Intex PureSpa chemicals
Intex PureSpa chemicals are small chlorine tablets for the floating dispenser, along with pH and alkalinity adjusters, meant for a 210 or 290 gallon (795 or 1,098 litre) tub. To shock a 4 person PureSpa, use roughly 0.42 oz (12 g) of dichlor.
- PureSpa water volume (795 or 1,098 L), 4 or 6 person
- 210 or 290 gal
- Free chlorine that meets manufacturer and CDC advice
- 3 to 4 ppm
- Dose to shock a 4 person spa
- 0.42 oz (12 g)
- Hourly heat rise, 4 person
- 2 to 3°F/h (1 to 1.5°C)
Intex PureSpa chemicals and gallons by model
Details on seats, water, and heat rates come from Intex's owner's manuals covering the Greywood Deluxe and the PureSpa Bubble. Because Intex manuals lack a shock dose, this column uses the rate on the EPA dichlor label: 1 oz per 500 gallons.
| Model | Persons | Gallons (litres) | Shock dose, dichlor | Heat-up an hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PureSpa Bubble, round | 4 | 210 gal (795 L) | 0.42 oz (12 g) | 2°F to 3°F (1°C to 1.5°C) |
| PureSpa Bubble, round | 6 | 290 gal (1,098 L) | 0.58 oz (16 g) | 1°F to 2°F (0.5°C to 1°C) |
| Greywood Deluxe, round | 4 | 210 gal (795 L) | 0.42 oz (12 g) | 2°F to 3°F (1°C to 1.5°C) |
| Greywood Deluxe, round | 6 | 290 gal (1,098 L) | 0.58 oz (16 g) | 1°F to 2°F (0.5°C to 1°C) |
Intex's size FAQ notes that jet and octagon spas share these two sizes. Smaller models hold 210 gallons and measure 145 to 150 cm (57 to 59 in) across inside. Larger units hold 290 gallons and measure 165 to 168 cm (65 to 66 in) across. That means two doses are all you ever need.
Chlorine amounts for an Intex PureSpa
Free chlorine should be 2 to 4 ppm (parts per million) per the Intex manual, with 5 ppm as the max. Target 3 to 4 ppm given that the CDC sets a minimum of 3 ppm for hot tubs. Intex's steps:
- Test the water before every soak. Dip the full strip then pull it straight out. Keep it level for 15 seconds without shaking, then compare pads to the packaging chart. Test at least once a week between soaks.
- pH comes after you fix alkalinity. Target 80 to 120 ppm alkalinity per Intex, then pH 7.2 to 7.8. Since chlorine affects the alkalinity reading, check first that it sits at 2 to 4 ppm.
- Add one tablet. The floating dispenser fits tablets smaller than 1 in (2.5 cm) across. Put one in and follow the label on the tablets.
- Turn on the bubbles. Tap the bubble button to help dissolve the chemical. Do not allow undissolved chlorine to rest on the tub wall.
- Take the floater out before you soak. Whenever the spa is in use, Intex tells you to remove it.
- Test again after one day. Make further adjustments if any reading remains incorrect.
Never add chemicals when someone is inside the spa. Intex warns this may irritate eyes and skin.
Intex PureSpa chemicals: what the manual says
Besides chlorine, the PureSpa manual defines these habits and limits.
- pH: Ideal levels sit between 7.2 and 7.6, with 7.8 as the maximum allowed. Low pH hurts the pump and tub.
- Calcium hardness: 150 to 250 ppm, never under 100 or over 350.
- Alkalinity dose: Adding 27 g (0.059 lb) sodium bicarbonate increases 210 gallons by 20 ppm. You need 37 g (0.081 lb) for a 290 gallon tub.
- Separate doses: wait until one chemical has fully dissolved before you add the next. Intex states you must never mix them together.
- Nothing extra: keep bath oil and bath salt out of the water.
- Water and filter: give the filter a rinse every week, and put in fresh water every 2 to 3 months (sooner if it goes cloudy and chemicals do not clear it).
Intex sells the 28530E Saltwater Conversion Kit for the PureSpa so you can skip tablets, listing it as sold separately on the 4 person Bubble page. A titanium electrolytic cell in the kit converts the tub to a saltwater system. Since the product page lacks salt levels, consult the kit manual for guidance.
How long an Intex PureSpa takes to heat up
Each PureSpa in these guides runs on a 1,300 W heater plugged into 110 to 120 V. The manual lists an hourly gain of 2 to 3°F (that's 1 to 1.5 in Celsius) for the 4 person tub. For the 6 person, the hourly figure is 1 to 2°F, or 0.5 to 1 in Celsius. For the 6 person, the newer Greywood Deluxe manual lists a rise of 1.1 to 2°F, or 0.6 to 1°C.
Starting with a fill at 68°F (20°C) and reaching 104°F (40°C) creates a 36°F rise. Using those rates, heating takes 12 to 18 hours for a 4 person tub and 18 to 36 hours for a 6 person tub. Intex's example timer allocates 24 hours for heating a 4 person tub.
When air is below 39°F (4°C), Intex says not to use or set up the spa. Different tubs and heater sizes are covered in our guide on hot tub heat-up times.
Common questions
What is the gallon capacity of an Intex PureSpa?
Models for 4 people hold 210 gallons (795 litres), and those for 6 people hold 290 gallons (1,098 litres). Jet spas and octagon models share the same two sizes.
How much chlorine goes into an Intex PureSpa?
Place one tablet smaller than 1 in (2.5 cm) in the floating dispenser, then test the water. Keep free chlorine between 3 and 4 ppm. For a shock, 210 gallons calls for about 12 g (0.42 oz) of dichlor, and 290 gallons needs about 16 g (0.58 oz).
Is it okay to keep the chlorine floater inside during spa use?
No. Remove the floating dispenser during use per Intex, and never add chemicals with people in the water.
Does an Intex PureSpa work with salt water?
Yes, use the 28530E Saltwater Conversion Kit, which is sold separately. Its titanium cell is what changes the PureSpa over to saltwater.
How often should you change Intex PureSpa water?
Change it every 2 or 3 months, Intex says, or earlier if it turns cloudy and balancing doesn't help.