When considering hot tub ownership, you may have concerns about the work that goes into spa maintenance. And rightfully so. If your aim is to add a source of relaxation, rejuvenation, and peace into your life, the last thing you need is a product that involves a lot of labor in order to use it.
While maintaining a hot tub can seem like a daunting task, most hot tub owners will be the first to tell you it’s really not as hard as they thought it would be. Assuming you purchase a high quality spa and follow a simple spa care schedule, the myth is debunked and hot tub maintenance becomes as routine as washing your car.
In this comprehensive guide to hot tub maintenance, we’ll cover everything you need to know about maintaining a hot tub. First, we’ll look at product features affecting maintenance that can save you time and money, then we’ll cover water care basics followed by step-by-step spa care and maintenance best practices.
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Hot Tub Ozone Systems
These days, quality hot tub manufacturers typically build several maintenance-reducing features into their products. The first and perhaps most impactful feature you’ll want to be aware of is the ozonator or ozone generator.
Ozone acts as a natural sanitizer, reducing the amount of chlorine and bromine needed to clean the spa’s water. When an ozonator is built into your hot tub’s plumbing design, it breaks down oxygen molecules into single atoms that recombine to form ozone, which in turn purifies the water flowing through the unit. The use of an effective ozonator is reported to reduce chemical sanitizer dependence by up to 60-90%.
Hot Tub Filters
Industry suppliers are also upping their game when it comes to hot tub filter performance. These filters work like the air filter in your car: water passes through the spa filter’s fibrous fabric, trapping particles and contaminants that affect water clarity. Over time, the filter accumulates too much dirt and debris, causing it to clog and become ineffective.
In addition to materials, product design also plays a role in filter performance and ease of use. Coreless filters, those that have a removable cage, extend the life of a filter while making it easier to remove dirt and debris caught in the filter fibers. When the filter has no core, you can easily spray with a hose from within when cleaning, so contaminants are directed straight out of the cartridge rather than across the filter’s entire diameter. The cage is a one-time purchase, so the cost of these coreless filters is also kept at a minimum.
Hot Tub Connectivity
One other hot tub feature that improves ease of use is wireless connectivity, or remote operational control, built into the hot tub’s operating system. By connecting over the internet, you can access ozonator and filtration settings in addition to heating and jet function, adjusting as necessary. Quality spa brands build wifi capabilities into the control panel, so connecting via smartphone or other device is instant using a downloadable app.
Suppliers are also producing monitors that float in the hot tub while providing real-time information about the water balance. These products monitor, notify, and give next step instructions to ensure your water stays clean and clear between every use.
How to Maintain Your Hot Tub Water
When it comes to water maintenance, two main characteristics need to be monitored in order to ensure balance: pH and alkalinity. pH is the measure of acid in the water and alkalinity is the water’s ability to neutralize acid. If these measurements get too out of whack, the hot tub performance and longevity may deteriorate over time. Regulating chemicals used to manage these characteristics include an alkalinity increaser, a pH increaser, and a pH decreaser.
What does it take to keep your water clean? The amount of chemicals used to maintain your spa water has to do with your hot tub features as well as the frequency of hot tub use and number of average users per use. If your spa has an ozone system, the degree to which you need to use sanitizers is lessened. These systems generate and introduce ozone into the spa water that works to effectively break down contaminants, leaving cleaner water and less dependence on sanitizers.
We should also mention the difference between “zapping” the bad stuff with regular sanitizing efforts and “shocking” the impurities out altogether. The difference here is simple: Lower concentrated chlorine and bromine sanitizers are typically used for zapping, while higher concentrated treatment is used for shocking. It’s good to shock your tub when usage is high and/or the water starts to appear cloudy.
Perhaps the most straightforward way to protect your water from contaminants is to make sure the hot tub remains covered when not in use. Look for premium insulating and protective hot tub covers as these not only keep leaves and dirt out, but also shade your hot tub, preserving the life of your spa.
How to Change Your Hot Tub Water
Even when you keep up with water care, it’s still good to change your spa water periodically. Manufacturers typically recommend draining and refilling water every one to four months, depending on usage and visible water conditions.
