Note: Be sure to check and empty the filters when beginning and several dimes through out the first 24 hours as the hydrogen peroxide will break down organics and other materials in the water and may at first create an excessive load on the filter system as you transition.
Allow the water to stand overnight (after the initial 24 hours have passed. Then circulate the water briefly before using a hydrogen peroxide test strip to measure the level of hydrogen peroxide in the water.
Hydrogen peroxide levels should run between 30 and 100 ppm (parts per million) for regular hot tub use. If the levels are below 30 ppm when testing, add hydrogen peroxide at a rate of 1 cup 35 percent food grade hydrogen peroxide per 500 gallons of water. Circulate and let stand several hours before testing after adding hydrogen peroxide.
By testing often in the early stages of using hydrogen peroxide you will be able to determine how often you will need to add hydrogen peroxide to the spa. The levels will vary according to the frequency and number of people using it. Test at least weekly once you have a general idea of what your spa needs to maintain optimum levels of hydrogen peroxide.