Hot tub maintenance is key to ensuring a clean, relaxing, and enjoyable hot tub experience. And, it’s incredibly easy. This guide explains 8 simple steps you need to take to keep your hot tub in perfect working order. Here’s how to maintain a hot tub – see below.
1: Water Testing
Water testing is a key element of good hot tub maintenance. You must regularly test the water to ensure it is contaminant free, balanced, and safe to use. You can use either a water test kit or specially designed strips to test the water and measure pH, alkalinity, sanitizer levels, and calcium hardness.
Depending on the results, you may need to make adjustments to the water chemistry to ensure it is clean, safe, and properly balanced. Chemicals can be added to adjust each parameter and help achieve clean clear water that allows everyone to enjoy the hot tub safely and carefree.
2: PH Level
The pH level of the hot tub water needs to be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8. This is the range that optimizes the performance of the sanitizer and helps minimize microbial growth. If the pH is too high it can limit the effectiveness of the sanitizer and lead to cloudy water.
On the other hand, if the pH is too low it can overoptimize the sanitizer and this can cause skin irritation and damage to the hot tub components. PH is a scale that measures how alkaline or acidic a substance is. It runs from 0-14. Low values are acidic and high values are alkaline.
3: Water Sanitization
Water sanitization is an essential component of hot tub maintenance – it helps keep the water free from harmful microbes such as bacteria and viruses. The most common chemicals used to sanitize the water are chlorine and bromine. Sanitizer levels must be maintained within a certain concentration level.
Chlorine is the most commonly used sanitizer and should be maintained at a level of typically 1-3 parts per million. Bromine is preferred by individuals that are sensitive to chlorine. The recommended level for bromine sanitization is 3-5 ppm. Other methods of hot tub sanitization include the use of salt water, ozone, and UV light.
4: Shock Treatment
Shock treatment refers to a process of adding an extra high dose of sanitizer to the water to kill off any residual contaminants that remain on the hot tub. It should be performed periodically as part of a good hot tub maintenance schedule. The process is great for breaking down organic matter, lotions, and oils that accumulate over time in the tub and turn the water cloudy.
It should be performed every 2 weeks or after a period of heavy use. Simply follow the instructions on your shock treatment sanitization product and wait the allotted time before returning the hot tub to normal use.
5: Filter Maintenance
Hot tub filters must be regularly cleaned and periodically replaced as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Check your hot tub’s user manual for information on your specific filtration system. In general, hit tub filters are cleaned by rinsing in clean water using a garden hose and soaking in a cleaning agent overnight.
6: Hot Tub Cleaning
Cleaning is an essential component of good hot tub maintenance routine. The entire hot tub including the shell, tubing, and cover should get a thorough clean every 2/3 months – depending on the size of the tub and the level of usage it receives. You can pick up a hot tub cleaning solution in most home and garden centers. Regular cleaning ensures much soother jacuzzi maintenance.
You can perform the cleaning yourself and don’t need any specialized equipment or an in-depth understanding of how a hot tub works. We’ve put together a 7-step guide to guide you through the cleaning process. Check it out over here – How to Clean a Hot Tub.
7: Water Replacement
The water in your hot tub needs to be replaced regularly. The frequency you need to change the water depends on the level of usage the hot tub receives. Over time the water in the tub tends to become dirty. Microbes can thrive and the water can take on a cloudy murky experience. In the interest of hygiene, you need to change the water at regular intervals to prevent this from happening.
In general, the water should be changed every 3-4 months. To replace the water – drain it from the tub until it is completely empty. Then, spray the tub with a hose to rinse off any residual residue, and refill it with clean water. If the hot tub is due for a clean – this is the perfect time to perform a deep clean.
8: Regular Visual Inspection
An often overlooked aspect of good hot tub maintenance is regular visual inspection. This simply involves keeping an eye on the unit and checking for any unexpected changes, damage, or leaks. If you can spot an issue early you have a much better chance of fixing it before it causes a major problem.
Pay particular attention to the tub shell and surface, jets and fittings, filters, plumbing, water tubes, control panel, and the cover used to protect the hot tub. Refer to your user manual for more information on your specific model.
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About the Author
JAKE RAOUL
• Sauna Specialist
Meet Jake, a man with a passion for sauna therapy. Jake’s background is in science and his passion is wellness and fitness. Growing up in Orlando Florida, Jake enrolled in Florida International University where he graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences.
As a young man, he worked in the spa and wellness center at the renowned Breakers Palm Beach luxury hotel. Here he developed his skills and understanding of client-centered wellness delivery. Upon graduating from Florida International University he took up a research position focusing on the application and practical effects of steam therapy.
His research has contributed to advancing the understanding of steam sauna therapy and how it can be applied in the occupational health environment. His work in this area has been officially recognized for its impact on the field.
Jake is also a devoted fan of the Orlando Magic basketball team. When not working and advancing his research he enjoys attending games at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando. He also likes to remain active in his local sports community and volunteers as a basketball coach for his local youth team.
With his background in scientific research and passion for wellness, Jake is a valuable addition to the Home Sauna Heaven writer’s team where he shares his knowledge and understanding of sauna therapy, steam sauna therapy, and how they can be used for best effect.
