The relaxing feeling of soaking in a hot tub is simply amazing. As your muscles unkink in the hot water, your troubles simply melt away. Having a spa in your home is a true luxury that not everyone is able to enjoy. You need to respect the privilege of having a hot tub by taking proper care of it. Here are some maintenance tips you can use to make sure your spa is always in great condition.
Clean the Spa Filter
The first step in proper hot tub maintenance is to clean the filter regularly. This should be done every month to ensure its cleanliness. If you have a pressure gauge on your hot tub filter, you can use it to determine precisely when the filter needs to be cleaned. If you notice a rise in pressure of more than eight pounds, that means it is time to clean the filter on your spa. In addition, you should replace the spa filter every year or two depending on how often you use your hot tub. A good rule of thumb is to replace the filter after you have cleaned it a dozen times.
Clean the Hot Tub
Every four to six months, you should completely drain your spa so that you can give it a thorough cleaning. If you only use it once a week, then you can wait the six months. If you use it more than once a week, make it every four months.
Once you have the spa completely drained, you should inspect the jets to make sure they are free of dirt and grime. Any gunk or grime you find on the jet nozzles, drains, or surface of the tub should be cleaned with a product that is approved by the manufacturer of your spa. Using something else could damage the surface of your hot tub.
After you have thoroughly cleaned your hot tub, make sure to refill it with clean, fresh water. It is best to let the hose run for a few minutes before you start to fill the spa. This will prevent any debris in the hose from getting into your tub. When you are filling your hot tub, make sure that you run the water through the filter compartment, as this will prevent air locks from occurring.
Air Out Your Spa Cover
Many people forget that part of proper hot tub maintenance is taking good care of the cover. This starts by removing the cover a couple times a week to shake it out, giving it a break from the excess heat and moisture that the hot tub subjects it to. You should also clean your hot tub cover when you notice it getting dirty. This is especially important if you have an outdoor hot tub. Taking off the cover regularly and keeping it clean will greatly prolong its lifespan.
Chemical Maintenance
A crucial part of proper spa maintenance is balancing the chemicals in it. Use test strips once or twice a week to measure the chemicals in your tub. These test strips will indicate if you have to add any chemicals to balance the water in your spa. Add the chemicals one at a time, and then retest the water to make sure it is now properly balanced. You’ll also want to keep the cover off for at least 15 minutes after adjusting the chemicals to prevent damaging it.
Your hot tub will give you a tremendous amount of pleasure over the years. Make sure that you take care of it so that it will keep working well over a long lifespan. As long as you keep up a regular maintenance routine, your spa will stay in great condition.