All You Need To Know About Hot Tub Maintenance

When you’re considering what type of hot tub to purchase, you may want to take into consideration hot tub maintenance, price, water system type (salt versus chlorine), and more. To assist you in your effort to get to know hot tubs a little better before purchasing anything, we are going to go through the basics – at a beginner level – of hot tub maintenance.

Remember that if, in your pursuits, maintenance goes badly and all seems lost, you can always empty your hot tub and start over.

Water Chemistry – Keep Up With It

The secret to cleaner water and proper spa care is maintaining the right chemistry. Testing the water for sanitizer, calcium hardness, alkalinity, and pH levels are crucial. To keep your water balanced within proper ranges, levels will need to be tested 2 to 4 times per week and adjusted accordingly.

Proper levels can likely be found in your owner’s manual, but may fall within the following ranges:

  • 150 to 250 ppm – calcium hardness
  • 80 to 120 ppm – total alkalinity
  • 4 to 7.6 – pH level
  • 0 to 4.0 ppm – bromine
  • 0 to 3.0 ppm – chlorine

Spa Filters – Clean Them

There are a couple of filter systems that are used for hot tubs:

  • Underneath the spa, a small tank assembly can be found, or…
  • It may be found on the side of the spa under the skimmer basket

Before you can begin your spa care routine, you’ll need to know where to go for replacing and cleaning the filter.

Check your owner’s manual for proper cleaning/replacement procedures which can involve things like where to locate the filter, necessary pressure when cleaning the filter, how often to clean or replace the filter, etc.

The Spa Itself Must Be Cleaned

Depending on the type of spa you have, every 3 to 4 months, you should probably consider draining and refilling your spa. Once this is done, the plumbing, the water line, and all surfaces should be cleaned. Not just any soaps or cleaning products can be used for this, however. Water can be negatively affected by certain contaminants and chemicals.

Additionally, small vacuums specifically designed for hot tubs and spas should be used to clean accumulated debris and dirt from floors, seats, etc.

Your Spa Cover – Air It out

At least twice per week, consider removing your spa cover to increase its longevity. To completely remove it, use a spa cover lifter. Gently take it off the spa if you don’t have a cover lift. So that the cover can get away from the constant moisture and heat, give it a few hours to breathe. If you need to shock your spa or add some chemicals, this is the best time to do so.

If you have a vinyl spa cover, you should condition and clean it. Use a spa cover cleaner to quickly remove pollen, tree sap, dirt, and airborne oils. To replenish the vinyl on your cover when you’re done cleaning, use a conditioner.

Fill Water Should Be Added

Though frequently forgotten, this is an important tip for proper spa care. Your pump can be damaged if, rather than water, your skimmer starts sucking air. At the skimmer intake’s middle or a little higher, the water level should always remain there. While you’re filling your spa, keep a close eye on that water level. Don’t overfill.

Nearby, always have a garden hose handy.

Shop AquaVision Pool & Spa For Your New Hot Tub

If you find yourself with a lot of questions where spas and hot tubs are concerned, check out our spa FAQ page here. If you’d like to look through the types of hot tubs available at AquaVision Pool & Spa, you can shop by size, price, or by series.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions or would like to discuss the purchase and installation of your new home spa.

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