MSpa chemicals

MSpa chemicals mean a sanitizer, either chlorine or bromine, plus balancers for pH and alkalinity. Other brands work too, MSpa says, not just its own kit. Doses stay small because the tubs hold between 184 and 245 gallons (700 to 930 litres).

An inflatable hot tub on a patio, about the size of an MSpa that takes under half an ounce of shock
Water volume, Carlton to Meteor (700 to 930 L)
184 to 245 gal
Free chlorine range in the owner's guide
3 to 5 ppm
Shock dose for a 245 gal (930 L) model
0.49 oz (14 g)
Dispenser tablet size
1 in (2.5 cm)

MSpa chemicals and gallons by model

Each product page lists MSpa gallons up to the max fill line. Per the EPA-registered dichlor label, shock doses use 1 oz per 500 gallons. Which models include a germ-killing lamp (UVC) or ozone generator is shown in the last column.

ModelPersonsGallons (litres)Shock dose (dichlor)UVC or ozone
CarltonUp to 4184 gal (700 L)0.37 oz (10 g)Both
MeteorUp to 6245 gal (930 L)Amount: 0.49 oz (14 g)UVC
CamaroUp to 6245 gal (930 L)Amount: 0.49 oz (14 g)Neither
AuroraUp to 6245 gal (930 L)Amount: 0.49 oz (14 g)Both
Mono-ECOUp to 6245 gal (930 L)Amount: 0.49 oz (14 g)Both

One shock dose fits most owners because four of the five hold 245 gallons. MSpa's suggestion: the Meteor for 4 adults, plus 2 kids. About 0.17 oz fits in a level teaspoon (Leslie's), making 0.49 oz nearly 3 teaspoons.

How much chlorine goes in an MSpa?

Keep free chlorine within 3–5 ppm (parts per million). The MSpa Urban manual gives this range, clearing the CDC floor of 3 ppm. The manual says to test daily. If a strip shows a low reading, add dichlor granules to reach 4 ppm:

Strip reads184 gal (700 L)245 gal (930 L)
0 ppm0.18 oz (5.0 g)0.23 oz (6.6 g)
1 ppm0.13 oz (3.7 g)0.18 oz (5.0 g)
2 ppm0.09 oz (2.5 g)0.12 oz (3.3 g)
3 to 5 ppmNothingNothing

These amounts assume dichlor has 56% available chlorine, the figure on the EPA label. Before dosing, dissolve every chemical fully, the manual says, and add it only with the tub empty of people. Use the hot tub chlorine level chart for other readings.

Chemical advice from MSpa

Every MSpa needs chemical care no matter how little you soak, the MSpa FAQ states. MSpa offers an all-in-one treatment kit yet notes other brands work too. You can use chlorine or bromine. Before switching, drain and refill, and never combine them.

These targets come from the manual.

TestHow oftenTarget
pHDailyFor chlorine: 7.2 to 7.6; for bromine: 7.2 to 7.8
Free chlorineDaily3 to 5 ppm
BromineDaily2 to 4 ppm
Total alkalinityWeekly80 to 120 ppm
Total hardnessWeekly200 to 500 ppm

The AquaChek guide sets spa bromine higher, 4 to 6 ppm, so 4 ppm satisfies both. Only 1 in (2.5 cm) tablets go in the floating dispenser per the Tribeca manual, excluding liquid or granules. Remove it while people soak.

Add chemical to water, never water to chemical. Fumes or spray may result from the reverse, MSpa warns.

Do you still need chlorine with MSpa UVC and ozone?

You do. Housed in a chamber inside the control box, the UVC lamp treats only water flowing through it. On the Carlton page, MSpa states it destroys more than 60 germ types. Its FAQ still says chemicals are required for every tub, so keep chlorine at 3 ppm or higher.

  • Since the lamp stays enclosed in the box, the manual says UVC can run while people are in the tub.
  • Ozone stops by itself after 2 hours. Stay out of the water while it is running. Because it won't start when jets or bubbles are active, MSpa recommends using it after you soak.

How often should you change MSpa water?

MSpa provides two different answers. The FAQ recommends changing it at least once every 2 months. According to the Urban manual, you should do it every 3 to 5 days based on usage. Change the water immediately if it looks cloudy and chemicals fail to clear it.

Most owners find a middle ground between these options. Divide gallons by 3 and then by daily users: a 245 gallon tub with 2 people lasts around 41 days. Check how often to change hot tub water for details.

After each use, clean the filter, the manual also says, and fit a new one every 3 to 5 days. MSpa advises draining and deflating the tub if you plan to be away for more than a week.

Common questions

How many gallons does an MSpa hold?

Most MSpa units hold 245 gallons (930 litres) up to the max water line. With room for 4, the Carlton contains 184 gallons (700 litres).

What amount of chlorine does my MSpa require?

Add enough to reach 3 to 5 ppm. Dichlor granules needed for a 245 gallon MSpa starting at 0 ppm total about 0.23 oz (6.6 g). Use 0.49 oz (14 g) for a full shock.

Is it okay to add chlorine granules to the MSpa dispenser?

No. The MSpa manual states the floating dispenser accepts only 1 inch tablets. Fully dissolve the granules before pouring them into the water.

If your MSpa has UVC, are chemicals still necessary?

You do. According to MSpa, chemical treatment is required for every tub. Only water moving through the control box gets treated by the UVC lamp.

Is bromine allowed in an MSpa?

Yes, chlorine or bromine is allowed by MSpa. Never mix the two, and switch only after you drain and refill.