The Big Three: Why You Need More Than Just Sanitizer
Many hot tub owners assume that sanitizer alone is enough to keep their water clean. In reality, a complete water care routine relies on three distinct product types working together: a sanitizer, a shock, and an oxidizer. Each plays a different role, and understanding the difference means healthier water, fewer problems, and a longer-lasting spa.
Sanitizer: Your First Line of Defence
A sanitizer is the product you use continuously to kill bacteria and other pathogens in your hot tub water. Without an active sanitizer, even visually clear water can harbour harmful microorganisms.
Sanitizers work by maintaining a residual level of active disinfectant in the water at all times. You test for this level regularly — it's the most important number in your water test results.
Beachcomber Sanitizer Options
- Care Free Boost — Beachcomber's signature granular sanitizer. A convenient, easy-to-dose formula designed specifically for hot tubs. Ideal for everyday spa owners who want a straightforward weekly routine.
- Refresh — is a premium chlorine-based shock treatment for hot tubs. This fast-acting oxidizer eliminates organic contaminants, restores water clarity, and helps maintain a clean, fresh soaking environment, all with a simple once-a-week application. Contains 12 packages of 40 grams each.
- Bromo Discs — are slow dissolving bromine sanitizer discs that create a bromine residual to control bacteria and algae in hot tub waters. BROMO DISCS are perfectly suited to fit into the Beachcomber floating puck dispenser.
- Chlor Discs — Slow-dissolving chlorine discs that provide a sustained sanitizer release. A low-maintenance option for maintaining a consistent chlorine residual, ideal for dispensers.
- Chlor Blast — a stabilized granular chlorine based sanitizer and oxidizer that controls the growth of bacteria and algae in hot tub waters and is ideal for regular oxidizing. CHLOR BLAST has a relatively neutral pH value of 6.7
- Bromo Blast — is a practical soluble one-step non-stabilized bromine sanitizer and oxidizer treatment that controls bacteria and algae in hot tub waters. BROMO BLAST can be used in conjunction with BROMO DISCS as an oxidizing agent or as a stand alone treatment.
Shock: The Reset Button for Your Water
Shocking your hot tub means adding a high dose of a fast-acting chemical to rapidly destroy contaminants that have built up in the water — including bacteria, algae, and the compounds that cause cloudy water and unpleasant odours. Think of it as a deep clean your water needs on a regular basis.
You should shock your hot tub:
- After heavy use or a party
- After adding water or refilling
- When water appears cloudy or has an odour
- As part of your regular weekly or bi-weekly maintenance routine
Chlorine vs. Non-Chlorine Shock
Not all shocks are created equal. The two main types are chlorine-based and non-chlorine (oxidizing) shocks, and each has its strengths.
Non-Chlorine Shock
Non-chlorine shocks oxidize contaminants without adding chlorine to your water. This makes them ideal for use with bromine systems, or any time you want to shock without the wait time — most non-chlorine shocks allow you to re-enter the spa within 15 minutes.
- Ultra Shock — Beachcomber's non-chlorine shock. Salt-based and highly effective at oxidizing organic waste and reactivating bromine in the water. A go-to for weekly maintenance shocking without affecting your sanitizer balance.
- Aqua Brite Plus — A non-chlorine oxidizing shock by Aqua that clarifies water, destroys contaminants, and enhances water sparkle. Works exceptionally well alongside bromine sanitizers and is a popular choice for those seeking a chlorine-free shock option.
Chlorine-Based Shock
Chlorine shock delivers a high-concentration burst of chlorine to aggressively disinfect and sanitize water. It's particularly effective when dealing with visible contamination, algae, or when recovering heavily used or neglected spa water.
- Chlor Blast Tote — A complete chlorine-based shock solution for when you need maximum sanitizing power. Ideal for opening your spa after winterization or recovering problem water.
Shock + Aromatherapy: The Best of Both Worlds
For those who love the sensory experience of spa time, there are scented shock options that combine oxidizing power with the benefits of aromatherapy.
Elevate Your Spa Experience with Fragrance-Infused Spa Shock
Keeping your hot tub water clean and fresh doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the relaxing experience you love. Our professional-grade, fragrance-infused spa shock combines effective water care with the soothing benefits of aromatherapy, helping you turn every soak into a more enjoyable experience.
Fragrance-Infused Aromatherapy
Enjoy an extraordinary combination of scents while caring for your spa water. Our fragrance-infused spa shock adds an aromatherapy experience to your regular water-care routine, creating a more relaxing atmosphere every time you use your hot tub.
Chlorine-Free Oxidizer
Our spa shock is chlorine-free and designed to help break down organic contaminants in your spa water. It works as an oxidizer to help keep your water feeling fresh and clear without adding additional chlorine.
Quick-Dissolving Formula
Nobody wants to wait around for their spa chemicals to dissolve. Our quick-dissolving formula is designed to dissolve completely and efficiently, helping prevent unwanted buildup while delivering consistent water-care results.
Clean Water. Amazing Scents. Better Soaks.
With fragrance-infused spa shock, maintaining your hot tub can become part of the relaxation experience. Keep your water fresh while surrounding yourself with beautiful aromatherapy scents — because your hot tub should be more than just clean; it should be your favourite place to unwind.
Oxidizer: The Ongoing Clarifier
An oxidizer works similarly to a non-chlorine shock but is used more regularly and at lower doses to continuously break down organic waste — body oils, lotions, sweat, and other compounds that build up with every soak. Left unaddressed, these organics form chloramines or bromamines that cause that unpleasant chemical smell and make your sanitizer less effective.
Oxidizers keep your water clear, your sanitizer efficient, and your soaking experience comfortable. Products like Ultra Shock and Aqua Brite Plus can double as regular oxidizers when used at maintenance doses between full shock treatments.
Still Not Sure What You Need?
Water care doesn't have to be complicated. Visit us in-store at Beachcomber Hot Tubs Collingwood and we'll walk you through a free water test and recommend the right products for your spa, usage habits, and water source.