Routine hot tub care and maintenance are essential for ensuring a hygienic soak every time you want to take a dip. Neglecting your spa maintenance responsibilities can lead to cloudy water, damage to equipment, and health issues if the water becomes contaminated. By following a regular cleaning regimen and keeping chemicals balanced, however, you can avoid unwanted hot tub problems.
This article will teach you the fundamentals of hot tub maintenance in easy-to-understand terms. Consider it your beginner’s guide to keeping your spa sparkling all year long. We’ll cover the three pillars of proper hot tub care, walk through chemical testing and balancing procedures, provide handy cleaning tips, and troubleshoot some of the most common hot tub issues do-it-yourselfers encounter.
The 3 Basic Rules of Hot Tub Maintenance
Hot tub maintenance boils down to these three essential tasks:
- Maintain good water circulation
- Follow a consistent cleaning schedule
- Keep water chemistry balanced
As long you stay on top of circulation, regular cleaning, and chemical balancing, you should avoid most major hot tub headaches. Let’s look at what each rule entails.
1. Maintain Good Water Circulation
Circulation is key for allowing sanitizers like chlorine and bromine to effectively treat your spa water. Hot tubs equipped with jet pumps constantly circulate water even when you don’t have the jets turned on full blast for soaking.
You should still run the jets on high for 10-15 minutes daily, however, to really keep things moving. This jets hot tub water through the filtration system to remove particulates.
If you notice the jets in your hot tub lack strength or don’t power on at all, contact a technician to have your pump inspected. Weak circulation can cause all kinds of hot water issues.
2. Follow a Consistent Cleaning Schedule
Just like your kitchen floors, hot tubs require regular scrubbing and disinfecting. Establish a routine for draining, cleaning, and refilling your spa to control bacteria growth.
Here’s a basic timeline to follow:
- Rinse filters weekly
- Deep clean filters monthly
- Drain and refill spa every 3 months
- Scrub hot tub surfaces monthly
- Shock treat water as needed
We’ll get into filter cleaning/replacement, draining, surface scrubbing, and shocking in more detail later on. Just know that sticking to a cleaning routine is required to prevent major hot tub problems.
3. Keep Water Chemistry Balanced
Balancing the water chemistry helps control bacteria and viruses while preventing equipment corrosion and cloudy water. Six main factors influence hot tub water balance:
- pH
- Total alkalinity (TA)
- Calcium hardness (CH)
- Temperature
- Sanitizer level
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
Testing and adjusting hot tub chemistry seems complicated but becomes second nature over time. We’ll walk through the basics of balancing chemicals later on.
Now that you know the three rules for maintaining clean, safe hot tub water let’s jump into specific care and maintenance tasks.
Water Care and Treatment
Treating and testing hot tub water is essential for balancing bacteria levels, maintaining pH, and keeping TDS in check. Four main types of chemicals are used to clean and treat hot tub water:
- Sanitizers
- Balancing chemicals
- Shock treatments
- Clarifiers
Adding these chemicals according to package instructions keeps hot tub water safe while preventing equipment damage.
Sanitizers
Sanitizers kill bacteria and viruses while suppressing algae and fungi growth. Only add hot tub sanitizer after achieving a proper water balance. Maintaining too high or low sanitizer concentration can damage your hot tub and cause bather discomfort.
Chlorine
Chlorine-based compounds effectively eliminate bacteria and organic materials through oxidation. Sodium dichlor breaks down as it infuses hot tub water with free chlorine. Always maintain 1-3 ppm free chlorine level for proper sanitation.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Fast-acting
- Easy test strips
Cons
- Higher pH can render less effective
- Strong chemical odor
- Can be harsh on skin/hair
Bromine
Bromine provides sustained bacteria and algae protection. Unlike chlorine, it remains active across a wide pH range while producing low chemical odors. Maintain 2-4 ppm bromine level depending on tub size and bather load.
Pros
- Doesn’t dissipate as quickly as chlorine
- Less prone to pH fluctuations
- Lower chemical smell
Cons
- More expensive than chlorine
- Slower bacteria killing potential
- Can still cause skin irritation
Biguanide
The non-chlorine sanitizer biguanide provides broad-spectrum contamination protection using polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). It’s less prone to deactivation from oils, sweat, urine and other contaminants.
Pros
- Low chemical odor
- Less irritating to skin
Cons
- Limited killing potential against tough bacteria like pseudomonas
- Needs occasional chlorine shock to stay effective
- More difficult to test chemical level
Ozone
While not a standalone sanitizer, ozone generators help enhance the performance of chlorine or bromine. Ozone bubbles created from O2 infuse water for reduced chemical use.
