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Hot tub chemical dispensers and ChemConnect explained

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In short

A chemical dispenser holds slow dissolving chlorine or bromine tablets and releases sanitiser into the water over days. Floating dispensers bob on the surface with adjustable vents; Lay-Z-Spa's ChemConnect is Bestway's own dispenser designed for its tubs. They help keep a baseline between soaks but still need regular testing, and should never let tablets touch the liner.

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Chemical dispensers are cheap, simple and widely sold for hot tubs. Some Lay-Z-Spa tubs include ChemConnect, Bestway's dispenser system, in the box. Used well, a dispenser smooths out the dips in sanitiser between soaks. Used badly, it can push chlorine too high or leave tablets resting on the floor of an inflatable. This guide explains how they work, how to set them and when you might do better without one.

How a floating dispenser works

A floating dispenser is a small plastic container that holds tablets and floats on the water. Water flows through vents in the side or base, slowly dissolving the tablets. A collar or ring lets you open or close the vents to control how fast sanitiser is released.

Dispensers are sold for chlorine tablets and for bromine tablets. Use one type only, label it, and never put chlorine and bromine tablets in the same dispenser.

What ChemConnect is

ChemConnect is Bestway's name for the chemical dispenser supplied with some Lay-Z-Spa tubs, such as the Milan AirJet Plus listing in our guides. Bestway describes it as a dispenser that holds chlorine tablets and releases them gradually as water circulates. Its exact design and how it attaches have changed between models, so follow the manual for your tub.

Bestway sells chlorine tablets sized for its dispensers. If you use other tablets, check they are made for hot tubs and fit the dispenser.

Setting the dispenser

pH

Target band: 7.2 to 7.6 (scale 6.8 to 8.0)

too low: pH increasertoo high: pH reducer

Total alkalinity

Target band: 80 to 120 ppm (scale 40 to 200 ppm)

too low: alkalinity increasertoo high: pH reducer

Free chlorine or bromine

Target band: as on the product label (scale 0 to 10 ppm)

too low: add sanitisertoo high: cover off, wait

Common guidance only. Always follow the ranges and safety instructions on your own test strips and chemicals.

Keep each reading inside its target band. Correct alkalinity first, then pH, then sanitiser.
  1. 1

    Balance pH and alkalinity first.

  2. 2

    Raise sanitiser to the normal range with granules after a refill.

  3. 3

    Load the dispenser with the number of tablets the label suggests for your volume.

  4. 4

    Set the vents to a middle setting.

  5. 5

    Test daily for the first week and adjust the vents up or down.

  6. 6

    Remove the dispenser before soaking if your maker advises it.

Pros and cons

ProsCons
Keeps a baseline of sanitiser between soaksSlow to respond after heavy use
Fewer top-ups for regular usersCan push levels too high when the tub is idle
Cheap and simpleTablets can harm the liner if they escape
Works with chlorine or bromine tabletsStill needs regular testing
Dispenser pros and cons

Liner safety

Never drop tablets straight into an inflatable tub. A tablet resting on the floor dissolves in one spot and can bleach and weaken the liner. Check the dispenser is closed properly and not cracked, and remove it if it tips over and spills.

Take the dispenser out when you drain the tub, and store it dry. Wash your hands after handling tablets.

Note:Store tablets in their original container in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. Never mix different sanitiser products.

Do you need one?

If you soak most days, a dispenser can reduce how often you top up. If you use the tub occasionally, granules dosed after testing give better control and avoid high levels while it sits unused. Read chlorine tablets vs granules to compare.

Want ChemConnect in the box? Our Lay-Z-Spa models compared guide notes which listings include it.

See Lay-Z-Spa models compared →

Chlorine or bromine in a dispenser

Bromine is often used with a dispenser, because bromine tablets dissolve slowly and bromine stays active in warm water. Chlorine tablets for spas work in the same way. Pick one sanitiser and stay with it. Switching between them means draining and starting again, as mixing can cause unpredictable reactions and test results. See chlorine vs bromine for how they compare.

Whichever you choose, the dispenser is only part of the routine. You still shock after heavy use, balance pH and alkalinity and keep the filter clean.

Cleaning and replacing a dispenser

Rinse the dispenser when you change the water and look for cracks, a stiff vent collar or a lid that no longer locks. UV and chemicals make plastic brittle over time, and a split dispenser can release a tablet onto the floor. They are cheap to replace, so swap a worn one rather than risk the liner.

If the dispenser is part of the tub's design, like ChemConnect, buy the replacement part from the maker so it fits the way it should.

Frequently asked questions

What is ChemConnect on a Lay-Z-Spa? Bestway's chemical dispenser for some Lay-Z-Spa tubs. It holds chlorine tablets and releases sanitiser gradually as water circulates.

Can I use a floating dispenser in an inflatable hot tub? Yes, if it is designed for spas and keeps tablets off the liner. Remove it if it tips and spills tablets.

Should I remove the dispenser when using the tub? Many owners do, and some makers advise it. Check your manual.

Why is my chlorine too high with a dispenser? The vents may be too open for how often the tub is used. Close them a step and retest.

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