Hot tub maintenance doesn't require you to become a rocket scientist. Whether you call it a portable spa, just a spa, a hot tub, or even a Jacuzzi (a brand name), maintaining your hot tub is easier than you think. Simple water chemistry & a regular maintenance date on your calendar will keep your spa and sanity in check.
What kind of maintenance is required for a hot tub?
Hot tub maintenance is a large part of owning a spa. Keeping your spa in tip-top shape to relax and destress after a long day requires a regular hot tub maintenance routine. In this article, we'll discuss hot tub maintenance to get the most out of spa ownership. Read on to learn more about hot tub maintenance!
TIPS: Before you start, here are a few tips:
- Know the make & model of your hot tub
- Confirm your spa's water capacity
- Did you purchase your hot tub new?
- How old is your spa?
- Do you have any specific water challenges, such as hard or soft water?
Having these specs handy will make ordering hot tub chemicals & supplies easier.
TIPS: Did you know that something as simple as adding a tennis ball to your spa's water will absorb residue from your natural body oils, hair products, etc.
(SOURCE: https://protectachild.com/learning/swimming-pool-tips/know-pool-hacks/)
Do Spas require a lot of hot tub maintenance?
Not if you keep a regular schedule, get out those calendars & set yourself up for success. Hot tub maintenance is required for spa ownership, but it's not as much as you might think. In fact, with a few simple steps, you can keep your outdoor jacuzzi running smoothly, safely, and an enjoyable place for years to come.
While hot tub maintenance can vary depending on the model, most spas should be checked regularly for the following:
- Water level
- pH balance
- Chemical levels
In addition, you should clean your hot tub cover regularly and have the filter replaced or cleaned often.
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How often should Hot Tub maintenance be performed?
Hot tubs are a great way to relax and enjoy some downtime; regular spa maintenance will keep it running smoothly.
Mark your calendars; below is a brief overview of how often you should perform hot tub maintenance:
- EVERY FEW DAYS: Check the water level.
- WEEKLY: Wipe down the spa's shell and jets with white vinegar (not wine vinegar).
- EVERY TWO (2) WEEKS: Add chemicals like chlorine and pH balancers unless you're using the FROG® @ease® sanitizing system that delivers silky soft water with no chemical mixing, up to 75% less chlorine, fewer odors, and even better… it's SELF-REGULATING. When you need to do something, it just flips over.
- MONTHLY: Clean the filter.
- EVERY 3-4 MONTHS: Drain and clean your hot tub.
- EVERY 6 MONTHS: Clean the spa's cover.
- YEARLY: Inspect the pump and motor at least once a year.
Stick to this schedule to ensure your hot tub remains in top working condition and is always safe for use.
Spend less time on Hot Tub Maintenance with a FROG® @ease® Spa Sanitizing System.
Click here to Buy a FROG® Spa System today!
READ MORE: The Ultimate FROG® @ease® Fresh Mineral Water System guide.
Checking a Spa's Water Level
To check the water level, locate the skimmer box or access panel on the side of your hot tub. Open it up and see a line indicating the correct water level.
It's essential to check the water level in your hot tub regularly. If the water gets too low, it can damage the pump and heating elements. If the water is lower than this line, add more water until it reaches the correct level. Make sure to use clean, fresh water when refilling your jacuzzi.
TIPS: Bugs bugging you? Put some dryer sheets near your hot tub to repel pests like bees, the smell of a dryer sheet is better & safer than bug spray.
What Hot Tub Chemicals Do You Need?
Like a swimming pool, a big part of hot tub maintenance is maintaining the right balance of chemicals in your spa to keep it clean and safe. However, water chemistry is necessary on a much smaller scale than a swimming pool.
To make your hot tub life easier, we recommend the full line of FROG® @ease® Spa Sanitizing System line. FROG® products kill bacteria two ways with minerals and a low level of chlorine – using SmartChlor® Technology – or bromine.
Watch the FROG® video below to learn more about this innovative hot tub system.
- Use FROG® @ease® testing strips (for use with FROG® @ease® systems only) to get an accurate reading in 2 seconds. These strips also test for pH, total alkalinity, and hardness.
- For under $50, you can get a complete FROG® @ease Floating Sanitizing System and take the guesswork & excessive chlorine out of your spa maintenance.
- Consider a FROG® Filter Mate that fits into most hot tub filters (no assembly required) - The mineral sanitizer that cleans and softens hot tub water inside your filter cartridge. While adding dichlor or bromine separately, you'll need half the usual amount because FROG® minerals are active sanitizers. As a result, you kill bacteria two (2) ways – with minerals and a low level of chlorine or bromine.
- We call it Fresh Mineral Water® because it looks and feels amazing.
Shop FROG® @ease® Spa Sanitizing Product to make hot tub maintenance a breeze.
Cleaning a Hot Tub Cover
After unplugging the hot tub from its power source, remove the cover and use a soft cloth to wipe down the vinyl top surface and any metal hardware. You can also use a mild detergent if there are tough spots. Rinse off with water, then let it air-dry completely before replacing it on the hot tub.
Cleaning the hot tub cover is a must to keep it in good condition and free from dirt, debris, and other contaminants. Luckily, it takes little effort. It's also a good idea to apply a protective coating or conditioner to help keep the hot tub cover vinyl from drying out and cracking over time.
How do I Drain a Hot Tub?
When it comes to hot tub maintenance, draining your hot tub keeps a safe and sanitary environment for you and your family. You should perform this step every 3-4 months to remove water contaminants (or TDS / Total Dissolved Solids), making your spa chemicals work harder.
Steps to Drain a Hot Tub:
- Disconnect the power to the hot tub.
- Turn off the breaker that powers the hot tub.
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the hot tub.
- Place the other end of the hose into a floor drain or an area where the water can safely drain.
- Turn on the pump to begin draining the hot tub.
- Turn off the pump after all the water has been drained and disconnect the hose from the drain valve.
How do I Clean an Empty Hot Tub?
Cleaning your hot tub is an essential part of spa maintenance. Therefore, it's important to clean it regularly.
Steps to Clean an Empty Hot Tub:
- Remove any remaining water from the hot tub with a sponge or towel.
- Vacuum out any debris from the hot tub.
- Use a cleaning solution designed specifically for hot tubs and a soft cloth to clean the hot tub's interior walls, seats, and jets.
- Rinse off all surfaces with clean water.
- Dry all surfaces thoroughly with a towel or rag.
- Refill the hot tub with fresh water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Following these steps will help ensure that your hot tub is adequately drained and cleaned so that you can enjoy your spa experience without worry.
How do I clean a Hot Tub Filter?
- First, rinse the filter with a garden hose. Do this at least once a month to remove large particles that may have built up on the filter.
- Follow the instructions on the filter cleaner package.
- If the filter is very dirty or has been used for a long time, you may need to replace it with a new one.
- Once the filter is clean, reinstall it in your hot tub. Make sure it is securely attached, and turn on your spa to test it out.
Hot tub filters help keep your spa clean and sanitary by trapping dirt, debris, and bacteria before entering the hot tub.