Before you begin, you’ll want to find the right place for the drained water to go. This should be an area in the yard that can handle a large quantity of water, without the risk of landing in a basement, or worse yet, a neighbor’s yard. It’s also a good idea to test the water first to make sure it won’t kill your grass or vegetation. As long as the sanitizer level is less than 0.5 PPM, you should be okay.
Once you’re ready, these are the steps to changing out your hot tub water:
- Turn off the power at the breaker.
- Locate the drain, which is usually located near the base of one of the exterior cabinet sides.
- Pull the drain out (usually with a slight clockwise turn), then remove the drain cap.
- Attach a standard garden hose to the drain spout to activate the drain.
- Once completely drained, pull the drain spout all the way out, remove the hose, replace the drain cap, and push the drain back into the spa.
How to Clean Your Hot Tub: Inside & Out
Over time, residue from oils, lotions, and other personal care products may cause buildup along the surfaces of your hot tub. In order to prevent buildup below the water line, you’ll want to do an occasional wipe down of your hot tub. The ideal time to clean your tub surfaces, particularly the interior shell, is when the water is drained.
It’s important to note that certain substances should never be used on your hot tub’s shell since they could harm the surface and even void the warranty. Examples include alcohol, acetone, nail polish, lacquer thinners, gasoline, pine oil, and other abrasive cleaners.
The exterior cabinets of your spa are commonly prone to collecting dirt and dust left by blowing wind and weather conditions. These outer surfaces can easily be cleaned at any time with a damp cloth and mild detergent. You can also use a hose and spray attachment for a stronger wash. An UV protectant may also be applied after cleaning. Because hot tub exterior materials vary from one manufacturer to the other, it’s always recommended to check your owner’s manual or ask your local dealer.
How to Maintain Your Hot Tub Cover
Covers usually come with either vinyl or fabric surfaces. For vinyl, loose dirt can be sprayed away with a garden hose. Then, you can wipe the surface down with a soft brush or sponge and mild dish soap using a circular motion. (While BBQ lighter fluid has been known to help remove tough tree sap, it’s a good rule to avoid petroleum-based cleaning agents on your cover as they can cause damage.) Spray to rinse again, then dry and apply a vinyl conditioner like saddle soap for added protection.
Aside from wiping dirt and debris away, fabric covers can be cared for on a spot-treatment basis as needed. When a stain appears, a soft brush with dish detergent or gentle laundry detergent can do the trick. Fabric covers should always air dry.
If a rip or tear occurs, it’s best to check the cover’s manufacturer for recommendations before attempting a DIY fix. They may have repair patches and kits available that work uniquely on their own products.
How to Clean Your Hot Tub Filters
Filters are the ultimate dirt and debris collectors of the hot tub. They can and should be cleaned regularly just as you would the lint filter in your dryer or air filter in your car.
Depending on frequency and volume of use, filters should be cleaned every 3 to 6 weeks. Doing so will not only keep your water clean, but will prolong the use of your spa and save you unnecessary filter replacement costs in the meantime. With regular cleaning, filters can last up to 1 to 2 years.
Here are the basic steps to cleaning a hot tub filter:
- Using the control pad, put spa in “hold” mode.
- Remove the filter cap, filter plate, and filter cartridges.
- Spray the filtration material with a high-pressure hose, working from top to bottom. Do NOT use a brush on the fibrous material as it could cause damage and affect the filter’s effectiveness.
To go for a deeper clean, you can also soak the filter in a filter cleaning agent supplied by your local dealer. There are a number of DIY online sources that suggest various methods for cleaning filters including the dishwasher method, but these are not recommended by the filter manufacturers. It should be assumed that any home product or DIY solution may end up harming the filter or your hot tub.
How to Clean Your Hot Tub Pillows
Spa pillows can be prone to discoloration if exposed high sanitizing levels. To minimize discoloration risk, it’s best to take pillows off when shocking your hot tub’s water and leave the cover open for at least 30 minutes afterwards.
Hot Tub Seasonal Care
Soaking in your hot tub is a year-round activity you can enjoy no matter what climate you live in. For some owners, circumstances warrant more seasonal use. So what does maintenance look like from one season to the next? Let’s take a look at some helpful tips specifically related to winter and summer hot tub care.
You may have heard about winterizing your spa. This is not something you have to do if you’re using the hot tub throughout the winter months. But if the spa isn’t going to be used for over 6 weeks, winterizing it is the best way to ensure it will stay in good operating condition when the time comes to use it again.
