Please Note:  Ozone Services only supplies/sells Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) test strips - we do not supply/sell Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) itself.

 Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) an unstable very powerful oxidant is water (H₂O) with an extra oxygen molecule. It is a natural substance which can be found in trace amounts in rain and snow. Rain combines with ozone (O₃) in the upper atmosphere. When the two mix, the ozone loses one oxygen molecule to the water and hydrogen peroxide is formed. Hydrogen peroxide is very unstable and breaks down readily into water and a single oxygen molecule. Oxygen is stable only when the molecules are paired (O₂). A single oxygen molecule is a strong oxidizing and disinfecting agent. Hydrogen peroxide is a simple yet effect substance due to its ability to release this single oxygen molecule.

Merck’s index indicates that hydrogen peroxide can be used as a water disinfectant. In the medical world it is used as a topical disinfectant. The FDA in the US has approved 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide to be used in a production of "aseptic" packaging for the food industry. The range of applications for hydrogen peroxide is steadily growing and H₂O₂ is finding its way to our daily lives in form of mouth rinse products for cleaning and healing mouth injuries as well as environmentally sound alternative to toxic chlorine based bleach. Hydrogen peroxide is also starting to be accepted as a healthy alternative to chlorine for water disinfection. A growing number of hot tub and swimming pool owners take advantage of the extraordinary ability of H₂O₂ to maintain water bacteria & odor free.

Hydrogen peroxide is produced and distributed in number of different grades and concentrations. Commonly known 3% and 6% H₂O₂ which can be found in almost every drug store has its place in your medicine cabinet, however it is not considered to be suitable for any applications outlined in this text.

35% Technical Grade Hydrogen Peroxide and Hot Tubs & Swimming Pools

Some dissolved substances, particularly iron and organics will use up the hydrogen peroxide rapidly making the treatment of large volume of water with H₂O₂ (swimming pools) cost prohibitive. This problem can be usually solved by installing additional ozone generator which works very well in conjunction with H₂O₂. However, vast majority of hot tub owners are dealing with volume of water in range of 500-800 gallons and as such, they will not experience problems usually related to swimming pool applications. If you are unsure of the mineral content of your water, try the hydrogen peroxide and test the concentration frequently. Hydrogen Peroxide will not control Algae in your hot tub. To reduce the possibility of algae contamination, keep the tub covered when it is not in use and add water only from a chlorinated water source. Should an Algae bloom occur shock with chlorine or an Algae control chemical recommended by your hot tub supplier. When Algae is under control return to using hydrogen peroxide.

"Shocking" your tub to get started - To start your hot tub on hydrogen peroxide it is necessary to shock the water with a high dosage. For every 1000 liters of water in your tub add 250 ml of hydrogen peroxide (250 ml (1 cup) to every 250 gallons of water). Let the tub stand for one day with the circulation pump running intermittently. Clean the filters before you start and check them frequently after shocking. The peroxide will oxidize any material in the water and the filters can quickly plug causing damage to the pump. H₂O₂ may not work if the water has a high dissolved mineral or organic content.

Maintaining the hydrogen peroxide levels - The amount of hydrogen peroxide used depends on the quality of the water, the number of people using the tub, the frequency of use, and the amount of sunlight the tub gets. Check the level of hydrogen peroxide frequently with the test strips until you are familiar with how much hydrogen peroxide to add and when to add it. Then check at least once per week. When the level dips to 50 ppm add 250 ml (1 cup) of hydrogen peroxide per 2000 liters (500 gallons) of water in the tub. The level should jump up to 100 ppm. Maintain the level between 50 and 100 ppm. Check and clean filters frequently. Hydrogen peroxide can be added to water manually, by a special injection system or by a metering pump. Ask us for technical details.

Peroxide Test Strips are a plastic strip with a reactive pad on one end. They are used to test the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a solution. Dip the pad into the solution for 1 second. After 5 seconds compare the color of the pad to the color scale on the bottle. Test strips measure from 0 to 100 parts per million. Swimming pools are kept usually in range 30-60ppm and hot tubs between 50 to 100 ppm hydrogen peroxide in water.

HANDLING OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE:

More information on Safety and Handling Guidelines of Hydrogen Peroxide

35% Hydrogen peroxide is extremely corrosive and a strong oxidizer. It can cause severe burns. Handle with care and keep out of reach of children. The vapor is extremely irritating. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and hair. Do not take internally. For fire or spill flood with water immediately. Toxic or fatal if swallowed at full strength.

PRECAUTIONS:

Keep in cool, dry and well ventilated area, keep away from heat, combustibles, oxidizers, metallic powders, and acids. Never dispense hydrogen peroxide into an unlabeled container. Do not use pressure to empty container. Do not add water to container. When empty rinse container with water before discarding. Never return unused hydrogen peroxide to the container.

FIRST AID:

If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult or discomfort occurs call physician. In case of eye contact: Immediately flush with large amount of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids intermittently. See physician. In case of skin contact: Wash with large amounts of water. If irritation occurs, see physician. If ingested: drink plenty of water immediately to dilute. Do not induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Note to physician: If swallowed large amounts of oxygen may be released quickly. The distention of the stomach or esophagus may be injurious. Insertion of a nasogastric or orogastric tube may be advisable.

Additional Uses For 35% Technical Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

(To dilute to 3% solution - Mix 11 parts of distilled water with 1 part 35% H2O2 )

• To freshen kitchen: Keep a spray bottle of 3% H2O2 in the kitchen. Use to wipe off counter tops and appliances, it will disinfect and give the kitchen a fresh smell.
• In the dishwasher: Add 50 ml (2 oz.) of 3% H2O2 to your regular washing formula.
• House plants: Add 30 ml (1oz.) of 3% H2O2 in liter of water. Use to mist plants.
• Laundry: Add 250 ml (1 cup) of 3% H2O2 in place of bleach.
• Humidifiers and Steamers: Mix 500 ml of 3% H2O2 to 4 liters of water.
• Facial: Use 3% H2O2 on a cotton ball after washing. Avoid eyebrows and eyes.
• Detox Bath: Use 250 ml (1cup) of 35% H2O2 to a tub. Soak at least for 30 minutes