Caring for your hot tub is easier than you might think. While there are many different aspects to a complete maintenance routine, the basics are easy enough for even new hot tub owners to work into a daily schedule.
Start by testing and treating your water chemistry three times a week to keep it balanced. Then, wipe down the cover and shell to keep it clean and debris-free. Contact Hot Tub Maintenance Mesa for professional help.
As you use your hot tub, a small portion of the water will evaporate. It’s recommended that your levels are kept within a range specified by the manufacturer. If your levels are too low, the skimmer and jets might not be able to get enough water flow through them to work effectively; too high and you risk algae and other problems that require extensive and costly repairs. You’ll need to check the levels frequently, depending on how much you use your hot tub and the corresponding water usage.
To check your water, simply use a bottle of test strips (make sure they’re in date!) and follow the visual color level guide on the label to determine if your pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels are in acceptable ranges. This is especially important during colder months when the water will evaporate more quickly.
It’s a good idea to test the water at least once per week, preferably more often. This will give you a clearer picture of the overall condition of your spa’s water and help prevent issues like cloudy water, green water, and foamy water, as well as ensure your hot tub’s water chemistry is balanced.
It’s also a good idea to have your water professionally tested at least once a month. A local hot tub specialty store will be able to do a more in-depth and accurate water analysisthan a home kit can, as they’ll be able to measure things like metals and phosphates. This can save you time, money, and headaches down the road! Lastly, be sure to chemically clean your filters on a weekly basis. If you don’t, they’ll become clogged with debris and cause your water to look murky.
Wipe Down the Cover and Shell
A clean hot tub cover protects the surface of your water from harmful debris and toxins. It also helps the hot tub keep its insulating properties. It’s important to wipe down the inside & outside of the cover at least once every 1-3 months. Use a non-abrasive cleaner to get rid of mildew, grime, dirt & dust that can build up on the cover and transfer to the hot tub. Then, spray the vinyl with a conditioner or protectant to keep the cover supple & looking good.
It is recommended to avoid using snow shovels on your hot tub cover. The sharp corners of the shovel can rip or tear the outer fabric of the cover, exposing the insulating foam and causing it to lose its effectiveness.
To wash the cover or shell of your hot tub, a simple vinegar-water solution is usually enough to do the trick. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that will dissolve messes without the risks of harsh chemicals.
You should also regularly wash any visible areas of the shell and wipe down the surrounding landscape to remove leaves, bugs, pollen and other items that can get into your hot tub. This helps to reduce the amount of toxins that reach the water and detracts from the aesthetics of your outdoor hot tub area.
If you notice moss or mildew growing on your hot tub, you can use a mixture of Clean & Perfect all-purpose cleaner and the rough side of a sponge to scrub it away. Once it’s gone, you can treat the area with 303 Aerospace Protectant to coat it and prevent unsightly fungi from regrowing. These simple tasks are easy to incorporate into a daily or weekly schedule and will help you maintain your beautiful hot tub for years to come!
Check the Water Chemistry
When it comes to hot tub maintenance, water chemistry is often the one step that puts first-time owners on edge. The process can seem intimidating when you’re staring down a sea of chemicals and test kits, but the fact is, it’s actually much simpler than you may think.
Testing your water chemistry is the best way to ensure your hot tub is clean and safe for use. It helps you to keep the water balanced and prevents problems like eye and skin irritation, clogged filters, and scale buildup.
You should check your pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels every week. These are all easily checked at home with inexpensive test strips or a digital kit that allows you to read your results in seconds. You can also use a defoamer to quickly rid your hot tub of foamy water that inhibits sanitizers from doing their job.
For optimal water chemistry, your pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6. Anything below this range will be too acidic and can eat away at your hot tub equipment. Values above this range will be too basic, reducing sanitizer effectiveness and leading to cloudy water.
Sanitizers, like chlorine or bromine, keep your hot tub clean by removing bacteria and other organic matter. You’ll need to adjust your sanitizer levels based on usage, but always ensure they are at the recommended levels for your specific hot tub. Aim for sanitizer levels of 1 to 3 ppm.
Change the Filters
When it comes to maintaining a pristine hot tub, your filters play a critical role. They act as guardians, trapping dust, dirt, and certain microorganisms that could mar your relaxing spa experience. However, if they are overly dirty or clogged, they may not be able to perform their duties adequately. In order to avoid this, it’s important to adhere to a consistent maintenance schedule. This includes bi-weekly to tri-weekly cleaning and monthly chemical rinsing.
Each week, it’s a good idea to remove your filters and give them a quick rinse with a hose. This will help dislodge larger particles and keep them from clogging. It is also helpful to have a spray tool available to make rinsing even easier. In addition, you’ll want to soak your filters once a month in a specialized filter cleaner. This gives them a deeper clean, allowing them to operate optimally in your spa.
It’s also a great idea to have an additional set of filters on hand, so you can swap them out between cleanings. This ensures you always have a fresh, functioning filter in place while you’re cleaning the other.
If you’re not sure how often to replace your filters, you can always consult with one of our knowledgeable hot tub experts at a Watson’s store near you. They will be able to use water testing equipment to give you a comprehensive report on your water quality. They will also be able to help you find the right replacement filter for your specific spa model. Keeping up with the maintenance on your hot tub can be time consuming, but it’s essential to keep it operating properly and comfortably. By following these simple steps, you can get the most out of your spa for years to come.
Schedule a Tune-Up
A hot tub is a big investment, and proper care will help it last for years to come. You’ll enjoy the best results from your hot tub if you follow a simple, regular maintenance schedule. It may take a little time to set up this routine, but it’s well worth the effort. A few simple tasks a day or week will keep your water clean and smelling fresh.
The first daily task is to test the water balance with a test strip, and make any necessary adjustments. You should also wipe down the cover and shell. Lastly, you’ll want to check for mildew or mold. This will not only look unsightly, but it can also lead to unwanted smells. Performing these tasks every day will greatly reduce the chance of these problems occurring.
In addition to the daily tasks, you’ll need to drain and refill your hot tub once or twice a year, clean the filters and empty and disinfect the hot tub shell. Adding these tasks to your weekly checklist will help you remember when it’s time to do them. It’s also a good idea to have a professional technician perform an annual inspection of your hot tub. This will help catch any small issues before they can escalate, saving you money in the long run.
With the right routine, your hot tub will provide you and your family with many hours of relaxation and entertainment. You’ll find that keeping up with these basic tasks is much easier than you might think, and it can be done in just a few minutes each day or week. You can even work these tasks into your current routine to make them as convenient as possible.