Pros
- Aids main sanitizer effectiveness
- Enhances water clarity
- Reduces chemical smells
Cons
- Won’t work without separate sanitizer
- Produces high concentrations of corrosive oxidants if unmeasured
- Health hazards from breathing near generator intake
Balancing Chemicals
After establishing a proper sanitizer regimen, balancing pH, alkalinity, hardness and total dissolved solids ensures operational efficiency and bather comfort.
pH Up & Down
Finding the pH sweet spot inhibits corrosion, extends sanitizer lifespan and allows proper calibration of TA and CH levels. Maintain pH between 7.2-7.6. Adding pH up or down per product instructions makes it easy.
Alkalinity Up & Down
Proper total alkalinity (TA) prevents large pH bounces when chemicals are added. Correct 80-150 ppm TA before adjusting other levels. If TA is high raise pH level; if TA is low lower pH.
Calcium Hardness Up & Down
Having proper calcium hardness (CH) between 150-250 ppm prevents equipment corrosion while protecting water balance. Low CH can harm tub shells. Add calcium hardness increaser to raise levels.
Stain & Scale Control
Dumping water after each use leaves behind dissolved solids that affect water quality and equipment. Stain and scale treatments prevent mineral deposits from building up as TDS rise.
Shock Treatments
Periodic shock treatments revive sanitizer effectiveness against contaminants like ammonia, sweat and oils. Potent combinations of chlorine-based chemicals supercharge purification for reduced odors and improved water clarity.
Sodium Dichlor
As the most common shock for chlorine hot tubs, sodium dichlor blasts away organic waste while revitalizing dwindling chlorine reserves. For bromine systems, sodium dichlor shock oxidizes buildup for cleaner water between scheduled draining.
Non-Chlorine Shock
Non-Chlorine shock contains potassium monopersulfate for spas using biguanide instead of chlorine/bromine. Shocking with chlorine can deactivate biguanide sanitizer. This dual-action shock eliminates contaminants while reactivating your PHMB.
MPS Oxidizer Shock
Monopersulfate (MPS) shock treatments use the oxidizing power of potassium peroxymonosulfate. The chemical-free formula breaks down particulates for crystal clear water. Use weekly or after heavy bather loads.
Clarifiers
Floppy particles and oils can evade filtration to leave hot tub water appearing hazy. Clarifiers gather these stubborn contaminants together for better filtration while aiding post-shock water restoration.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
While using the right chemicals keeps hot tubs safe and comfortable, plenty of hands-on cleaning is also required. Follow this maintenance checklist to stay on top of routine hot tub care.
Daily Tasks
- Test and adjust sanitizer/pH levels
- Remove debris/leaves with skimmer
- Run hot tub jets on high for 10-15 minutes
Weekly Tasks
- Rinse hot tub filters with garden hose
- Wipe down hot tub exterior
Monthly Tasks
- Deep clean filters with filter cleaner
- Drain and scrub hot tub shell
- Clean hot tub cover with vinyl cleaner
Quarterly Tasks
- Drain and refill hot tub
- Detail clean plumbing lines
- Service air control/check valves
Now let’s dive into step-by-step instructions for cleaning hot tub components.
Hot Tub Filters
Cartridge filters capture contaminants from water circulation to protect equipment while trapping gunk. Buildup causes flow restriction, extends heating times and foils chemical balance.
Rinsing vs. Deep Cleaning
- Rinse: Attach garden hose to filter inlet monthly. Water pressure dislodges debris.
- Deep clean: Soak filters in filter cleaner solution quarterly when rinsing fails to restore function.
Replacement
Replace filters whenever deep cleaning fails to remove grime and restore flow. For permanent mesh filters, swap torn cartridges immediately to prevent debris bypass.
Hot Tub Cover
Keeping your hot tub covered when not in use reduces heating costs while preventing contaminants from entering water. Follow this routine for cover maintenance:
Cleaning
- Remove and rinse cover monthly using non-abrasive brush and vinyl cleaner. Pay special attention to underside to prevent mold growth.
Conditioning
- Condition cover seams and surface with vinyl protector every 6 months to treat fading and keep fabric pliable.
Replacement
Inspect cover structural integrity every year or after extreme weather. Replace cover displaying sagging, torn fabric or diminished insulating capacity.
Hot Tub Shell
While shocking helps keep water clear by attacking contaminants in the water column, scrubbing the hot tub shell goes after sticky grime clinging to surfaces.
