The Comprehensive Guide To Doing Hot Tub Maintenance Like A Pro

Hot tubs can be one of the greatest things in your home. So calming and relaxing – but with it brings a huge responsibility.

Hot tubs need proper maintenance to ensure a long life and to prevent you from getting nasty rashes or sickness! We’re gonna give you an extensive guide to hot tub maintenance. Everything you need to know about daily care and safety. Let’s dive right in! 

The Importance Of A Schedule 

This is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of your hot tub maintenance. Having a proper schedule gives you the peace of mind that your hot tub is properly looked after, even if you have a portable or inflatable hot tub. So, where do we start? 

Much like a cleaning schedule or car schedule, some things need to be completed daily, weekly, monthly and some things are every few months. 

Starting With Daily Checks

You’ll first need to allocate someone (or opt to do everything yourself!) to ensure the sanitizer of the hot tub is being kept to the right level.

It is essential to keep this up so the hygienic standard of your tub does not slip to unmanageable levels. Speaking of hygiene, it’s essential to scoop out anything that is in or on the water.

Some things can sneak underneath your cover (what that is will depend on your tub’s location of course.) 

Next on your daily check, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the temperature. Is it too cold? Should it be? Keeping tabs on this will give you a picture of whether there is a serious issue with the system or not. 

Onto The Weekly Checks

You’re gonna need to test the Ph levels along with the alkalinity (don’t worry if you’re unsure how, we’ll get there!) You’re next going to need to clean the filters.

Trust in the knowledge that a weekly clean of the filters will hugely benefit the life expectancy of the hot tub. 

Some hot tub owners ignore or forget about the outside of the tub. Would you leave your car dirty? No? Same applies here.

Giving your hot tub a clean outside as well as maintaining the inside will assist in preventing a build up of mold.

Now, The Monthly Checks

If you’ve neglected or forgotten anything in the previous few weeks – that’s your first priority.

Next, it is important to inspect your jets. If they’re not operating as they should be, you’ll need to get that fixed (but again, we’ll get to that!) 

Finally, it’s the least required checks – but ensure you do these at least every 4 months.

Fully clean the tub. That means inside and out. The full works! Empty the water out of the tub.

After you’ve done that, you can inspect the inside for any problems, check the jets and clean or replace the filters. You’ll then be ready to fill the tub back up! 

There’s your recommended hot tub maintenance schedule – but now it’s time to understand what all this means and how to execute it all properly!

Cleaning Your Hot Tub 

It’s all fine and dandy saying clean the tub – but how should I do that?

Well, first things first, if you’ve just bought a hot tub – you should clean it (as you would clean things in your home with bleach for example) before using it.

This will ensure anything from the manufacturer that may still be in it (dust etc.) is properly removed and sanitized.

This can be done by firstly checking the manual – many hot tubs differ and require alternative cleaning products or methods. You can use a plumbing cleaner which should remove all the horrible residue left behind.

It is then best to add chlorine to your tub – normally you’re looking for about 2 and a half ounces for every hundred gallons of water.

Leave this for around 60 minutes (make sure you don’t have unsupervised children or animals around for safety reasons.) 

Now, checking the manual to ensure the best way – it is time to drain the water. This could take some time (around 30-50 minutes.) 

Cleaning The Filters

Take out the filters and wash them down. It’s a good idea to use a hose (if you have one in your yard.)

You can use a normal tap, but something with a strong pressure is better. You must inspect the filters after doing this to ensure there is no debris or dirt left over. 

After you’ve confirmed this – you should use a filter cleaner. You can find this at most spa retail stores. This will properly sanitize the filters of anything bad that you might not be able to see.

Leave this after it has been cleaned for around 15 minutes and then put the freshly cleaned filters back in the tub.

You can now re-fill your tub with brand new water. If you can, try and use purified water.

This can severely reduce the severity of cleaning required as impure water can react with other chemicals (among other things) and become grey/green/murky.

If this does happen, don’t panic. Just repeat the cleaning process and try using softer or purer water. Finally, remember to add your manual’s required chemicals.

This is a process that is required often (with chlorine/bromine) called shock treatment. 

Checking the Ph 

You’re looking for around the 7 mark. Ideally, between 7.2 – 7.8. Some tubs come with a Ph reader – if yours doesn’t, you can pick one up at most spa stores or online. 

Checking The Jets 

With proper maintenance and cleaning, the jets should be okay – but it’s essential to keep checking them. If for any reason, one or more has stopped working – it is important to find out what that is from a professional. Anything from an air-lock, electric fault or a simple error by the user! Cleaning them on occasion and changing the water will help prevent a build up of mold inside your hot tubs jets as well.

The Most Important Things To Remember 

• Keep the levels of the water under control
• Ensure it is covered and safely stored from children and pets
• Use recommended products for hot tub care 
• Keep to your maintenance schedule! 
• Proper cleaning will prolong your tub’s life