Owning a hot tub is like having your own personal oasis at home, offering relaxation, stress relief, and countless opportunities to soak away the day’s worries. But just like any investment, proper care is essential to ensure your hot tub delivers optimal performance and years of enjoyment.

For new hot tub owners, navigating the world of maintenance might seem daunting. Fear not! This guide equips you with the essential knowledge to maintain your hot tub’s peak performance, ensuring blissful soaks for years to come.

Water Chemistry

Think of your hot tub’s water as a delicate ecosystem. Proper water balance prevents corrosion and scale buildup—and keeps the water comfortable for soaking.

Here are the key players:

• pH: This measures the water’s acidity/alkalinity. Aim for a range of 7.2-7.8. Imbalances can irritate skin, damage equipment, and hinder sanitation.
• Sanitizer: Chlorine, bromine, salt, or ozone keep your water free from bacteria and algae. Follow usage instructions based on your chosen sanitizer.
• Alkalinity: This buffers pH fluctuations. Maintain a range of 80-120 ppm for optimal performance.

Testing and Balancing:

• Test regularly: Use a test kit or dipsticks to check pH, sanitizer levels, and alkalinity at least twice a week, more often with frequent use.
• Adjust cautiously: Make small adjustments based on your test results. Adding too much chemical disrupts the balance.
• Seek professional help: If maintaining balance seems overwhelming, consider consulting a pool and spa professional for guidance.

Sanitizing

Choosing the right sanitizer and maintaining proper levels is crucial to keeping your hot tub clean and safe. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:

• Chlorine: The most popular option, effective and affordable. Requires regular monitoring and adjustment.
• Bromine: More gentle on skin and eyes, lasts longer than chlorine. Can be slightly more expensive.
• Ozone: Environmentally friendly option, requires additional equipment. Less effective against some contaminants.
• Salt: Enjoy better water quality with less maintenance. Avoids much of the harsh side effects of chemical-based water care.

Sanitation Tips:

• Shock regularly: Regularly adding a shock treatment (based on your sanitizer) helps break down contaminants and prevent biofilm buildup.
• Maintain proper sanitizer level: Consistently monitor and adjust the sanitizer level as per your chosen method.
• Rinse after use: After each use, briefly run the jets to flush out any debris.
• Clean jets & surfaces: Regularly clean the jets and other surfaces with a dedicated cleaner to prevent scaling and buildup.
• Change filter regularly: Replace the filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain optimal filtration and sanitation.

Filter

Clean filters are essential for maintaining water clarity and circulation in your hot tub, trapping dirt, debris, and impurities before they can wreak havoc on your water. Follow these steps to keep your filter working hard.

• Rinse: Remove and rinse the filter with clean water once a week.
• Clean deeply: Every 2-4 weeks, soak the filter in a specialized cleaner based on your sanitizer type.
• Replace regularly: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement, typically every 3-6 months.

Jets

The jets are responsible for those blissful massaging bubbles. Keep them happy and functional with these tips:

• Rinse after use: Briefly run the jets after each soak to clear debris.
• Clean occasionally: Use a jet cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions to remove buildup.
• Check pressure: If the jets seem weak, consult your manual or a professional for troubleshooting.

Surface

Regularly clean the interior and exterior surfaces of your hot tub to maintain its aesthetic appeal and prevent staining or discoloration.

• Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to remove dirt, oils, and other residues from the shell and cover. 
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage the surface of the hot tub.

Cover

The hot tub cover plays a critical role in conserving heat, reducing energy costs, and keeping debris out of the water. 

• Regularly clean the cover with a vinyl cleaner and condition it to maintain its integrity and prolong its lifespan. 
• Ensure that the cover is properly fitted and securely fastened when not in use to prevent heat loss and damage from harsh weather conditions.

Routine Checks

Perform routine inspections of your hot tub to identify any potential issues before they escalate.

• Check for leaks, loose fittings, and unusual noises during operation. 
• Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure continued enjoyment of your hot tub.

Winterization

While it may not be a routine part of day-to-day maintenance like water testing or filter cleaning, proper winterization is an important part of maintaining your hot tub. Failing to winterize your hot tub can result in costly damage to plumbing and equipment. 

Drain and Refill

Aim to drain and refill your hot tub every 3-4 months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Regular draining helps to prevent the buildup of dissolved solids, oils, and other contaminants in the water.

The Bottom Line

Maintaining your hot tub doesn’t have to be a chore. By incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you can ensure your hot tub delivers optimal performance, sparkling water, and endless relaxation for years to come. Not a DIYer? Check out Mainely Tubs water care services!