Hidden Dangers in Water Care

A single drop of water can contain millions of bacteria without becoming cloudy or dull

It looks beautiful. It looks clean. But is it safe? Water is deceptive. You can't trust your eyes. From fresh mountain streams to back-yard hot tubs, when water is visually appealing, we often believe it's perfectly clean. We are often wrong. A single drop of water can hold millions of bacteria without changing color or becoming cloudy.

Recently, a few people have come into the store explaining how they got crystal clear water in their hot tub by removing chemical sanitizers and using hydrogen peroxide. The claim: peroxide is more natural. It lacks the odor of chlorine or bromine, feels better on the skin. It also breaks back down into regular water.

It’s a tempting idea, and at first glance, it seems to make sense. I was very interested in how peroxide actually interacts with humans, water and bacteria. So I went looking, first to see if the claims these customers made are true or false, and then to learn what it is that peroxide actually does to the water.

Let’s dive into the science and take a closer look.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide is natural, Chlorine and Bromine are Chemicals. (False)

   
   

   All 3 are found in nature (natural chemicals). To use in a large body of water, all 3 need to be concentrated and compounded into what we traditionally consider a "chemical". Bromine or chlorine tablets / crystals are residential strength compounds (80% - 90%). Hydrogen peroxide is also available in residential strength of 3% - 5% (those little brown bottles), but this strength cannot treat 1000 + liters of water, that requires 35% - 40% concentration (a commercial / agricultural grade). It is over a1000% stronger than the peroxide we purchase in those little brown bottles. At this strength, hydrogen peroxide is a controlled substance. It must be handled with proper safety equipment and care. Direct contact can cause serious burns to skin and eyes, and inhalation can damage lungs.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down into water, leaving no real trace. (True)

When you use bromine or chlorine in your hot tub they convert into active antibacterials, slowly breaking down into different salts that remain in your water. Peroxide kills living

bacteria instantly, then with similar speed breaks down into water and oxygen.

3. Does Hydrogen Peroxide keep your water clean (Yes and No)

   
   

   Yes: Peroxide is a strong oxidizer. It can quickly clean water, break down contaminants, remove odors, and even strip out metals like iron and sulfides. This is why water can look extremely clear after treatment.

   No: That clean effect doesn’t last. Peroxide works quickly—and then it’s gone. Once it breaks down into water and oxygen, there is nothing left behind to stop new bacteria from forming.

   
   

   In warm water, bacteria returns within hours. Based on laboratory testing by The National Center for Biotechnology, 24 hours after peroxide is spent there are billions of bacterial colonies in each millimeter of water. So while peroxide can clean water, it does not keep it safe.

What does Peroxide actually do to hot tub water?

This took some deeper digging.

Industrial / Agricultural strength Hydrogen Peroxide is a powerful oxidizer. Yes, it's a hazardous chemical to transport, store and use and it can clean water very well - even make it all sparkly. It also has an impressive super power, where after instantly destroying very dangerous bacteria it disappears without a trace.

It's the disappearing act at the end that makes it ideal for cleaning diverse tools and equipment in food production, agriculture, on dairy farms and in factories. It cleans, then disappears, removing concerns of residual chemicals that could end up affecting livestock, food and water sources.

While this disappearing act is perfect for some applications, it is a serious problem for hot tub water.

At 102 - 104 degrees F, your water is doing things you can't see. Chemical reactions speed up. Water treatments break down rapidly. Microbes and bacteria quickly multiply. Hot tub water needs more than a one-time clean, it needs constant protection.

This is water we and our families are continually soaking in. Turn on the jets and water droplets will land on your face and your eyes. Any microscopic contaminates, viruses and bacteria in the water will get in your mouth, your nose, your airways. Harmful bacteria grows in untreated water including those linked to skin irritation, respiratory issues, and more serious infections.

While Health Canada does not monitor private hot tub owners, they do strictly control what can be sold to treat the water. Peroxide is not in that list. It never has been. Not because it's very hazardous to handle (that is already enough), because it does not keep water clean. That's not how peroxide works.

Bromine and Chlorine are sanitizers. They are formulated for, and used daily in water that we touch and drink, bath and shower in. Unlike peroxide, these 2 stay in your water. You can measure them and control the amounts day to day - with ease. When new bacteria forms, as it is forming bromine and chlorine kill it. That's what sanitizers do.

Conclusion

Hydrogen Peroxide is an oxidizer.

Bromine and Chlorine are sanitizers.

They do different jobs.

Hot tub water needs a sanitizer that stays in the water and works continually to keep it safe.

Peroxide can clean water—but it cannot maintain safe water on its own.

Used properly, it can play a role as an occasional oxidizer. But it should never replace a sanitizer.

For me, a deep dive into the science of peroxide was a real eye-opener.

Feel free to leave any additional information you have in the comments below.