Winterizing involves draining the spa, using a shop vac to remove the remaining water from the hot tub plumbing lines, and clearing out the pumps. During this process, it’s critical to remove all water including that from the jets, air blower, filters, and the tub itself.
When seasonal issues arise, it’s a good reminder that annual service inspections ensure everything in your spa is working as it should, preventing potential problems from developing down the road.
Why Your Hot Tub Needs Annual Service
We don’t think twice about going to the doctor for an annual checkup, the dentist for an annual cleaning, or the dealership for an annual car tune-up. Making a service appointment for an annual “well-check” on your spa works much the same way. Prevention goes a long way in prolonging the life and health of a spa. And a certified hot tub technician is trained to ensure all is working as it should be.
In addition to addressing water quality and imbalance issues, the inspection will involve a thorough look through hardware, wiring, and components within the spa. The idea here is not to find unnecessary updates or upgrades that add expense, but to correct smaller issues that ultimately protect against larger problems and more expensive repairs down the road, especially when it involves safety.
To find a service technician, your local spa dealer is a good place to start. It’s ideal that your tech has a working knowledge not just with hot tubs, but with the manufacturer of the hot tub being serviced. They’ll be able to address any technical questions you have about your spa. Plus, they’ll be familiar with your hot tub’s standard warranty coverage as well as any recent notifications the manufacturer has put out that may affect your hot tub’s overall health.
Making a Hot Tub Maintenance Schedule
As you may have noticed, hot tub maintenance steps are often required at different intervals. To help keep track of what care needs to happen when, try making a maintenance schedule broken down by the varying time periods. Here’s a start:
Hot Tub Maintenance Schedule Apps
Hot Tub Maintenance Costs
As you’d guess, the cost of maintenance supplies depends on hot tub usage, both in terms of frequency and volume. So the totals can vary throughout the year and from one owner to another. Based on industry averages, here are some rough estimates of what it may cost to maintain a hot tub’s health:
- High Use: $40 per month
- Average Use: $30 per month
- Low Use: $20 per month
Where to Get Hot Tub Maintenance Supplies
The best source for hot tub supplies will always be your local spa dealer since they will be able to offer expert advice given local climate and conditions. If distance is an issue, another source would be online at Bullfrog Spas’ online accessories shop which specializes in hot tub supplies e-commerce.
We’ve all heard that phrase “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This applies just as well to hot tubs and spa ownership. Simple maintenance practices come at minimal expense. The bottom line is that your long-term sense of relief, escape, and connection is well worth it.
More Maintenance and Water Care Resources
10 Things to Do Before Getting in the Hot Tub
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A Winter Guide to Filling Your Hot Tub
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The Best Budget and Affordable Hot Tubs
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Draining, Cleaning, and Refilling your Bullfrog Spa
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Hot Tub Cover Care & Maintenance
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Cleaning & Protecting Hot Tub Headrests
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Water Care Filtration & Heating Settings
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Water Care Instructions for the FROG @ease Sanitizing System
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How to Clean, Maintain, & Replace a Hot Tub Filter
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Common Hot Tub Problems (and Solutions)
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What Makes the Best Hot Tub Ozone Generator?
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How Long Do Hot Tubs Last…and Why?
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How to Get Rid of Foam in a Hot Tub
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The Complete Guide on Hot Tub Alkalinity
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Hot Tub Maintenance Schedule
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Should You Get a Salt Water Hot Tub? 6 Salt Water Care Myths Debunked
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Do I Need to Winterize My Hot Tub?
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Easy Steps on How to Drain a Hot Tub
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4 Cloudy Hot Tub Water Problems and How to Easily Fix Them
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How to Winterize a Hot Tub
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How to Maintain a Hot Tub & Spa [Expert Hot Tub Maintenance Guide]
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Summer Maintenance Tips for Spa Owners: How to Keep Your Spa from Overheating
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Winter Weather Maintenance Tips for the Hot Tub Owner
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Hot Tub & Spa Chemicals: The Ultimate Water Care Guide
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Infographic: How to Clean Your Hot Tub in Under 30 Minutes
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How to Clean a Hot Tub [Expert Guide]
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Easy Ways To Maintain A Hot Tub And Keep It Like New
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4 Quick Tips for Easy Hot Tub Maintenance
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