A hot tub with clear, healthy water and balanced chemical chemistry requires routine maintenance. Maintaining a hot tub keeps its equipment such as filters, pumps, heater, and control system, etc., in top working condition. But the question is how do you maintain your hot tub?
This blog is your complete guide to hot tub maintenance basics. It covers the benefits of a well-maintained tub, including safety guidelines, the process, and when to schedule maintenance.
Cool, let’s unpack this!
What does hot tub maintenance mean?
Hot tub maintenance means keeping it clean and well-functioning for uninterrupted hot water soaks. This includes a proper hot tub inspection, timely cleaning, water chemical balancing, and timely repairs.
What are the safety considerations while cleaning my hot tub?
Here are some safety checklists to consider for your hot tub maintenance routine.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the hot tub shell.
- Only those products and chemicals are specifically designed for hot tub cleaning.
- Always wear protective eyewear and gloves while handling and using cleaning chemicals.
- Do not mix chemicals during the cleaning process.
What is the best cleaning solution for cleaning a hot tub?
We recommend cleaning your hot tub with 20% white vinegar and 80% warm water. You can also mix 9% bleach and 91% water.
The 3 C’s of Hot Tub Maintenance
When it comes to hot tub care, we have enclosed the hot tub maintenance sea in a sieve for you. There are three basic rules, or C’s, for easy hot tub maintenance: circulation, cleaning, and chemistry balancing.
We will explain all the related information later in this blog.
- Maintain water circulation.
- Clean your hot tub
- Balance the hot tub’s water chemistry.
How do I maintain my hot tub?
Are new hot tub owners, enthusiasts, or hot tub service technicians searching for complete hot tub care tips? You have landed on the right page.
Follow the easy steps below to maintain your hot tub.
- Drain and refill the hot tub.
- Check the water levels.
- Maintain water circulation
- Balance your hot tub’s water chemistry
- Shock your hot tub
- Clean or replace your hot tub filters
- Scrub the jets and accessories
- Check the hot tub automation system
- Clean the lip of your hot tub shell
- Maintain your hot tub cabinet in good condition
- Clean your hot tub cover.
1. Drain and refill the hot tub
A hot tub is a small body of water, so its chemicals must work harder to work. Regular draining or replacement (every 3-4 months or based on usage) keeps your hot tub in top condition. We also recommend cleaning the inside and outside of your hot tub while draining and refilling it.
2. Check the water levels
First, regularly check the water level in your hot tub. A low gurgling sound may indicate low water. If your hot tub’s water level continuously decreases by up to two inches, you need a repair service.
Remember to check the chemical levels after adding water to your hot tub.
3. Maintain water circulation
Water circulation in a hot tub is necessary to maintain filtration and heating. The hot tub pump passes the water through filters and heaters.
Regularly check and clean the water pump to ensure your home has pristine and healthy hot water.
4. Balance your hot tub’s water chemistry
Maintaining optimal water chemistry in a hot tub is crucial for safe soaks. Balancing hot tub water includes keeping water alkalinity, pH levels, chlorine, or bromine levels in the required conditions.
Here is a list of hot tub chemicals with their ideal ranges.
pH: 7.2 – 7.8
Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 150 – 400 ppm
Sanitiser levels (Chlorine levels: 1 – 3 ppm and Bromine levels: 3 – 5 ppm)
5. Shock the hot tub water
Like pool shock treatment, hot tub shock (chlorine and bromine) should be included in regular hot tub service for safe, sparkling, clean water.
If you haven’t used your hot tub for quite a while or have been heavily using it, it’s time to shock it to ensure total sanitation.
6. Clean or replace your hot tub filters
Hot tub filters trap contaminants such as dirt, oils, or dead skin cells in the water, making it sparkling clean and healthy. If the filters are left unrinsed, this can slow down the filtration system, reducing its efficiency.
Here is how to do it:
- Rinse your hot tub or spa filters with warm water or your garden hose.
