Are Hot Tubs Hard To Maintain? Spa & Hot Tub Maintenance Guide

If you’re thinking about getting a hot tub, I bet you’ve been wondering, “Are hot tubs hard to maintain?” The simple answer is no.

So, just keep on reading to see why you should totally go for it.

Reasons Why It’s Hard to Maintain a Hot Tub

Owning a hot tub isn’t hard, but cleaning and regular maintenance can be tiring. Here’s a list of things to keep in mind before buying one.

  1. It demands significant time
  2. Regular use of cleaning supplies
  3. Requires proper drainage area
  4. Frequent water quality checks.
  5. Neglecting it could cause skin rashes, sickness, and breathing problems if you mess up the pH levels.

But don’t worry! This guide to hot tub maintenance will teach you the basics of hot tub water care.

3 Essential Hot Tub Maintenance Rules

Hot tub owners usually forget the importance of keeping the water clean, but how can they do so? Let’s uncover some secrets of maintaining a hot tub.

Rule #1: Maintaining Your Hot Tub Water Chemistry

Water chemistry involves spa chemical balance in water and it’s the most important factor in eliminating water quality issues.

Hot Tub pH and Alkalinity Level

The pH level can’t be below 7 and above 7.6 or 7.8 on the pH scale. If it is above 7.6, it can lead to cloudy water.

To increase the hot tub’s alkalinity, add sodium bicarbonate and decrease it by adding sodium bisulfate.

Testing Spa Water

Spa Water Testing Kit

Test the water every week, either with a liquid test kit or test strips.

Adding Sanitizer to Your Hot Tub

Bromine or chlorine are used as sanitizers. To keep your spa contaminants-free, maintain a sanitizer level of bromine up to 2.0-4.0 ppm and chlorine up to 1.0-3.0 ppm.

Rule #2: Commit To Basic Spa Cleaning Schedule

Maintenance routine can save the hassle of changing the water once every other day.

Cleaning Hot Tub Filter

Maintaining the filter help keep your water balanced. So, regularly clean your hot tub filter to ensure the spa’s water remains clean and clear.

Drain and Clean

Refilling the spa with fresh water and deep cleaning allows hot tub jets to work effectively. 

Rule #3: Maintain Hot Tub Circulation

When maintaining a hot tub, it is crucial to keep your hot tub circulation system functioning properly. Run your spa at least once a day for 15-20 mins to let the water pass through the filter.

Follow This Hot Tub Maintenance Schedule

Taking care of your hot tub means taking care of the spa cover, the tub shell, and the hot tub cabinets. Let’s review this section to determine when it’s time to clean your spa.

Covered Hot Tub placed outside as hot tubs are hard to maintain

Daily Maintenance 

  1. Make sure the covers are clean before putting them.
  2. Check the temperature and run your jets daily.

Weekly Maintenance

  1. Check pH and alkalinity levels.
  2. Add chemicals needed to keep the water clean.

Monthly Maintenance

  1. Get your spa checked by a professional.
  2. Clean the filters vigorously.

Yearly Maintenance

  1. Flush spa lines to remove bacteria.
  2. Replace any part that needs care.

Here Are Some Tips For Better Water Care!

Whether you have a new hot tub or a regular hot tub, following these hot tub cleaning tips will help you maintain its longevity.

  • Clean your hot tub after each use, especially if you have hard water.
  • Always keep your hot tub cover on when not in use to prevent debris.
  • Regularly change the water before using your spa.
  • Minimize the amount of hot tub maintenance and water care required by testing the water regularly.

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