Before you relax in your new hot tub, take a moment to learn about its basic care and maintenance. It's not hard, and proper care allows you to enjoy your hot tub for many years to come.
Choose a Reputable Dealer
A good hot tub dealer will give you more than just the hot tub itself. They can provide you with detailed maintenance information. Also, a good quality spa can be easier to maintain over time. You can talk to a hot tub dealer, like Marquis Spas, about care tips when you buy.
Test Water Chemistry
The first care tip you need to learn about is the proper water chemistry for your hot tub. A few times per week, you can use spa water testing strips or a digital meter. Your water pH should be around 7.5 and levels of chlorine, bromine, and calcium hardness need to be within optimal ranges. Your spa builder can probably provide you with a test kit and the proper chemical ranges for your hot tub or can talk to you about where to find them.
Clean Your Hot Tub
Every three or four months, drain your hot tub to clean it and refill it with fresh water. Do not clean the interior of a hot tub with household cleaners. Rather, use a cleaner designed for spas that are free of phosphates and nitrates.
Between water changes, use a vacuum cleaner specifically made for hot tubs. These are small, battery-operated handheld units that can be submerged in water. Use the vacuum to suck up leaves, dirt, and other debris from the seats and bottom. Finally, remove floating debris with a skimmer net.
Keep Your Filters Clean
Remove the filters weekly, and rinse them clean with a garden hose, spray with hot tub filter cleaner, and rinse again. Whenever you drain and clean your hot tub, soak the filters in a special filter cleaner and rinse them before reinstalling them. Hot tub filters generally need to be replaced yearly, or whenever they don't come clean during your weekly maintenance.
Remember to Clean the Cover and Shell
Lift the hot tub cover daily not only to check the hot tub but also to release the hot, damp air and check for mold under the cover. Wash the cover weekly with a bleach solution to inhibit mold and mildew. Also, wipe down the exterior shell of the hot tub on a weekly basis to keep it clean.
Relaxing in a hot tub is the ultimate stress reliever. But, it does require some work to keep a hot tub clean and functioning properly. Follow these tips in caring for your new hot tub.
