Beginner’s Guide To Caring For Your New Hot Tub Spa
Maintenance is one of the most intimidating factors about owning a hot tub spa. Some people even miss out on all of the wonderful benefits that a hot tub could give them because they are worried that they won’t be able to maintain their hot tub and it will turn into a green, smelly mess. The fact is, anything can seem difficult and mysterious if you’ve never done it before, but at Spa Max, we want you to know that caring for your new hot tub spa isn’t nearly as scary as you may think. Plus, when you buy your hot tub spa from Spa Max in Corona, we’ll be here to help you every step of the way. Our knowledgeable staff will explain how to properly care for your new tub and we’ll be here to answer any questions you may have.
For those who have never owned a hot tub spa, or if you just recently purchased one, we want to take this time to provide a brief overview of how to care for it. With proper maintenance, a home spa can last for decades. Keep reading to learn more and if you’re in the market for a new or refurbished hot tub spa, contact Spa Max.
Keep Water Chemistry Balanced
This is quite possibly the most important (and most mysterious) part of keeping your hot tub spa clean. Maintaining the right water chemistry will keep your water looking clean and smelling fresh. If your water is cloudy or smells musty, then chances are, something is out of balance that has allowed bacteria or algae to grow.
You’ll want to make sure to test your water several times per week and adjust the water chemistry as needed to help it stay in the optimum range. So, what things will you be testing? For one, the pH. This measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water. Water hardness is another thing you’ll want to measure. Having water that is too soft can degrade the components in your spa and cause excess foaming. Finally, you’ll need to test the sanitizer concentration to make sure you have enough in the water to prevent bacterial and mold growth.
When you purchase a new hot tub spa, you’ll also get a water test kit with all of the items you’ll need to perform the tests and keep your water chemistry balanced.
Clean the Filter
Another key factor in keeping your water clean is to remove physical contaminants. This includes environmental things like dust, dirt, and leaves, but many contaminants also come from the people who use the hot tub. A good filter is vital for removing things like hair, makeup, oil, and anything else that is carried into the water.
Filters can get dirty and clogged pretty quickly, so it’s always a good idea to check and rinse the filter weekly. You’ll also want to do a thorough cleaning on it every month, or at a minimum quarterly. During this filter deep clean, you should use an approved cleaner and allow it to dry completely before replacing it back into your hot tub.
Clean the Hot Tub Spa
The filter and chemicals will help keep the water clean, but you should still do a manual cleaning of the spa itself. This shouldn’t take long — 10 or 15 minutes is all you need. You can clean your hot tub by skimming and debris off of the top of the water, and then wiping down surfaces that are above the waterline. Just make sure that you never use any household cleaning products or soaps. You should always use products that are specifically designed for hot tub use, otherwise, you could be creating an even bigger problem as some cleaning chemicals will have a negative effect on your water quality.
Clean the Cover
Another simple task that should only take you 5 minutes to do is to clean your hot tub cover. The reason for this is two-fold. By cleaning your cover regularly you prevent bacteria or mold build-up that could create an odor. If you think about it, hot tub covers are constantly exposed to heat and moisture, so they’re the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Your hot tub cover performs an important job, so it’s necessary to take the appropriate steps to keep it in good condition. When you clean your cover you can inspect it for damage that might allow contaminants to enter your tub. Every few months you should also apply a vinyl conditioner to help protect your cover from the elements.
Replace Water Quarterly
Following a regular cleaning schedule will help keep your hot tub clean and fresh for several months, but eventually, organic materials and chemicals can build up and will start to affect the performance of your hot tub spa. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that you’re completely draining and refilling your hot tub every three to four months.
Once you’ve drained your tub, you should do a thorough wipe down of all surfaces, using an approved cleaner. You’ll also want to remove your filter and soak it in a recommended cleaner that will remove buildup. Once you’ve wiped down your hot tub and washed and rinsed your filter, you should be ready to refill it.
Other Factors To Consider
When it comes to maintaining your hot tub spa, there are several things you can do to help keep it clean so routine care is a breeze. For instance, making sure to always take a shower before going into your hot tub will prevent excess dirt, oil, and hair from clogging up your filter. Making sure to always have your cover securely on top will also help prevent any environmental contaminants from getting in. Finally, always keeping the power on (even if you’re on vacation or not using your tub) is a good way to prevent your hot tub water from getting cloudy and smelly.
Follow a Maintenance Schedule
Keeping up with routine maintenance of your hot tub doesn’t have to be a chore, and it can save you a lot of frustration from having to deal with cloudy, smelly water and costly repairs. To simplify caring for your hot tub, the best thing to do is to set up a maintenance schedule so you can stay on top of what needs to be done and when. Doing this will keep the time you spend on caring for your hot tub at a minimum and allow you more time to spend actually relaxing in it.
Shop Spa Max For Your New Hot Tub Spa
If you’ve been thinking of buying a hot tub but have been concerned about how difficult it will be to maintain, hopefully, today’s post put your mind at ease. If you’re ready to start shopping for your perfect hot tub, we hope you’ll visit our hot tub superstore in Corona. We have almost 100 hot tubs and swim spas for you to choose from, including all of the most popular brands. With so many in our showroom, you can easily compare features and prices without having to travel from store to store.
Would you rather shop from the comfort and safety of your own home? You can also visit our website and browse our current inventory. Feel free to call or email us with any questions you may have. We look forward to doing business with you!
