Being a hot tub owner also means being responsible for regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure your hot tub is clean and keeps working efficiently. Taking the time to inspect your hot tub regularly will also help prevent any potential long term damage.
Does a hot tub require a lot of maintenance?
Not necessarily. By understanding the basics of hot tub cleaning and by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule, your hot tub will most likely keep running smoothly. Hot tub maintenance is not difficult but it is important to stay on top of it, as it will save you money in the long term.
The Basics: What you need to know
- Maintain good water flow
- Adhere to a cleaning schedule
- Keep the chemicals in the water balanced
Chemical Basics
- Water tests & temperature checks
- Alkalinity levels
- pH levels
- Sanitizers
- Maintenance Checklist
Weekly Maintenance
Your hot tub’s weekly maintenance doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. It can, in fact, be done rather quickly. It is worth scheduling your maintenance tasks at a specific time and day. This will help ensure you are sticking to a regular schedule. You can even add the maintenance tasks to your weekly chore list and divide it up with other family members.
Think about using an app, a calendar or a chore board to stay on top of what is done and what still needs to get done.
How to maintain your hot tub weekly
Remove and clean the filter
Pro Tip
The first thing to do is to remove your filter and rinse it with a garden hose. In case of debris or dirt, use a soft brush or special nozzle to clean between each of the filter’s pleats.
Good to Know
The filter is one of the most important parts of your hot tub: if it’s blocked, the whole filtration system as well as the motor may get damaged.
Add an antifoaming dissolver to remove excess foam
Good to Know
If your hot tub starts foaming or creating a lot of bubbles, you may want to add some defoamer. Although the foam is not harmful, it can cause damage to your cover. Too much foam can damage the underside of your spa cover if left untreated.
Use a flashlight to inspect under the hot tub and remove the exterior panels to inspect the undercarriage and electrical components (heater, engine, etc.) as well.
Inspect your hot tub for any signs of damage
Pro Tip
Make sure you inspect the inside and outside of your hot tub. Any cracks or holes should be fixed immediately.
Use a flashlight to inspect under the hot tub and remove the exterior panels to inspect the undercarriage and electrical components (heater, engine, etc.) as well.
Inspect your hot tub cover
Pro Tip
Take your cover off completely. Check the underside of the cover thoroughly. If you have a lifter, make sure the hinges are well lubricated and that they open and close without issues.
Test the pH and adjust the chemical levels as needed.
Pro Tip
Use water strip tests and then add the necessary chemicals to bring the water back to the correct ratio.
Weekly Checklist:
Multiple times per week
Water
-
What to verify :
- Clarity
Clear of debris
What to do?
- Shock the water if necessary
- Clarity
-
Smell
- What to verify:
- No foul odor
What to do?
- Shock the water if necessary
-
pH level
What to do?
- Use test strips: levels should be between 7,2 et 7,8 ppm
-
Alkalinity level
What to do?
- Use test strips: levels should be between 125 et 150 ppm
-
Sanitizer levels
What to do?
- Use test strips : Chlorine levels should be between 1.5 – 3.0 ppm
- Use test strips: Bromine levels should be between 3.0 – 5.0 ppm
Weekly
-
Debris
What to do?
- Remove Branches, Leaves, Ice, Snow…
-
Remove the cover
What to do?
- Remove the cover at least 1 hour per week to release the chemical fumes
Bi-Weekly
-
Condition & Clean
- What to do?
- Use a specific cleaner and degreaser
Bi-Weekly
Hot Tub Cover
-
Condition & Clean
What to do?
- Use a specific cleaner and degreaser
-
Rips & Tears
What to do?
- Repair any rips & tears with vinyl repair kit
-
Underside of cover
What to do?
- Wipe down plastic barrier with bleach solution
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Hot tub maintenance is simple, but it also needs to be consistent. Follow your maintenance schedule and you will avoid some potentially nasty problems!