Hot Tub Care
A hot tub is a place to go to relax muscles, soothe aches, rest bodies and minds, and let the warm water massage away worries. So the last thing you want from your hot tub is a list of care and maintenance chores that only add more stress to an already long list. But, the care of your hot tub doesn’t have to be a headache. Establish a routine, keep a checklist and proper chemicals nearby and you’re all set. Aside from the fact that proper care of your hot tub will increase its life and keep costs at a minimum, a clean hot tub is ready for you any time you want to step in.
Step 1
Get the right chemicals and cleaning products for your hot tub. It costs some money to get started, but the nice thing about spas is that they are small and don’t need large amounts of chemicals. Keep a list of the minimum requirements for your spa and product purchase information handy.
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Step 2
Avoid using household cleaners, such as 409 or Comet to clean your hot tub. These products contain soap or ammonia, which can be harmful to the chemistry of your hot tub water.
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Step 3
Run bathing suits through an extra rinse cycle or rinse thoroughly by hand to remove residual detergent. Detergent from swimwear is one of the most common causes of foam in a hot tub.
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Step 4
DO NOT bathe or use personal hygiene products in the hot tub. Shampoos, soaps, gels, deodorants, sun tan lotion, make-up and skin creams can clog a filter and add to the maintenance and reduce the life of your hot tub.
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Step 5
Test your water at least once per week, and always after adding new water. Get your sample from at least 12 inches below the surface of the water. It is imperative that the Ph balance and alkalinity are within the proper range. Clean your test materials after each use. Keep solutions out of direct sunlight and keep them fresh (replace everything before its expiration date).
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Step 6
Use a garden hose to get rid of the debris. Simply siphon out the debris.
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Step 7
Make sure your filter is fitted correctly. Clean the cartridge once a month and replace every year. A clean, properly placed filter will ensure that the water passes through it, not around it.
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Step 8
When your hot tub is not in use, keep the air control valves closed. Cover the hot tub to prevent cold air from cooling down the water, increasing heating costs. A cover will also prevent the breeze from bringing with it debris and algae spores that can clog your filter and add to your maintenance cost and time.
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Step 9
Never drain the water from your hot tub if it has rained in the last few weeks, or if the ground is wet. This can actually cause the tub to float out of the ground.
