Here's the right order to add hot tub chemicals and this order: Works Whether you're starting your hot tub up for the first time or you just need to rebalance your water chemistry, Number one: Adjust your alkalinity and pH These levels help your sanitizer work better and alkalinity keeps your pH from fluctuating so balance that first. Number two: add sanitizer like chlorine or bromine. If your sanitizer level drops too low for too long, algae and bacteria can build up, so test and rebalance these levels regularly. Number three: Adjust calcium hardness.

Your water's hardness levels do more damage in the long run, but they're still important to balance. Number Four: Non-chlorine shock or oxidizer. Add this once a week to refresh your sanitizer. But heads up, if you're using a metal sequestrant or scale prevention, add this before anything else.

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