How to look after your hot tub or spa.

Taking care of business. How to look after your hot tub or spa.

If you own a hot tub or spa, you are already sold on the benefits. You are a member of a select group of people who know that owning a hot tub is a short cut to a stress free life. In a fast paced, relentless life, slipping into your hot tub after a long day, an exhausting journey or an epic workout is the perfect way to relieve aching muscles, joints and bones as the powerful jets work their therapeutic magic, transporting you to your ‘happy place’ and restoring your body and mind.

But this blog is not about the soothing sensation of the bubbles, the relaxing sound of the waterfall, or just how relaxed and rejuvenated you feel after your soak, ready for anything that life throws at you. No, this is about your relationship with your hot tub. Because it’s not all fun and games.

Owning a hot tub is a commitment. To create that unique, refreshing experience it requires a combination of power and technology, components that need to be working together in perfect harmony. And like a racehorse, or a supercar, you have to cherish your tub, love it and take care of it so you can keep your hot tub running perfectly, but you can also enjoy it for years and years to come.

Cleaning routine

Sadly, for many people, cleaning their hot tub just means scooping out a few leaves and adding chemicals every now and then. But it takes a little more care and effort if you want your hot tub to last more than a couple of years and not cost you the earth in repair bills.

Everyone knows about chemicals, right? Whether you are using bromine or chlorine, granules or tablets, you understand that you need to keep your water in tip top condition for the sake of your health, but also the heath of your hot tub.

pH levels

Apart from keeping your chemicals topped up, you need to regularly check your pH levels. Even if your chemical levels are fine, you still need to check the pH balance of your water. If your water is too acidic, it can have a huge impact on the performance of your hot tub. Acidic water can make even stainless steel hot tubs rust! It can dissolve your pump shaft seals and your heater seals, it can bleach the acrylic around the water line and it can leave your hot tub looking tired and faded. It can also eat away at your hot tub pillows and the inside of your cover. You can easily monitor the pH of your water using a testing strip which is really easy to use. And if your pH is unbalanced, it is easily corrected using some pH plus or pH minus solution. You can easily build this simple procedure into your regular routine of monitoring the health of your hot tub water. And in the long run, it could save you thousands and increase the lifespan of your tub and its parts.

Dirty Filter

Your hot tub is equipped with an filter that collects all the dust and debris from the water before it is pumped back through your system. Filters are great – such a simple bit of kit. However, the effectiveness of the filter is completely negated if they are not cleaned regularly. They can quickly and easily get clogged up, which can cause all sorts of damage. A clogged filter can put strain on your pumps, burning out the bearings and reducing the flow. Reduced flow can cause your elements to burn out more quickly as they are heating less water. And a clogged filter affects the power of your chemicals, resulting in you needing to double or triple the amount to maintain the cleanliness of your water. Simply cleaning out your filter every time you use your hot tub will have a huge effect on the life of your hot tub and again, it will massively reduce the need for expensive repairs.

Water Levels

Every time you use your hot tub or spa, there is a certain amount of water loss – as much as 1” a week! Over time, if you don’t replace this water, it can put an unnecessary strain on your element and cause it to burn out, incurring a hefty repair bill. Simple checking your water level after or before you use your hot tub will save you loads and keep your element working perfectly for much longer. Be sure to add the water through your filter. This way, you can remove any potential air lock problems.

Refresh your routine

By adding a few simple measures into your hot tub routine, whether it is the same time every week or just before or after you use the hot tub, which in essence, will only take you 10 minutes, you will keep your hot tub running smoothly and efficiently, prolonging the life of your tub and its parts and avoiding huge repair bills, so you can enjoy it’s restorative relaxing waters again, and again, and again…..

This article is written by Hot Tub Help Limited - all rights reserved 2021