Did you know that Hot Tubs Require Maintenance?

By: Sean Struckmeyer | Tech Inspect Home Services

Hot tubs are interesting vessels and have a lot of components that are not readily visible. The shells and layouts come in a multitude of designs. They are made from a mixture of fiberglass shells, wooden frames and lots of pipes and insulation. All that said, they do have some common components, such as the filtration system, heater, jet pumps and circulation pumps. Depending on the size of the vessel, it may have multiple components.

For continued enjoyment and long-term use of a hot tub, regular maintenance is key.

In this article, we’re going to discuss some basics of Hot Tub maintenance that every hot tub owner or home owner should know about.

A regular hot tub maintenance schedule should include daily circulation, weekly testing and balancing of water, monthly filter cleanings, and draining and refilling every three to four months. Additionally, inspect and clean the hot tub cover periodically and expect to replace it much sooner than the rest of the hot tub (more about this below).

Daily Hot Tub Maintenance:

Circulate the Water: Running the circulation pump for at least an hour daily helps prevent bacteria buildup and maintains water quality.

Note: In the winter it may be advisable to circulate the water continuously (24 hours per day) to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during freezing conditions. The manufacturer owners manual or dealer should be consulted for winterization and procedures. If you are going to be out of town for an extended period during the winter, it may be advisable to drain the hot tub completely before leaving. If the power did go out, you don’t’ have to worry about the hot tub freezing.

Check the Water Level: Ensure the water level is sufficient to cover the skimmer basket and allow for effective skimming of debris.

Weekly Hot Tub Maintenance:

Test and balance water: Use test strips to monitor pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Adjust as needed with appropriate chemicals.

• PH Levels should be between 7.2 and 7.8
• Alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million)

 

Clean filters: Rinse filters with a garden hose or filter cleaner to remove debris and build up.

Add sanitizer: Maintain adequate sanitizer levels (chlorine or bromine) to disinfect the water.

Shock the tub: Use a shock treatment to disinfect the water and eliminate chloramines.

Monthly Hot Tub Maintenance:

Deep Clean the filters: Soak filters in a chemical cleaner solution to remove mineral and chemical deposits.

Check and clean the hot tub cover: Ensure the cover is clean and free of mildew or mold.

Seasonal Hot Tub Care:

In the spring, summer and fall, there’s not much beyond normal maintenance that you need to do. In the winter however, you should consider a couple of things. 1) Read your Manual, are there any specific maintenance items required during the winter? 2) You may need to change your filter settings to run 24 hrs / day or continuously. Per my owners manual, I run the filters 24 hours a day during the winter, this keeps the water circulating constantly to ensure the pipes down freeze. (I have 2 filters, so I set each for a 12 hour run). 3) If you are leaving for an extended period of time during the winter, it might be a good idea to drain it incase the power goes out, you don’t have to worry about the water freezing and causing a crack or burst pipe.

Through the Year Hot Tub Maintenance Schedule

Every 3 Months:

Drain and refill the tub: Replace the water with fresh water to remove accumulated total dissolved solids (TDS) and contaminants. This schedule may need to be shorter depending on overall usage. A hot tub should never go more than 3 months without being drained and refilled.

We at Tech Inspect recommend a product called “Oh Yuck!” To help clean the hot tub. This product is put into the water and allowed to circulate prior draining with the purpose of removing contamination from the piping. Tech Inspect Home Services LLC, has no affiliation with this product or company. The suggestion comes from personal experience only, results may vary, and all manufacturer directions should be followed.

Clean the hot tub shell and interior: Use a spa cleaner to remove buildup and grime, depending on manufacturer suggestions, waxing the shell of the hot tub at this point may be recommended to protect the finish.

Inspect and clean the plumbing: Ensure all pipes and jets are clear of debris.

Test the GFCI: Testing the GFCI, ensures that it is functioning properly. Remember, water and electricity do not mix and the GFCI is the safety device helping protect YOU and the Hot Tub’s equipment.

Annual Hot Tub Maintenance:

Consider a professional service: Have your hot tub inspected and serviced by a professional to check components and ensure everything is in good working order.

Replace filters: Replace filters annually, or more frequently if they are heavily used or soiled.

If your handy, and able to fix things yourself, we’ve ordered parts and gotten advice from https://hottubpartsofamerica.com/ when we had to replace a circulation pump. They also have a good youtube channel that discusses how things work.

Hot Tub Covers:

Hot tub covers typically have a lifespan of 4-7 years, but this can vary based on factors like usage, weather, and maintenance. Proper care and maintenance can help extend their life.

Factors Affecting Hot Tub Cover Service Life:

UV Exposure: Sunlight can degrade the cover’s material.

Debris: Tree branches, ice, and other debris can cause damage.

Weather: Extreme temperatures and weather conditions can shorten the lifespan.

Usage: How frequently the hot tub is used impacts the cover’s wear and tear.

Maintenance: Regular cleaning and care can help prevent premature wear.

Signs It’s Time to Replace the Hot Tub Cover:

Waterlogging: A waterlogged cover indicates the foam insulation has been compromised.

Visible Damage: Cracks, tears, fading, or sagging can indicate damage.

Deterioration: Changes in shape, texture, or material can signal a need for replacement.

Reduced Insulating Properties: The cover may no longer effectively retain heat.

Tips for Extending Life:

Clean Regularly: Clean the exterior with mild soap and water.

Use a Vinyl Protectant: Applying a protectant can shield the cover from UV damage.

Remove Debris: Regularly clear debris from the cover to prevent damage.

Store Properly: Store the cover properly when not in use to minimize exposure to elements.

Conclusion:

If a hot tub is properly maintained it should provide years of enjoyment for you and your family.

Lastly, Don’t forget to enjoy your Hot Tub!

Are you buying a home with a hot tub installed? If so, have us inspect by ordering a pool and spa inspection. Book Here!