Do you love your spa but hate the smell? You aren't alone. Many spa owners find that traditional chlorine or bromine sanitizers can be harsh on the skin, irritate the eyes, and leave a lingering chemical odour.

The good news is that there is a gentler, healthier alternative. It feels like bathing in fresh spring water and is perfect for families with sensitive skin or allergies.

Ready to make the switch? It’s easier than you think. Here is your step-by-step guide to converting your spa to a chlorine-free sanctuary.

Step 1: Flush the pipes and drain

If you are switching from chlorine, you cannot simply add a Non Chlorine product to your existing water. You need a clean slate. Over time, biofilm and chemical residue build up in your spa’s plumbing. Before you drain the old water, we highly recommend using a pipe degreaser to strip this out.

  1. Remove your filters.

  2. Add a pipe degreaser/flush to the old water.

  3. Run the pumps for the recommended time (usually 30-60 minutes).

  4. Drain the spa completely.

  5. Wipe down the shell with a gentle surface cleaner.

Poppit 500ml Pipe Degreaser

Poppits 500ml Pipe Degreaser

Biologica  - Purge Natural Spa Pipe Cleaner 500ml at Spa Store New Zealand

Biologica Purge Natural Spa Pipe Cleaner 500ml

BioGuard Swirl Away Pipe Degreaser 500mL at Spa Store New Zealand

BioGuard Swirl Away Pipe Degreaser 500mL


Step 2: Fresh water & new filters

Refill your spa with fresh tap water. While it is filling, this is the critical moment to address your filters. Because a Non-Chlorine system works differently from chlorine, it is highly recommended to start with brand new filters. Old filters can hold onto chlorine residue which will fight against the new system.

203 x 125mm 3 Spa Threaded (with Thread) Filter Kit For Vortex® Spas and O2 Spas at Spa Store New Zealand203 x 125mm 3 Spa Filter Kit

215 x 125mm 3 Camlock Pleated Filter Kit For Vortex® Spas Spas at Spa Store New Zealand215 x 125mm Vortex® Spas - Cam Lock Pleated Filter

300 x 143mm Davey Spa Quip Series 1000 C50 Spa Pool Filter

300x143mm Davey Spa C50 Spa Pool Filter


Step 3: The "Spa Shock" preparation

Once full, heat your water to your desired temperature. Before adding the main sanitizer, use a spa shock. This creates an initial oxidation that cleans up the fresh water and prepares it for the hydrogen peroxide sanitizer.

Poppits 475g Chlorine Free Quick Fix Spa Shock

Poppits 475g Chlorine Free Quick Fix Spa Shock

Spa Store Spa Shock 1Kg at Spa Store New Zealand

Spa Store Spa Shock 1Kg

Zodiac 500g OxyFresh Spa Shock Chlorine FreeZodiac 500g OxyFresh Spa Shock Chlorine Free

 

Step 4: Balance Your Water Key Stats

 

Non-Chlorine system relies on balanced water to work effectively. If your pH is off, the sanitizer won't last as long. Use your test strips to check the levels.

  • Target pH: 7.2 – 7.6

  • Target Alkalinity: 80 – 120ppm

  • Target Calcium: Around 100ppm

Use a specialised water balance product to lock these levels in.

AquaChek Spa 6 -in 1 Test Strips at Spa Store New Zealand

AquaChek Spa 6 -in 1 Test Strips

Spa Store Calcium Hardness 1 Kg at Spa Store New ZealandZodiac 750g Spa PH Down

 

Spa Store Calcium Hardness 1 Kg at Spa Store New Zealand

Spa Store Calcium Hardness 1 Kg

 

 

Step 5: Add Sanitiser & Conditioner

Now for the magic ingredients. 

1. Add a Non-Chlorine Spa Sanitiser: Pour in approximately 1 litre per 1000L of water (check the bottle for exact dosing).

Chlorine Free Spa Sanitiser 5 LItre at Spa Store New ZealandSpa Sanitiser 5 Ltr Hydrogen Peroxide

Poppits Peroxsil 395 Chlorine Free Sanitiser 1Lt at Spa Store New ZealandPoppits Peroxsil 395 Chlorine Free Sanitiser 1Lt

BioGuard Armour Spa Sanitiser 800g at Spa Store New ZealandBioGuard Armour Spa Sanitiser 800g
 

 

2. Add a Spa Conditioner: This adds salts and minerals to make the water feel silky soft.

Spa Store 500g Spa Conditioner & Cleaner at Spa Store New ZealandSpa Store 500g Spa Conditioner & Cleaner

Poppits Pool Algaecide

Poppits Pool Algaecide

Zodiac MagnaSpa Spa Minerals 3kg at Spa Store New ZealandZodiac MagnaSpa Spa Minerals 3kg

 

Want to make it easy? Grab a Starter Kit.

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