Here’s the proper technique:
- Drain hot tub
- Spray surface cleaner over shell, seats, jets
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes
- Scrub shell with nonabrasive sponge/brush
- Rinse surfaces thoroughly before refilling
Vacuuming water out with a submersible pump simplifies the draining process. Pay special attention to areas around water return fittings which tend to collect surface biofilms. Thorough scrubbing every 1-2 months keeps shells gleaming.
Cabinet Care
The exterior skirt around a hot tub takes lots of kicks, splashes and sun damage. Protecting the cabinet finish ensures your hot tub maintains a polished appearance even after years of use.
Cleaning/Conditioning
Wipe down hot tub cabinets monthly with a vinyl protectant containing UV inhibitors. Massage solution into woodgrain to enrich color while sealing out moisture. Avoid silicone/petroleum oils which trap dirt and moisture.
Superficial Damage
Use putty sticks that blend color into scrapes and knicks on vinyl or acrylic cabinet panels. Touch up small worn sections on wood panels with gel stains and high grade polyurethane.
Full Refinishing
Completely refinish hot tub skirt panels that display extensive cracking/peeling, color fading, or structural sagging. Sand affected areas completely, re-stain to original color and apply fresh marine varnish or vinyl coating.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even well-maintained hot tubs can experience periodic operational problems or water clarity issues. We’ll outline quick fixes for common hot tub troubles to get your spa back to full relaxation mode.
Operational Problems
Hot tub mechanical issues affect heating, jet operation and general functionality. Electrical malfunctions also commonly disable control panels and water features.
No Heat
Possible Causes
- Dirty filter restricting flow
- Air trapped in heating loop
- Failed heating element/thermostat
- Tripped high-limit switch
Solutions
- Remove/rinse filters
- Bleed air from filter housing using external service port
- Contact dealer for element testing & replacement
- Reset high-limit switch on heater assembly
Weak or No Jet Action
Possible Causes
- Clogged filter inhibiting pressure
- Broken pressure switch
- Leaky plumbing line
- Malfunctioning jet pump
Solutions
- Clean/replace filter cartridges
- Test continuity through pressure switch
- Tighten plumbing unions/replace leaky gasket
- Contact dealer for jet pump repair
Control Panel Not Responding
Possible Causes
- GFCI/RCD tripped
- Fuse blown
- Loose wiring connections
- Circuit board damage
Solutions
- Reset GFCI/RCD connection
- Replace damaged fuses
- Verify electrical terminations are tight
- Contact dealer for control panel replacement
Water Care Issues
Maintaining perfectly clear and chemically balanced hot tub water at all times can be tricky. Refer to these simple troubleshooting steps whenever your spa needs a refresh.
Cloudy Water
Possible Causes
- Poor filtration
- Low sanitizer level
- Imbalanced pH/alkalinity
- High minerals/contaminants
- Organic waste contamination
Solutions
- Clean/replace filters
- Test and adjust sanitizer level
- Balance pH and check alkalinity
- Shock treat water with oxidizer
- Drain and refill spa
Skin/Eye Irritation
Possible Causes
- Unsanitary water
- Improper pH/sanitizer balance
- Poor chlorine mixing
- High mineral concentration
- Subpar filtration
Solutions
- Superchlorinate with sodium dichlor
- Balance and test pH/sanitizer
- Replace old chlorine stock
- Drain and refill hot tub
- Clean/replace filters
Musty Odors
Possible Causes
- Bacteria growth
- Mold/mildew
- High dirt accumulation
- Trapped gasses
- Organic contamination
Solutions
- Raise sanitizer level
- Clean hot tub surfaces and cover
- Clean/replace filter cartridges
- Shock treat water with oxidizer
- Drain and refill hot tub
By identifying issues quickly and following the proper corrective steps, you can minimize any hot water headaches. Contact your dealer if problems require extensive diagnostics or part replacements.
Conclusion
While keeping your hot tub sparkling does require regular attention, sticking to fundamental maintenance makes taking care of your spa a breeze. Following the three rules of water circulation, cleaning, and chemical balance prevents most major problems down the road.
Testing water chemistry, changing filters, cleaning surfaces and giving your tub regular shock treatments inhibits bacteria growth while controlling pH and total dissolved solids from dirt, oils and other contaminants introduced by users. Keep your hot tub maintenance checklist in an easily accessible area to stay on top of each critical task for clear, clean water all year long.
Investing a little time each week into caring for your hot tub saves you the major headache of replacing parts or refinishing damaged surfaces down the road. More importantly, rolling up your sleeves for some basic cleaning allows you to enjoy consistent, carefree relaxation.