4 Ways to Keep Your Hot Tub in Top Shape

Warm, bubbly hot tub baths are blissful forms of relaxation you want to have access to for a long time. Unfortunately, your hot tub may lose its appeal if you fail to take good care of it. So, follow the tips below to ensure you get the best out of your hot tub.

1. Circulate and Change the Water Whenever Needed

Appropriate circulation filters bacteria and particles to keep your hot tub water clean and fresh. Some tubs have an automatic system that circulates the water without your intervention. If your system is manual, initiate the circulation twice daily for 15 to 20 minutes.

Hot tubs are prone to problems associated with stagnant water, such as algae growth. Besides, you would not want to use the same water over and over. So, frequently drain your hot tub and fill it with fresh water. You can also increase the change frequency if your hot tub serves a large household.

2. Maintain the Filters

Your hot tub filters do an excellent job of keeping your water clean. However, after all the hard work, the filters become dirty and may not effectively pull contaminants out of your water. So, perform the cleanups below to enhance your filters' efficiency.

• Bi-weekly cleanups. You will need basic cleanups every two weeks to remove grime and build-up from your filters. Take the filter out of the hot tub and use a hose to run water over each pleat for basic cleanup.
• Monthly cleanups. Besides the basic cleanup, clean your hot tub thoroughly every month. During the monthly cleanups, spray a filter cleaner or soak your filters overnight. 
• Deep cleanups. A deep clean every two to three months also comes in handy to remove stubborn dirt, bacteria, and finer particles. Deep cleanups involve an overnight soak of filters in water and a filter cleaner solution.

Consider a replacement if your hot tub filters experience wear or no longer become dirt-free after cleanups.

3. Maintain Appropriate Chemical and pH Levels

Your hot tub uses different chemicals to enhance effective operations. For instance, sanitizers such as chlorine and bromine kill water pollutants in your hot tub. Salt, too, can be used in place of chlorine if you use a saltwater system. In addition, regularly test your water to ensure your water chemistry stays at the appropriate level.

The ideal pH levels for your hot tub should range between 7.4 and 7.6. A pH below 7.4 is too acidic and can cause skin irritation or corrode components of your hot tub. If the levels are lower, use sodium bicarbonate to raise the levels. Conversely, values above 7.6 are too basic and reduce the sanitizer's effectiveness. Use sodium bisulfate to lower pH levels if the value is high.

You can find test strips at local stores and follow the instructions on the package to test your water. Then, when you adjust chemical levels, add one chemical at a time to prevent chemical reactions. Then, after chemical treatment, leave your hot tub cover off to allow chemicals to mix completely in the water.

4. Winterize Your Hot Tub

Whether you winterize your hot tub depends on your winter hot tub usage. You do not need to winterize if you will use your hot tub during winter. Nonetheless, winterization is ideal if you don’t typically use the hot tub during winter or if you will be away on vacation.

Winterization ensures your pipes do not crack in order to prevent damage to your hot tub. To winterize, first, turn off the heater and the power. Then, drain the filters, pumps, and pipes. Finally, clean up excess water and replace the cover.

Besides self-maintenance of your hot tub, you need professional maintenance. Experts do a detailed inspection to identify hidden problems and issues that may escape your eye. So, if you need expert services for your hot tub, look no further than Anchor Pool & Spas. You will get excellent help from industry experts to ensure you enjoy long service life from your hot tub. Reach out today.