Learning how to keep a hot tub clean can seem a bit intimidating at first, but it’s actually amazingly simple. Take the process one step at a time and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Plus, remember that when it’s all over, you’ll be able to jump in your new hot tub for a relaxing soak!
How to Keep a Hot Tub Clean
Sanitize the water. Sanitizers are crucial because they kill bacteria. Try dichlor (a type of chlorine), bromine, or biguanide. These chemicals vary in their effectiveness and side effects, so you will need to research them to decide which is best for your hot tub.
Change the water and clean the filter. The water in your hot tub should be changed every 90-120 days, depending on the type of spa and how often you use it. Even highly effective sanitizers can’t transform old, dirty water into clean, safe water. Every four weeks, you will also need to clean your hot tub’s filter. Special cleaning products are available for this purpose. Additionally, you should replace your tub’s filter about once a year.
Clean the hot tub. A ring of scum can occur when the owner neglects to sanitize and replace their hot tub’s water regularly. To prevent this, you may want to purchase a scum prevention product that will reduce the build-up of oil and grease on the water’s surface. If your hot tub already has a ring of scum, scrub it off with a multi-purpose spa cleaner and a gentle cleaning pad.
Monitor the spa and check its chemistry. Every few days, take a look at the spa and test the water. Is the pH between 7.2 and 7.8? Is the amount of bromine or chlorine between 1 and 5ppm? Is the calcium hardness between 125 and 400ppm? Is the total alkalinity between 120 and 180ppm? If the water isn’t chemically healthy, use the proper chemicals to adjust the water’s chemistry. Start with the pH/alkalinity then adjust the Chlorine/Bromine levels. Once those as achieved you can adjust the above questions.
Consider additional purification products. Although these products can’t replace a sanitizer like chlorine or bromine, they can help your hot tub stay clear and clean. Enzymes can help you minimize your use of chemicals while maximizing their effect. Ozone can supplement your chlorine or bromine, boosting the performance of the chemicals. Ionizers kill organic substances in water, but again, they must be used in combination with sanitizers if you want a throughly clean hot tub. Finally, shock oxidizers starve bacteria, kill organic matter, reduce the water’s cloudiness, and help clear the hot tub’s system.
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You don’t need a degree in chemistry to learn how to keep a hot tub clean. With some easy-to-find products, a regular cleaning routine, and a bit of elbow grease, you can keep your hot tub bacteria-free and ready for relaxation. **We can do weekly services on your spa as well.
Are you ready to take the plunge and purchase a new hot tub? If you live in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact the top pool builder in the area: Fishel Pools. We’ve partnered with Aspen Spas (of St. Louis, Missouri) to provide you with a wide range of hot tubs that you can personalize to suit your needs. To check out your options, stop by our showroom at 1856 S Stewart Ave., and for more information, please give us a call at 417-886-6699 or email us at fishelpools@fishelpools.com. We look forward to hearing from you!