Hot Tub Maintenance Checklist
Owning a hot tub means that you must take great care of it, or else it isn’t worth the money. That’s because hot tubs can run into many inconvenient and expensive problems if you don’t keep up with maintenance. You can avoid such problems if you diligently follow a strong hot tub maintenance checklist.
Your hot tub maintenance checklist should include cleaning the filters and chlorinating the water each week. It’s also important to flush the plumbing once every 3-4 months when you drain and refill the water. Circulate the water each day, or else the water may become stagnant and become infested with bacteria and algae.
You must deep clean your hot tub every 3-4 months to keep it safe, comfortable, and presentable. Otherwise, you will struggle to maintain water clarity. Follow along as we explore the most essential parts of your hot tub maintenance checklist.
How To Maintain A Hot Tub
Consistency is key when it comes to hot tub maintenance. A well-rounded maintenance routine should include several routine chores, such as:
1. Maintain Clean Water
Nobody wants to get into a hot tub filled with dirty water, as it’s equally as gross, as it is unsafe. It takes some work to maintain clean hot tub water, but it’s easy once you set a routine. For example, it’s a great idea to skim the water’s surface to remove debris each time you get in.
You must also treat the water with chlorine or bromine each week. How often you must treat the water ultimately depends on how often you use the hot tub. For example, it may get dirty quickly if many people use your hot tub because of sweat, skin oils, and even hair and skincare products.
Draining and refilling your hot tub every 3-4 months is the most important part of hot tub maintenance. Make sure to use fresh water from a clean source, such as a garden hose. Treat the water as soon as you refill the hot tub to ensure it’s easy to maintain a healthy balance and prevent bacterial growth.
2. Prioritize Water Chemistry
Water chemistry is just as important as how clean the water is. The alkalinity, pH, and chlorine levels of your hot tub water are important to maintain. Chemical and pH imbalances can make the water in your hot tub uninhabitable.
That’s why it’s important to always keep chlorine and pH test strips on hand near your hot tub. For example, many people keep strips in a bin or indoor closet by the door closest to their hot tubs. You must keep the chlorine level in your hot tub between 3 and 5 parts per million.
Similarly, the pH level must stay between 7.2 and 7.8, or else you may render the chlorine useless. Imbalances can also cause skin and eye irritation or even stain your swimsuit. Wait to get in your hot tub after shocking it until the chlorine drops to a safe level.
3. Consistent Circulation
Stagnant water is one of the worst things for a hot tub. This can create many more maintenance tasks that you would much rather avoid. That’s because stagnant hot tub water makes it all too easy for bacteria, algae, and mold to thrive.
You may even notice that the water is green if it sits stagnant for too long. Circulation is also vital to the water chemistry balance. That’s why it’s important to consistently circulate the water in your hot tub each day.
Some people let the water in their hot tubs circulate 24/7, whereas others let it run for just 15-60 minutes per day. Some hot tubs have a setting that automatically circulates the water for a set amount of time each day. Never let your hot tub water sit stagnant for a full day, as that can lead to problems and encourage algae growth.
4. Clean The Filters
Filters take on the brunt of the grime and debris that enters a hot tub. That’s why it doesn’t take long for them to become dirty. You must routinely clean the filters as part of your regular hot tub maintenance schedule.
Your best bet is to remove and clean the filters once per week. It only takes a minute if you gently spray them with a garden hose. This is the best way to dislodge debris and grime that can hinder the filter’s performance.
It’s also a great way to get an idea of what condition your hot tub is in. For example, you may discover mold, mildew, biofilm, or algae on the filters. That will give you an idea of what kind of treatment your hot tub needs to stay in good shape.
5. Replace The Filters
Replacing your filters in time is just as important as cleaning them regularly. A clogged and worn filter won’t do anything to keep your hot tub clean. The water may become dirty and lose clarity, and you must use more chemicals than you would otherwise.
A clogged filter can also strain your hot tub, as it must work harder to pump water. That’s because your hot tub’s pipes will likely become clogged with debris, sediment, and grime. You can avoid this problem if you replace your filters yearly.
However, you may need to replace your filters sooner if cleaning them no longer works. Keep track of when you install each filter so you can stay on top of replacing them. Check them for cracks and bends each time you clean your filters to monior their condition.
6. Flush The Plumbing
Flushing the pipes is essential when you deep clean your hot tub a few times per year. This is the easiest part of the process and all it requires is a store-bought hot tub jet cleaner. First, you must drain your hot tub with a submersible pump or a garden hose.
Next, you must remove the filters and set them aside to put back later. Pour the cleaning solution into the filter housing and turn on the jets. It will take at least a few minutes for the solution to dislodge the grime and debris within your hot tub’s pipes.
Stand close by so you can turn the pump off once the solution is done running through the pipes. Otherwise, you may damage the pump if it runs dry. Ideally, you should flush the pipes at least once every 4 months to keep your hot tub clean.
Summing It Up
Draining and refilling the water in your hot tub every 3 months is the most essential part of hot tub maintenance. It’s also important to maintain a 7.2-7.8 pH level and 3-5 parts per million chlorine level in the water. Chlorinate the water and clean the filters each week with a garden hose to keep your hot tub in great shape.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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