The key to healthy, clear spa water is plenty of filtration. It’s also vital to keep your filters clean, especially after sanitizing.
Use test strips to maintain proper chemical levels. Depending on how often and how many people use your hot tub, you might need to adjust the chlorine or bromine levels.
- Change the Filters Regularly
Your hot tub’s filtration system is the most important tool for keeping water clean. The longer your filter goes without cleaning, the less efficient it becomes and the more likely you’ll be soaking in filthy water. Make sure to mark your calendar, set a reminder, or do whatever you need to do to keep those filters clean!
A spa filter cleaner should clean a quality pleated cartridge every 3-6 weeks. Having a spare filter on hand will also help to ensure you never go too long without a replacement. Start by turning off the power to your spa and removing the Simplicity Filter holder from the jet pod. Grasp the handle, pull it toward you and up to remove it from the housing. Once you’ve removed the filter, place it on a flat surface where it will not be disturbed and clean it using spa filter cleaner or plain distilled vinegar. Be sure to soak your filters for at least 12 hours to thoroughly clean them.
Other things you’ll need to do regularly include testing the water chemistry, balancing the pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness, and sanitizing the water with an approved chemical. A do-it-yourself water testing kit can be purchased from many online and in-store spa supply retailers and is simple to use and will give you an on-the-spot evaluation of your spa’s water. Once you know your results, you’ll have an idea of which chemicals need to be added to the water and how much.
Adding a water conditioner like Vanishing Act helps reduce the harshness of your spa water, while a stabilizer will keep it balanced and prevent the loss of important minerals that contribute to water hardness. You’ll also want to add a scale and stain control product, such as Stain and Scale Defense, to protect your spa surfaces from the damaging effects of hard water. By following these simple spa maintenance tips you’ll enjoy clean, sparkling water all season long!
- Keep the Water Clean
Aside from changing filters, keeping the water clean is one of the most important factors for extending the life of your spa cover. This is because debris that floats back into your hot tub can damage the materials of the cover, especially if it becomes stained or odorous over time. This can lead to premature degradation that will require the replacement of the cover and can also affect the efficiency of your hot tub.
Oftentimes, this happens because of low-quality filters that aren’t properly installed or maintained. The water can become contaminated and require frequent refilling, which is expensive and also causes premature chemical damage to your cover.
In addition to maintaining proper filtering, ensuring that you have the right amount of sanitizer in the water is key. Too little sanitizer can leave your skin and eyes feeling irritated and cause water to smell unpleasant, while too much sanitizer will cause your chemical levels to rise quickly and can corrode the material of your cover.
To make sure that you have the correct amount of sanitizer in the spa, you’ll want to regularly check your water’s chemical levels. You can do this by using a test strip or water chemistry kit that is available online or at most spa and pool supply retailers. These kits include a plastic device that you dip into your spa water and then wait for the color reaction to develop. You can then compare the colors to the chart on the bottle of your sanitizer or chemical and determine what level to keep it at.
Showering before getting into the spa is another way that you can keep your water cleaner for longer. This will help wash away any excess oils or sweat that might get into the water and rinse soap residue from your swimsuit.
You can also extend the life of your spa cover by making sure that you always use the handles to open and close it rather than pulling or jerking on the straps. These actions can cause the straps to rip and tear, allowing moisture or dirt to get into the spa, leading to mold and bacteria growth and premature cover wear.
- Take Care of the Cover
The cover is one of the most important pieces of your hot tub or all-season pool. It keeps out leaves, bugs, tumbleweeds, and other debris while ensuring that water is always warm and ready for use. Keeping the cover in good shape is essential to your spa’s overall health and longevity.
If your cover is not clean, mildew can form in the crevices where water collects. This smells unpleasant and can cause permanent damage to the vinyl if left untreated. The best way to prevent mildew is to keep the water and cover clean and to use a product designed to protect vinyl, such as 303 Aerospace Protectant.
You can also use a product such as vegetable oil to remove stubborn spots and stains from the cover. Be sure to rinse the cover with cool water before using any products and to let it dry completely.
Leaving items on your spa’s cover can also cause it to degrade quickly, so be sure to remove anything, such as towels, floats, or bathing suits, before you close the lid. It’s also a good idea to fence your spa or install a gate to keep pets and children from getting too near the cover since this can be hazardous.
A dirty or damaged spa cover can cause a host of problems, from water and heat loss to premature chemical damage. It’s important to regularly check it for damage and wear, such as zippers that may need replacing or foam cores starting to break down. It’s also a good idea not to leave the cover on the ground for extended periods of time, especially if you live in an area with high winds. Instead, you can invest in a cover lifter to make it easy to get the cover back on and minimize the amount of time the cover spends on the ground.
When you do take the cover off, be sure to brush it off with a soft-bristled push broom and sweep away any leaves or debris that have been collected. It’s also a good idea once a year to put the cover in the sun fully unzipped and flat to give it a “sunbath” that will help it dry out and zap any waterlogging.
- Maintain the Heat
As any homeowner will tell you, consistent maintenance is key to a structure’s longevity. A spa is no different. A small amount of effort can extend the life and improve the performance of your hot tub.
The best way to ensure that your hot tub is working properly and efficiently is to have the water chemistry professionally tested on a regular basis. A balanced PH between 7.2 and 7.6 is essential to spa water health. Water that is not in this range will cause corrosion of the metal equipment and can be harmful to your skin. It is also necessary to test and adjust the levels of sanitizers to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.
It’s also important to check the temperature weekly and ensure that your hot tub is set at the optimal setting. A hot tub that is too cold will make the jets work harder and use more energy than they should, while a hot tub that is too warm will lead to chemical imbalances and potentially damaging scales.
Regularly cleaning your hot tub inside and out will keep it looking pristine and feeling like new. It is a good idea to purchase a spa vacuum that can help you remove any debris that may be clogging the filter or causing other problems. A spa sponge that floats on the water’s surface will also help absorb any oils and body products that could end up in your spa.
Keeping your cover clean is also critical to maintaining the integrity of your spa and extending its life. A clean, well-fitting cover keeps heat, chemicals, water, dirt, bugs, and mildew out. Regularly scrubbing the surface of your cover and airing it in the sun to kill mildew will protect the material from damage.
Lastly, having any repairs performed by a professional is very important. A skilled repairperson will be able to diagnose and fix problems before they become larger issues. In many cases, DIY repairs can actually worsen the problem and void your warranty.