We’ve talked a lot about pools lately, but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about the hot tub. In fact, now that we’re heading into the cold seasons, when your pool is closed, your hot tub will get a lot more attention than your pool. No matter how frequently you’re using it, there are a few hot tub maintenance tips you can follow to make sure it remains in great condition for years to come! The benefits include clean, safe water and equipment that runs smooth as butter (please don’t actually put butter in the hot tub, though). Let’s take a dip into the tips.
Check and Balance Your Water
Chemistry is a tricky thing, and it can throw you curveballs when the temperature drops. Just take a look at your hot tub’s pH and alkaline levels! As the outside temperatures fall, the breakdown of sanitizers can slow down, which causes an imbalance in the water if you ignore it. Don’t worry, though, a bit of hot tub water care will fix it right up. Here’s what you can do to balance those levels out:
- Test your water twice a week so its pH, alkaline, and sanitizers levels don’t get out of hand.
- If they do get out of hand, use the proper materials to keep everything clear, comfortable, and above all, safe.
The pH level of your hot tub’s water should stay between 7.2 and 7.8. As for alkalinity, aim for a range of 80–120 to prevent scale buildup and corrosion.
Keep Up With the Filter
You always hear your HVAC people harp on you about checking and replacing your air filter, and now you get to hear us do it, too! But really, it’s that important. Clean filters are an essential component of a working hot tub. They allow for proper circulation of water, meaning everything is running efficiently. When a filter is dirty or clogged, components need to work harder to function properly, which may cause them to fail prematurely.
- Using a hose, rinse your filters every two weeks to keep them free of debris, oil, and other gross stuff. Every month, give them a deep clean using a proper filter cleaning solution.
- Filters should be outright replaced every 3–6 months (sooner if you notice significant wear and tear).
A little hot tub maintenance—even on the filter—can go a long way!
Maintain the Cover
It’s like an umbrella for your hot tub, except it’s meant to defend against debris. But what if we told you a cover is meant to do more than just keep the leaves away? It can also lock in heat, which once again brings us back to the topic of efficiency. The less heat that escapes the tub, the less the tub has to work to maintain temperatures. A compatible, insulated cover is a great defense against the chilly onslaught of winter.
A few hot tub care tips for your cover:
- Regularly wipe it down with soap and water to keep the mold and mildew away.
- Use a vinyl conditioner to defend against cracking and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Inspect the cover to ensure there are no rips, tears, or sagging areas. If it’s no longer sealing properly, it should be replaced.
Water Levels: Drain and Maintain
Frequent use and evaporation can cause your water levels to lower at a surprising rate. Not only is a low water level not as enjoyable, but it can cause malfunctions in your heater and pump.
Whenever you notice low levels, top off the water as needed. On top of that, you shouldn’t keep the same water in the tub for years and years. Every 3–4 months, drain it and refill it with new water to get rid of unwanted mineral and contaminant buildup. While the tub is empty, take advantage of its state and wipe down the shell to maximize cleanliness!
Prevent Freezing
We live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing regularly in the winter, so this bit of hot tub maintenance advice is important. If tub water freezes, it could cause severe damage to pipes and pumps. Let’s avoid those costly mistakes.
- Check your heater and insulation to make sure everything is in working order.
- Run the circulation system at all times to prevent water from freezing in the lines.
- If you won’t be using your hot tub for a prolonged period of time, winterize it! Drain it, empty the lines, and secure the cover on top of it. The water can’t freeze if there’s no water.
Hot tub water care is about more than preventing contaminants. The equipment itself depends on you taking care of it!
Check the Energy Efficiency
We said earlier that your hot tub should always be running, at least enough to keep the water from standing still and causing problems. But that doesn’t mean your energy bills need to skyrocket because of it. Make a few small adjustments to keep it efficient and minimize costs.
- Set a consistent temperature instead of constantly changing it from hot to cold and back. Maintaining the heat is better for energy conservation!
- Manage your filtration and heating cycles using a timer (or smart control system if you have it).
- Keep the tub securely covered when you aren’t using it.
Aquatic Solutions: The Hot Tub Water Care Experts
Your hut tub will be getting a lot of use until your pool opens in the spring. When it comes to hot tub maintenance, consistent maintenance is king here. By keeping up with water levels and chemicals, cleaning, and protecting it against cold weather and debris, those relaxing hot tub soaks in the fall and winter will be stress-free!
Want to ensure your hot tub is in shape for continued use throughout the season? We’re happy to help! Reach out and schedule your hot tub maintenance with us so you can take a dip whenever your heart desires.