Seasons are changing and you’ve decided to break out your backyard water recreational equipment, or maybe decided to splurge and get your home its first hot tub. Installation and use aren’t the only parts of owning a hot tub, what about maintenance? Do you know how to keep your hot tub running smoothly and what to look for in everyday inspection? If not, we’re here to help.
Maintaining the quality and safety of the water in your hot tub is vital to its continued use and the safety of you and your family.
Swimming is fun, but pools and hot tubs can also be a cesspool of dangerous bacteria, debris, and chemicals.
To help you make the most of your hot tub use this spring and summer, we’ve outlined some ways you can make sure your hot tub is at optimal quality.
Things to Do with Every Use
Before taking a soak, you should test the chemical composition and balance of the water. Spa water testing strips are easy enough to find. Keep an eye on the free chlorine levels (which shouldn’t get below 2.0 ppm), the total chlorine (which shouldn’t be above 5.0 ppm), pH (which should be between 7.2 and 7.6), and alkaline (which should be between 80 and 120 ppm). Everyone reacts to chemicals differently, but these are, on average, the readings to look for.
Weekly Care
Every week, while the hot tub is in use, you should perform a weekly shock of the water. This is a way of disinfecting the water. Turn the pumps on and sprinkle either an oxidizer or chlorine into the surface of the water until it dissolves. If you’re using a non-chlorine product then the water will be safe after about 15 to 20 minutes and, if using chlorine, wait until the levels are back below 5 ppm.
Monthly To-Dos
The most important monthly to do is to clean the filter. Pick the same day each month and stick to it. Turn off all pumps, remove the filter, and soak it overnight in a verified filter cleaner. After 12 hours, rinse the filter and allow it to dry before reinstalling it into the system.
Related Questions
What Factors Can Affect My Hot Tub?
Everyone reacts to water and chemical levels differently. So, whoever is using the hot tub will have an effect on use. But air quality can also mess with the chemical levels or debris in the water as can the location of the hot tub on your property. It’s not just chemical maintenance but also being aware of external factors.
What Should I Be Doing Yearly for My Hot Tub?
We recommend completely refreshing your hot tub once or twice a year. Drain the tub and clean it, refill it with fresh water and do the startup process. What a complete overhaul and drain entails will depend on your hot tub so check your owner’s manual, but we recommend a drain and clean once or twice a year in the warmer seasons.
Keeping your hot tub safe, clean, and fun is a matter of diligence. Check the water, adjust the chemical levels, and keep the equipment clean. This will allow for year-round use.
Part of enjoying your hot tub begins with keeping it clean. Paradise Spas and Outdoor Living has all the supplies and advice you need to get started. Our Austin area hot tub retail store is a leading dealer in premium brand swim pas and hot tubs. Our trained and knowledgeable staff will help match your desires to the best performing hot tub for your home. Call us today to learn more about our swim spa brands and products as well as what you’ll need to maintain and enjoy your dream hot tub!