Maintaining your hot tub doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require some regular attention to keep the water clean, balanced, and enjoyable. Whether you’re a first-time owner or looking to refresh your knowledge, here’s a comprehensive guide to basic hot tub maintenance that will help you keep your tub in top condition for years to come.
1. Understanding Hot Tub Chemistry: Balancing Water Basics
The key to maintaining a hot tub is balancing the water chemistry. Properly balanced water prevents the growth of bacteria and algae, protects the equipment from damage, and makes the water feel pleasant and clean. Here are the main chemical levels you need to monitor:
- pH Level: pH measures how acidic or alkaline the water is. The ideal pH range for hot tubs is between 7.4 and 7.6. If the pH is too low (acidic), it can corrode metal parts and irritate your skin; if too high (alkaline), it can cause scaling and cloudiness, and reduce the effectiveness of sanitizer.
- Alkalinity: Total alkalinity (TA) helps stabilize the pH level and should be between 120 and 150 parts per million (ppm). If alkalinity is too low, pH will fluctuate more easily; if it’s too high, the water may become cloudy and the pH harder to adjust.
- Calcium Hardness: Hardness refers to the level of calcium in the water. Ideal levels range from 100 to 200 ppm, depending on your hot tub type. Low calcium can cause corrosion, while high calcium can lead to scaling (which can damage spa components) and cloudy water.
- Sanitizer (Chlorine/Bromine): Sanitizers kill bacteria and other pathogens, keeping your water safe. Chlorine levels should be around 3-5 ppm, while bromine levels should be between 3-6 ppm. These levels ensure the water remains clean and free of contaminants.
Testing your hot tub water at least twice a week with test strips or a test kit helps you stay on top of these levels. Make small adjustments as needed to keep everything balanced. We highly recommend bringing us a sample for a free digital water analysis once a month to test for other parameters that test strips and reagent kits don’t. This will ensure that your spa is properly sanitized and will keep your equipment safe and performing efficiently.
2. Sanitizing Your Hot Tub: The Key to Clean Water
Hot tub water needs constant sanitizing to keep bacteria and algae from growing. Most hot tubs use either chlorine or bromine for sanitization. Here’s a closer look at each option:
- Chlorine: Chlorine is a strong, effective sanitizer that’s relatively quick-acting. It’s available in granules or floaters (such as Frog’s @ease for the easiest maintenance) and requires regular testing to keep the levels stable.
- Bromine: Bromine is slower-acting than chlorine but tends to work better in the warm temperatures of a hot tub. It has a milder smell, is gentle on the skin, and doesn’t break down as quickly, meaning it may need fewer applications. However, bromine is usually more expensive.
Whichever sanitizer you choose, it’s important to maintain the proper levels. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding sanitizer, and consider using a floating dispenser to release sanitizer over time. Additionally, shock your hot tub once a week with a non-chlorine shock or a chlorine shock to break down contaminants, oils, and other organic materials.
3. Cleaning the Filter: Essential for Clear, Flowing Water
Your hot tub’s filter is responsible for trapping dirt, oils, and other debris, keeping your water clean and circulating. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the filter ensures it works efficiently. Here’s how to care for your filter:
- Weekly Rinse: Rinse your filter weekly with a garden hose to remove loose dirt and debris. This helps maintain good water flow and prevents clogging.
- Monthly Soak: Once a month, soak the filter in a filter cleaner solution to remove oils, lotions, and other contaminants that can build up. After soaking, rinse the filter thoroughly before reinserting it. It is highly recommended to have a spare set to rotate. Filters work best when they can fully dry before re-use.
- Annual Replacement: Filters should generally be replaced every 12-18 months, depending on usage. A worn-out filter won’t perform effectively, so if you notice a decline in water quality, it might be time for a new one.
Keeping your filter clean reduces strain on the pump and heater, extending the life of your hot tub’s components.
4. Draining and Refilling: Refreshing the Water
Even with regular sanitizing and balancing, the water in your hot tub will eventually become saturated with minerals, chemicals, and contaminants. We recommend draining and refilling your hot tub every three to four months, although this can vary based on usage. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn Off the Power: Ensure the hot tub is completely turned off to avoid damaging the pump or heater while empty.
- Drain the Water: Use the drain valve or a submersible pump to remove the water.
- Clean the Shell: Once empty, use a non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down the interior shell of the tub. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface or affect the water chemistry when refilled. If you have tough scale build-up or staining on the surface, try Off The Wall by SpaGuard for a thorough cleaning.
- Refill the Tub: Refill with fresh water, ideally through the filter compartment, to help remove any trapped air and reduce the chance of airlocks. Once full, start the tub back up and let it run through the priming mode until water is running through all of the jets. Test and balance the water chemistry.
***When planning a drain and refill of your spa during colder months, always check the weather first and NEVER shut off your spa or drain when the temperature will drop below freezing.
5. Maintaining the Hot Tub Cover: Protecting Your Spa and Its Water
Your hot tub cover is essential for keeping debris out of the water, maintaining heat, and reducing chemical evaporation. Proper care for your cover extends its life and improves your hot tub’s efficiency.
- Clean the Cover Monthly: Wipe down the cover with mild soap and water to remove dirt, pollen, and other debris. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the cover’s material.
- Condition the Cover: Use a vinyl conditioner to protect the cover from sun damage and cracking. Applying it every few months can extend the life of the cover, especially if your hot tub is outdoors.
- Dry the Cover: If water gets inside the cover, it can lead to mold and mildew. Occasionally unzip the cover and allow it to air out, especially after heavy rain or snow. This can prevent moisture buildup and help the cover last longer.
6. Monitoring Water Levels: Keep the Water Flowing Smoothly
Hot tubs lose water through evaporation, especially if used frequently or in warm weather. Maintaining proper water levels ensures that your pump and heater have enough water to operate efficiently.
- Check Water Levels Regularly: Make sure the water is at least a few inches above the jets, or easily flowing into the filter compartment. If the water is low, you will hear it sucking in air. Low water levels can cause the pump to overheat or lead to poor water circulation.
- Top Off as Needed: Use a hose to add water as needed. After topping off, test the water chemistry, as new water may alter pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels.
7. Seasonal Maintenance Tips: Adjusting for Weather Changes
- Winterizing: During cold months, you may want to winterize your hot tub if it won’t be used, or if you experience a power outage. This involves draining all water, especially from the lines, and adding antifreeze to the lines to prevent freezing, which could damage the components and plumbing causing leaks. Alternatively, if you’ll use the hot tub in winter, invest in a good-quality cover that has a full-length steam stopper running down the center and a vapor barrier. This will prevent heat from escaping through the middle of the cover where it bends.
- Summer Maintenance: During warmer months, you can lower the water temperature (most spas will go down to 80 degrees) for a more comfortable soak and to reduce evaporation and chemical usage.
Conclusion
Basic hot tub maintenance is about consistency and a few regular tasks. By monitoring water chemistry, keeping the filter clean, sanitizing effectively, and caring for your hot tub cover, you can extend the life of your hot tub and enjoy a clean, safe, and comfortable soak every time. With these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to maintain your hot tub like a pro and maximize the enjoyment it brings to you and your family!
