Understanding Basic Hot Tub Maintenance

Incorporating a hot tub into your backyard is a wonderful addition to your home. You can soothe aching muscles, decompress after a long day and just give your body the reprieve it deserves. While some may steer away from a hot tub because of the responsibility required to care for it, basic hot tub maintenance is really not that difficult. 

Understanding basic hot tub maintenance is a very important aspect of owning a hot tub. Not only does it significantly reduce the risk of skin irritation due to unsanitized water, it also ensures the hot tub will remain in great condition for a long time. Below are a few tips on how you can maintain your hot tub:

1. Clean the Filter

Filters are an essential part of a hot tub that works to trap dirt, allowing clean water to pass through. However, there’s only so many particles they can hold before it becomes less effective, so be sure to clean them regularly. 

Simply rinse them out with a garden hose or add an instant filter cleaner spray to get rid of stubborn particles. After a while, they tend to get weak and may need to be replaced. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs of damage. 

2. Clean the Interior 

This is a given when it comes to maintaining your hot tub. Make sure to drain and refill afterward. Once the water is drained, go ahead and spray down the tub with a hot tub cleaner and wipe it down with an absorbent towel.

We recommend giving it a quick once-over with a hose and wiping it all again – you can never be too careful here. The less residue and particulate left over, the better for the hot tub and your skin.

3. Chemical Treatments 

Well-balanced water chemistry makes hot tub maintenance that much easier. It’s akin to balancing pool water except for the size difference. However, the basic principles apply. First, test your water to determine the base levels of pH, alkaline, and other chemicals. 

The proper ranges are as follows: 

• pH 7.4 to 7.6 
• Total alkalinity 80 – 120 ppm
• Chlorine 1.0 – 3.0 PPM
• Bromine 2.0 – 4.0 PPM
• Calcium hardness 150 – 250 ppm

This isn’t just a cruel joke to get you back in chemistry class. There are some very real consequences here. Acidic water will irritate your skin and might damage your hardware, whereas basic water will make your sanitizer less effective and cause water cloudiness. 

Invest in a home testing kit to check these chemical levels and test the water at least twice a week. If the chemistry is unbalanced, go ahead and adjust the chemicals until they’re balanced. As for the chemicals and pH decreaser/increaser, be sure to purchase them at your local pool store.  

4. Check the Water Levels 

At some point, the water levels go down past the skimmers. When this happens, the skimmers start to suck in air instead of water which could damage the pump. Ensure you keep your water filled above this level.

5. Circulate 

Stillwater is a big no here. Let your spa bubble. The more the water circulates, the fewer chances contaminants have to settle and build up. The filters have a better chance of catching more contaminants when water circulates through them.

6. Air out the cover

It’s a good idea to keep the tub covered when it’s not in use. But don’t forget to let it breathe from time to time, that way some trapped vapor and condensation can clear out. Do this at least two times a week. 

Hot tub ownership is truly meant to be enjoyed. Follow these basic hot tub maintenance tips and you’ll be able to enjoy your hot tub for a very long time. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your hot tub experts at San Juan Pools & Spas to get everything you need.