As the trees bloom and the weather warms up, summer is fast approaching. So let the hot tub cleaning commence! Hot tub maintenance may take a bit of time, but it’s worth it for you to enjoy soaking all summer long. And if you’re wondering how to keep that water clean this season, you can follow these easy steps to get the most fun out of your hot tub this summer!
Clean Your Hot Tub
A hot tub needs to be routinely cleaned over the course of a year, whether you used it all winter long or stored it away until spring. While you’re gearing up to do some spring cleaning around the house, it’s the perfect time to roll up the sleeves and get to work on restoring your hot tub.
You can run through this checklist:
- Purge hot tub: This clears out the lines and removes built-up waste.
- Unplug hot tub: This ensures all power is off while you drain the water.
- Clean the tub: Be sure to scrub both the inside and outside. You should also clean off your hot tub cover so that dirt doesn’t get in the water when you put the cover back on.
- Sweep area around tub: Cleaning the area where your tub sits will keep the exterior of the spa shell clean.
After that, you can now refill your tub! You’ll be set for the oncoming season, but be sure to do this process a couple of times each year if you want to ensure that your tub will last for many years to come.
But before you hop in, there are a few more quick steps you need to take in order to treat the water with the proper chemicals.
Treat the Water Regularly
Hot tub maintenance comes down to keeping the water clean at all times. And treating the water with the proper chemicals is one of the most important ways to do just that. Stock up on the chemicals you used when you first purchased your hot tub, which should include items like:
- Products to adjust pH
- Shock
- Sanitizer
- Sequestering agent
- Defoamer
- Calcium
- Chemical test strips
You can use these test strips to keep an eye on the chemical levels in the water.
Clean Your Filters
Like a car, your hot tub has parts that need to be cleaned and maintained to ensure long-lasting enjoyment. As dirt builds up, the filter can’t do its job properly in cleaning the water. Not only can this lead to bacteria growth and oily water, but an overused filter can also compromise other parts of the hot tub system. When that happens, the damage to inner mechanical parts can be pretty costly.
Swapping out the filters is a much cheaper route and makes sure that the water will be sparkling clean the next time you decide to take a dip.
You can check your manual to see how often you need to clean your filters, but typically a filter can last up to a calendar year. If your hot tub gets a lot of use, you might need to change it sooner, but once a year is generally the rule.
Maintain Proper Water Temperature
If you live in a place where the hot tub can’t be used year-round, it’s best to re-state the hot tub rules to all family members who will be enjoying the tub. Water temperature should be maintained between 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper temperature levels ensure a relaxing time while you soak and protect your body from overheating and feeling nauseous, and in extreme cases, even prevent you from getting heatstroke.
The more time you spend in a hot tub, the higher your body temperature rises. So, always be sure to follow regulations on how long you can stay in a hot tub!
Keep It Covered
After putting in the time to clean your tub, you’ll want to keep that water looking pristine and inviting all summer long. So if you want to keep the water clean, it’s best to keep the hot tub covered up when the tub isn’t in use. Leaving the cover off will risk the water collecting things like leaves, dirt, bugs, and more.
Conclusion
Hot tub maintenance is an essential part of being a spa owner. And although it takes a little bit of time to get your tub ready for the warm weather, you’ll now be able to enjoy your soaks all summer long. Just remember to keep an eye on the pH levels throughout the summer to keep the water clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone!
Looking for a new hot tub this summer? Contact our experts! We’ll help you find the perfect tub for you.