What are the pros and cons of using hydrogen peroxide in my spa?
Wondering whether hydrogen peroxide is the right sanitiser for your spa? This article discusses some of the problems with hydrogen peroxide so you can make a more informed decision
What is hydrogen peroxide and why is it used in spa pools?
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful and effective water sanitiser that has been in use for a number of decades now for sanitising of water in hot tubs, spa pools and swimming pools.
It is also used by cities and municipalities for the treatment of tap water and drinking water.
Hydrogen peroxide has a few advantages for sanitising spa water. In particular, it is a natural product and after it has finished it’s sanitising work, it returns to oxygen and water, leaving no chemical byproducts and there is no chlorine odour.
Hydrogen peroxide is a great option for sanitising spa pools for many people as it is soft on sensitive skin and does not inflame respiratory issues like asthma as other sanitising products like chlorine can do.
All of that to say, hydrogen peroxide does have some problems and disadvantages. In this article we’ll talk about some of these problems, so you can decide whether it’s the right sanitiser for you and your spa.
Is hydrogen peroxide safe to transport?
Hydrogen peroxide is classified as dangerous goods for storage and transportation. This means it is more difficult and expensive to handle. As a result, it can be slower for shipping and more difficult to get hold of. It requires special handling and only certain courier companies will carry it.
What safety measures do I need to use when using hydrogen peroxide?
You need to take care handling hydrogen peroxide for sanitising your spa or swim spa. You should wear PPE equipment including gloves, mask, eye protection and protective clothing to ensure you don’t get any on your skin or inhale any. Because it is in a high concentration to allow it to work effectively, it can cause minor burns to skin if you accidentally spill any.
Don’t worry though, it is safe to use for sanitising your water - and after it has finished sanitising it reverts back to oxygen and water with no byproducts.
How should I store hydrogen peroxide spa sanitiser?
Hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a cool, dry location and away from other chemicals or flammable objects. It can react with other types of chemicals causing fire or even a small explosion.
If the ambient temperature outside exceeds 75 degrees fahrenheit or 24 degrees celsius, it is recommended to store it in a refrigerator.
Is there more work required to maintain my spa with hydrogen peroxide?
Although hydrogen peroxide is effective as a sanitiser, it does take more work to manage the quality of your water. If you are sanitising your water on a daily basis, you should be fine. But, if you get a little bit lazy and miss a few days or even weeks in your sanitising regime, it can be difficult to restore your water clarity.
Phosphates and algae can build up more easily in water treated with hydrogen peroxide if not enough is used, which create problems with your water quality and clarity.
So, if you are prepared to commit to the regular maintenance and care needed with hydrogen peroxide, and enjoy the benefits of using it, then it may well be a good option.
If you are feeling you would be too busy to keep up with the maintenance needed, you should probably stick with a chlorine sanitiser.
How much does hydrogen peroxide cost? Is it more expensive than chlorine sanitiser?
As we’ve already mentioned briefly, hydrogen peroxide is classified as dangerous goods. This means there are more costs associated with the manufacturing, storage and shipping. You’ll pay more for the upkeep of your spa if you want to use hydrogen peroxide.
Is hydrogen peroxide spa sanitiser readily available?
Because hydrogen peroxide is difficult to transport and store safely, it is less regularly available in Australian retail stores and through online stores. Many pool and spa supply stores may not stock it because of the arduous requirements to store safely. It is available to purchase online at some stores, but the dangerous good classification means that the delivery lead time is extended.
At certain times of year, in the spring and right before Christmas, when couriers have a large amount of congestion in their systems, dangerous goods items will be de-prioritised and have a longer lead time.
This may mean it is hard to get hold of at certain times.
Is hydrogen peroxide right for my spa?
Now we have discussed a few of the problems and issues with hydrogen peroxide, it’s up to you to decide if it’s right for your spa.
In summary, here are the key pros and cons of hydrogen peroxide.
Pros of Hydrogen Peroxide for spa sanitising
- Natural - reverts to oxygen and water
- Soft on sensitive skin
- Great for those with respiratory problems
- No odour
- Safe on plants and lawn when draining your spa
Is hydrogen peroxide Right for you? Click to shop the range of hydrogen peroxide spa sanitisers.
Cons of hydrogen peroxide for spa sanitising
- Dangerous goods
- More expensive
- Care required for handling and storage
- Longer lead time for delivery
- Availability at certain times
- More work in maintaining water clarity
How to switch from hydrogen peroxide to chlorine
After reading about the key uses of hydrogen peroxide, how it needs to be stored and the pros and cons of using it in your spa, you may be wodering if there are other options available. Chlorine is one of the most widely used spa sanitisers and it has a number of benefits including lower cost, easier maintenance and more.
We've created a complete reference guide on how to switch from hydrogen peroxide to Chlorine.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss which option is best for you, feel free to contact us directly through our online chat or send us an enquiry through our contact page.
