Hot Tub Maintenance Best Practices

Your hot tub does not take care of itself; that’s why it needs a responsible hot tub owner like you! Having a solid hot tub maintenance routine can make your spa experience so much more relaxing. Hot tub maintenance best practices will help ensure your tub stays clean, runs efficiently, and preserves its integrity for the long term. There are many different steps to your hot tub maintenance routine, and we are here to go over the best practices. 

Maintaining Water Balance 

There are many different factors that can impact your spa water’s balance, from shampoos and conditioners to overly harsh tap water. The water in your hot tub should be kept within very specific chemical parameters. It is recommended that you test your water levels regularly; 2-4 times a week should be sufficient. There are many different things to test for, and each one has its own range of safety. The key components to test include:

• Chlorine: 1.0–3.0 ppm
• pH: 7.4–7.6
• Bromine: 2.0–4.0 ppm
• Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 150–250 ppm

Many spa and pool care stores carry do-it-yourself hot tub testing kits that come with all of the tools you need to test your spa. Many spa maintenance companies also offer testing services, making it simple by having you bring a water sample in. However, for ease of use, we suggest purchasing a DIY kit to prevent having to make many trips to spa care stores. You can still take in your water sample periodically to ensure your levels are testing accurately.

Cleaning the Spa Filter

Your spa filter helps keep the water clean and balanced, and if it becomes too dirty, you could be experiencing cloudy, unbalanced spa water. Cleaning the spa filter is an integral part of your hot tub maintenance routine. You should be able to locate your spa filter easily, but each model will be different, so refer to your manual. In the event you cannot locate it, contact the store or manufacturer of your hot tub. It is suggested that you clean your spa filter every two weeks, as your spa filter runs at all times.

To clean your spa filter, use filter-safe cleaner and clean freshwater. Be as gentle as possible while still getting rid of all the buildup and debris stuck on the filter. You should clean your spa filter frequently but replace it annually. Obviously, if you use your hot tub a lot, you may want to consider replacing it more often.

Cleaning the Basin & Jets

The basin of your hot tub can be susceptible to buildup from algae, dirt, oils, and more. Likewise, so are the jets that provide you with ultimate relaxation. You do not need to drain your hot tub to do maintenance like general scrubbing or using a skimming net; these can be done frequently to ensure the visual and general cleanliness of your spa. However, you should drain your hot tub every 3–4 months (about once every season) and conduct a deep clean of the basin and jets. To avoid damage to the coatings and finishes of your hot tub, you should refrain from using general household cleaners on the basin and jets of your hot tub. Instead, stick to cleaners specifically made for hot tubs. When you drain the basin, scrub the basin and vacuum up any debris. Once it is nice and clean, refill your hot tub and test your chemicals. You may need to give the water a day or two to balance out and reach the levels noted above.

Keep Up with a Routine

The key to best practices for hot tub maintenance is to follow a consistent routine. Keeping track of when you conduct what parts of your hot tub maintenance routine can help you ensure no task goes undone. A water level log can also be useful to make sure that your hot tub water is always healthy and ready for soaking. A solid hot tub maintenance routine will preserve the integrity of your spa and guarantee that you get the most out of it.

About Energysavers, Inc.

Founded over 40 years ago, Energysavers is family-owned and operated out of Meredith, NH. We are proud to provide quality, dependable pellet stoves, wood stoves, fireplaces, hot tubs, saunas, outdoor grills, and more. Visit the store room and choose from the many models and sizes we have in stock and receive the best price and quality service. Call us today at (603) 279-7961 to visit our store or schedule a home inspection.