Regular maintenance of your hot tub saves you time and money, and keeps your hot tub functioning at its very best best. Fortunately, taking care of your hot tub need not be a time-consuming or expensive process. Follow these easy weekly steps, and continue to enjoy your hot tub worry-free for years to come.
- Clean the filter: The hot tub filter is a vital part of the filtration system. If the filter is clogged, it slows the flow of water and puts unnecessary strain on the filtration system. Cleaning the filter once a week not only keeps the water cleaner, it also prolongs the life of the hot tub. Check your manufacturer’s directions for removal. Once out, thoroughly flush the filter with a garden hose. If debris remains in the pleats, use a soft brush to loosen it or soak it in a spa filter cleaning solution. If you do soak the filter, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before replacing it in the hot tub. Some hot tub owners swap out the existing filter for a new one, soak the old one and then swap it back in the following week.
- Add anti-foaming agents: If you notice a lot of foamy bubbles in the hot tub water, try adding some anti-foaming agents. Besides being a nuisance, these bubbles can also damage the underside of your hot tub cover if left unattended.
- Check for damage: Check for cracks or holes in your hot tub’s acrylic shell every week. Inspect the inside and underside of the spa. Remove the access panel and examine all the mechanical components for leaks or other problems. Now is a good time to clean the hot tub above the water line; be sure to avoid household cleaners, and instead use a natural enzyme product that does not affect water chemistry.
- Clean the cover: It’s easy to overlook the hot tub cover, but it’s subjected to all the elements and, as a result, it gets very dirty. Spray the cover with a garden hose and then allow it to air dry. If any mold or mildew is evident, treat the cover with an anti-fungal once it’s dry. Treat the outside with a vinyl protector to prolong its life and to prevent fading or cracking from UV rays. Do not use the vinyl protector on the inside of the cover, because it may affect the chemicals in the water. If your hot tub has a cover lifter, lubricate it well and test the mechanism.
- Balance the water: It’s important to test the pH level of the water every week. You’ll ultimately use fewer chemicals if the water stays balanced, rather than correcting it when the alkalinity is way off. Use a pool testing kit complete with testing strips to measure the alkalinity. Add chemicals and then allow the hot tub to run for at least an hour before retesting. Add more chemicals, if required.
Most manufacturers recommend that your hot tub be drained every three months. At that time, clean the acrylic shell with a proper spa cleaner, refill the hot tub and rebalance the water. Follow these five easy steps between these major cleanings and your hot tub will give you years of carefree enjoyment with fewer long-term costs.
Have questions about the care and maintenance of your hot tub? Contact us here and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
