If you’re thinking about investing in a hot tub, you might be wondering how hard they are to maintain. After all, you want to be able to enjoy your investment without having to put in a lot of work to keep it running.
Here’s the good news: hot tubs are actually fairly easy to maintain! With just a few simple steps, you can keep your hot tub clean and running smoothly. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hot tub maintenance.
Also Read: Are hot tubs bad for your heart – The Truth About hot tubs
How often should you clean your hot tub?
You should clean your hot tub at least once a week. However, if you use it frequently or if there are a lot of people using it, you may need to clean it more often.
What chemicals do you need to maintain your hot tub?
If you want to maintain your hot tub, you need to use the right chemicals. This includes chlorine, bromine, alkalinity adjusters, pH adjusters, and sanitizers. You also need to make sure that you have the correct levels of each chemical in your hot tub.
How much does it cost to operate a hot tub?
The cost of operating a hot tub can vary depending on the size of the hot tub, the type of fuel it uses, and how often it is used. The average cost to operate a small hot tub for one month is between $30 and $50. The cost of operating a larger hot tub for one month is between $100 and $200.
Are there any health benefits to using a hot tub?
Yes, there are plenty of health benefits to using a hot tub! For one, heat and massage can help relieve pain and tension in your muscles. Soaking in a hot tub can also improve circulation and help reduce stress. Additionally, the steam from a hot tub can help clear congestion and sinus pressure.
Are there any safety concerns with using a hot tub?
When it comes to hot tubs, safety should always be a top priority. While there are many benefits to using a hot tub, there are also some potential safety concerns that you should be aware of.
One of the most important safety concerns with hot tubs is the risk of drowning. Because hot tubs are typically filled with water that is much hotter than the surrounding air, it can be easy to lose consciousness and drown. This is why it is so important to never use a hot tub alone, and to always keep an eye on children and pets when they are near a hot tub.
Another potential safety concern with hot tubs is the risk of electrical shock. Because hot tubs often have electrical components, there is a risk of being electrocuted if you come into contact with live wires or other electrical parts.
This is why it is so important to make sure that your hot tub is properly installed and maintained by a professional.
Finally, there is also the potential for burns when using a hot tub. The water in a hot tub can be quite hot, and coming into contact with it can cause serious burns.
This is why it is important to test the water temperature before getting into the hot tub and to limit your time in the hot tub to avoid overheating.
The 3 Basic Rules of Hot Tub Maintenance
If you think of your spa as a tiny swimming pool, then it only makes sense to take the same measures you would if you were caring for one.
Here are three hot tub routine maintenance tasks you should be doing each week.
1. Test your water and make adjustments as needed.
If you’re going to maintain your own hot tub, then you must master this crucial task. Without regular testing and adjustments, your spa water can quickly become unsafe for use.
Make sure to test your pH twice a week and sanitizer levels at least once per week using a quality pool/spa test kit. You can find them online or at local home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
You can also find hot tub chemicals here! We recommend using the Test 7 Way Kit by LaMotte which tests for:
pH
Total Alkalinity (TA)
Calcium Hardness (CH)
Cyanuric Acid (CYA) or Stabilizer level – Only if you are using chlorine or bromine in your spa as your primary sanitizer! Not recommended with saltwater systems which rely on mineral purifiers instead of chlorine/bromine to keep the water clean and sparkling.
CYA is actually an additive used in swimming pools that helps extend the life of chlorine, but it is not necessary for hot tubs since you will be draining and refilling your spa more frequently.
2. Clean your spa filter(s).
This is another crucial, but often overlooked, a task in hot tub maintenance. Your filter(s) are what keep your water clean and sparkling, so it’s important to clean them regularly. Depending on how often you use your spa, you should aim to clean your filter(s) at least once per month.
If you have a cartridge type filter, simply remove it from the housing and rinse it off with a hose. If your filter is the pleated paper type, you will need to soak it in a bucket of Filter Cleaner for at least 12 hours before rinsing it off with a hose.
3. Drain and refill your spa water.
Even with regular testing and adjustments, your spa water will eventually become contaminated and need to be replaced. Depending on how often you use your spa, you should aim to drain and refill your water every 3-4 months.
To drain your water, simply attach a hose to the drain valve and open it up. You can then direct the water into nearby storm drains or another appropriate drainage area. Once the water has been drained, close the drain valve and remove the hose.
To fill your spa back up, simply open the shut-off valve(s) that supply water to your spa and let the water flow in. Once the spa is full, close the shut-off valve(s) and enjoy!
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How to Clean Your Spa Filters?
Spa filters can become dirty over time, and if they’re not cleaned regularly, they can start to affect the quality of your spa water. Here are some tips on how to clean your spa filters:
1. Remove the filter from your spa and rinse it with a garden hose. Be sure to remove any large debris that may be stuck to the filter.
2. Soak the filter in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water for about 30 minutes. This will help break down any oils or dirt that may be clinging to the filter.
3. Rinse the filter again with a garden hose and allow it to air dry completely before putting it back in your spa.
4. Repeat this process every one to two months to keep your spa filters clean and your spa water quality high.
Conclusion
Overall, hot tubs are not difficult to maintain. With regular cleaning and some simple troubleshooting, you should be able to keep your hot tub in good working condition.
Of course, every hot tub is different so it’s important to consult your owner’s manual for specific maintenance instructions.
But as long as you stay on top of things, you should be able to enjoy your hot tub for many years to come.
Also Read: Can hot tubs be salt water Are salt water hot tubs better?