Owning a hot tub is a delightful luxury, offering a perfect way to unwind and relax after a long day. However, maintaining a hot tub requires regular attention and care to remain a clean and inviting oasis. Neglecting proper maintenance can lead to murky water, unpleasant odours, and health risks. In this article, we’ll explore ten practical ways to keep your hot tub sparkling clean, allowing you to enjoy its benefits to the fullest. Whether you’re a new hot tub owner or looking to improve your maintenance routine, these tips will help you maintain pristine water quality and prolong the life of your hot tub.
Regularly Test Water Chemistry
One of the fundamental steps in maintaining a clean hot tub is to test the water chemistry regularly. This is crucial for ensuring balanced pH levels, which should ideally fall between 7.2 and 7.8. Proper water chemistry not only prevents bacteria growth but also ensures the effectiveness of sanitisers.
Maintain Proper Sanitiser Levels
Maintaining proper sanitiser levels is a key aspect of hot tub maintenance. Whether you’re using chlorine or bromine, keeping the levels within the recommended range: 3-5 ppm for chlorine and 3-6 ppm for bromine is essential. Regularly checking and adjusting these levels while always following safety instructions when handling chemicals is crucial for a clean and safe hot tub.
Clean the Filters
Filters trap dirt, debris, and impurities, so they need regular cleaning. By rinsing your hot tub filters every week and deep cleaning them monthly, you show your diligence and thoroughness in maintaining your hot tub. Remember to replace the filters as recommended by the manufacturer, usually every 1-2 years, to ensure optimal performance.
Shock the Water
Shocking the water is a necessary step to keep your hot tub water clean and safe. This involves adding a high dose of oxidiser to eliminate contaminants. It’s recommended to do this weekly or after heavy use, always following the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount of shock treatment to use.
Drain and Refill Regularly
Draining and refilling your hot tub every 3-4 months is vital. This process removes accumulated chemicals and contaminants. After draining, clean the shell with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and refill with fresh water.
Use a Hot Tub Cover
A high-quality cover protects your hot tub from debris, reduces evaporation, and helps maintain water temperature. Choose a cover that fits well and is made of durable materials. Clean the cover regularly to prevent mildew and extend its lifespan.
Keep the Area Around the Hot Tub Clean
Maintaining a clean area around your hot tub reduces the amount of dirt and debris that can enter the water. Sweep the surrounding area, trim plants and trees, and consider using a small outdoor rug to trap dirt before it gets in.
Rinse Off Before Entering
Encourage everyone to rinse off before using the hot tub. This practice reduces the introduction of body oils, lotions, and dirt into the water. Provide a quick rinse station near the hot tub for convenience.
Regularly Check for Debris
Check the hot tub for leaves, insects, and other debris before each use. Use a skimmer net to remove any floating debris. Regularly empty and clean the hot tub skimmer basket to ensure efficient water circulation.
Use Enzymes and Clarifiers
Enzymes help break down organic matter, while clarifiers improve water clarity by clumping small particles together so they can be filtered out. Add these products as part of your regular maintenance routine to keep the water clean and clear.
By following these ten tips, you can maintain a clean and inviting hot tub. Regular maintenance not only enhances your hot tub experience but also prolongs the life of your investment. Make these practices a habit, and enjoy a sparkling clean hot tub year-round.
Do you have any additional tips for keeping a hot tub clean? Please share them in the comments below! Remember to subscribe to our blog for more helpful maintenance advice and tips.