- Spray your filters with a hot tub filter cleaner for deep cleaning.
- Soak your hot tub filters in chemical cleaner after draining or refilling them. This will extend their lives and help them lose stubborn particulates.
If there is still cloudy or unclean water or your hot tub filters have wear and tear, you must replace them.
7. Scrub the jets and accessories
Scrub and rinse the hot tub jets and other accessories to remove build-up, dirt, or debris. Take a soft cloth or tub scrubber to clean stubborn marks. Remember to clean the hot tub headrest cushion and the area behind it.
8. Check the hot tub automation system
The hot tub automated system is growing popular among the owners. The automation system controls various functions and equipment of a hot tub, such as temperature control, sanitization, filtration, jets, and lighting.
Inspect the automation system of your hot tub. A routine hot tub or spa automation system includes checking the internet connection and software updates for your hot tub automated system.
9. Clean the lip of your hot tub shell
Talking about the gunk, the hot tub water is exposed to bodily oils every time you soak. This may result in scum lines on your shell just above the water line.
Rinse and clean the grime with a soft cloth for a pristine hot tub shell lip.
10. Maintain your hot tub cabinet in good condition
The hot tub cabinet comprises critical equipment, such as circulation pumps, circuit boards, heaters, and jet pumps.
Regularly check and inspect your hot tub cabinet, ensuring the optimal condition of the cabinet equipment.
11. Clean your hot tub cover
After cleaning everything inside the hot tub, it’s time to wipe down its cover. Cleaning the hot tub or spa cover is essential, as it is the first thing you touch when you come to soak. Clean the cover to help maintain inside cleanliness as well.
Hot Tub Maintenance Checklist
The table below shows a hot tub care schedule based on various periods to help you get a general idea of your home hot tub upkeep.
Note that this is not a comprehensive guide for hot tub maintenance scheduling. The maintenance of a hot tub depends on your weather conditions, water temperature, frequency of usage, and many other factors.
| Frequency | Action |
| Daily or every 2 to 3 days |
|
| Weekly |
|
| Monthly | Chlorine shock treatment. |
| Quarterly (every four months) |
|
| Yearly |
|
What are the benefits of hot tub maintenance?
Regular maintenance ensures a clean, clear, and bacteria-free hot tub. Following are some benefits of having a well-serviced and adequately maintained hot tub.
Improved Water Quality
A regularly maintained hot tub enhances your soak experience and protects your and your family’s health.
Extended Equipment Lifespan
Cleaning and repairing your hot tub equipment prevents severe wear and tear, prolonging the life of the hot tub components.
Reduced Energy Consumption
A well-maintained hot tub functions more efficiently. It consumes less energy to maintain the desired temperature and water quality, lowering energy bills significantly.
Enhanced Safety
Regular maintenance and repair ensure a safe hot tub soak. It prevents accidents caused by faulty equipment, electrical issues, or damaged parts.
Silverline Pools: The Best Hot Tub Service Company
Silverline Pools is your go-to company for hot tub service and maintenance. Our seasoned team has helped hundreds of hot tub owners maintain their top-quality hydrotherapy spots.
We inspect, clean, and repair your hot tub equipment, maintain its water chemistry, and shock your hot tub.
The good news is that we offer wallet-friendly prices for all hot tub maintenance and repairs without compromising on quality.
Contact us and relax while our expert and happy-to-serve team maintains and cleans your hot tub for a clean and healthy hot water therapy session with your friends and family.
Key Takeaways
Regular cleaning and care prolongs the life of your hot tub equipment and ensures crystal-clear and healthy hydrotherapy.
Safety considerations, such as wearing goggles and gloves while handling hot tub cleaning chemicals, should also be considered.
Check your hot tub conditions and water quality to take the necessary maintenance actions according to its frequency of usage.
For expert service and maintenance, contact Silverline Pools for a well-functional hot tub with clean and balanced water.
