There’s nothing more relaxing than sinking into your own hot tub. A hot tub maintenance schedule will keep your spa clean and pleasant to use. From body oils and sweat to lotions and make-up, contaminants build up and prevent the hot tub from running properly. Read on to learn how to maintain a hot tub.
Check Chemical and Mineral Balance
To keep your hot tub clean and running well, make sure that the water has the proper chemical balance. Some of the most important hot tub supplies are test strips and chemical products.
- Add chlorine or bromine sanitizer according to label directions. Check the pH level every week with test strips or liquid test kit and use pH increaser or pH decreaser to adjust the pH to 7.4 to 7.6.
- Shock your hot tub using a non-chlorine or di-chlor treatment to boost the sanitizer
Clean Hot Tub Shell and Cover
You should drain and clean your hot tub at least every three months, or more often for the following conditions:
- Foul odors from tub
- Cloudy water
- More frequent use than usual
- More people using it than usual
- Lack of use for an extended time
Drain and clean the shell by following these steps:
- Add a line flush product to the water and let it circulate for at least 20 minutes
- Shut off the hot tub breaker to prevent electrical shock
- Drain the water from the tub using a hose or a sump pump.
- When the tub is empty, spray the shell with a hot tub cleaner.
- Wipe off residue with a soft cloth
- Rinse thoroughly and drain the rinse water
- Refill the hot tub using a hose
Clean the hot tub cover at least once a month or more often if you notice a mildew odor. Covers are made of either acrylic or vinyl.
- Spray a vinyl cover with vinyl conditioner three to four times a year and every month during the summer. Rinse and air dry in the sun. Omit the conditioner if you have an acrylic cover.
- Unzip the cover and remove the inner foam.
- Spray the inside of the cover with a gentle cleanser and clean with a sponge. Rinse and air dry in the sun.
- Place the foam back inside the cover. Discard and replace any moldy or waterlogged foam.
Clean Filters
Your hot tub filters work hard to keep dirt and debris out of the water. Remove and clean the filter cartridges on a regular basis to keep the water clean. Allow the cartridge to air dry completely before you put it back in the filter. If the water becomes dirty or cloudy soon after, it’s time to put in a new filter.
- Rinse the cartridges every two weeks with water from a hose. Make sure that you remove dirt from every pleat in the cartridge.
- For a deeper clean, spray the cartridge with filter cleaner when you drain and refill the hot tub. Rinse with water using a hose.
- Soak the cartridge in a chemical cleaner whenever you drain and refill the hot tub. Follow the directions on the cleaner label. While the cartridge soaks, replace it with a new cartridge. Rinse thoroughly after soaking.
Keep the Water Circulating
One of the most important parts of hot tub maintenance is keeping the water in motion. Hot tub water must frequently circulate through the filters to stay clean. If your hot tub has automatic circulation, set it to run 15 to 20 minutes twice a day. If it does not have automatic circulation, turn on the circulation for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day.
The experts at Halogen Supply have the pool and spa supplies you need. Contact us today!