Hot Tub Services: Silverthorne, Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon & Keystone

Basic Hot Tub Maintenance Tips

Spa and hot tub care may seem a little challenging sometimes. But not to worry, we’ll run through the basics and you’ll see it isn’t that hard. And if find your chemistry is getting out of control, you always have the option of draining the spa and restarting.

If you are new to maintaining your spa, we have a few tips to help you maintain water chemistry and along with some standard maintenance and cleaning tasks to keep that will keep your spa water clean and ready to use!

Manage your water chemistry

It’s important to manage your hot tub water. You need to regularly teat the water and make small adjustments to pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and sanitizer levels on a very regular basis. If possible, it’s best to test the spa water up to 2-4 times per week. By making adjustments as needed regularly, you’ll easily keep the hot tub levels within the proper ranges. It’s also a great idea to keep a log. You will be able to keep track of your test results and keep good notes on any adjustments.
In general, tap water is pretty decent hot tub water in most areas. However, you can run into issues with either soft or hard water. Other things that need to be considered are, high alkalinity, pH imbalances, or high levels of chloramines, metals and minerals. You can easily test your water with a basic test kit. Options for removing metals, odors and the finest silt from your spa fill water includes using a spa pre-filter.

Check and clean the spa filter

There are various positions of the spa filter, depending on the hot tub model. Typically the spa filter can be found positioned under the skimmer basket or it can be a small tank that is under the spa. You’ll need to locate it first in order to clean or replace the filter during your spa care routine. If underneath the spa, you may have a valve that can be shut to prevent water from rushing out when you open the filter. It’s important to replace your hot tub filter every 1-2 years based on usage.

Clean the spa

Cleaning at the waterline and hot tub surfaces can be done easiest when the spa is drained, which should happen roughly around every 4 months (depending on usage). It’s important to use a proper spa cleaner, not household cleaners or soaps.

For most floating debris, a skimmer net is a quick and easy route. Vacuuming the spa can be easily completed with small vacuums. The Pool Blaster spa vacuums (Link)are battery operated and fast to use, or you can use the Grit Getter to suck up the little grains that gather in the corners.
Air-out the spa cover

One of the most easiest and important things is taking care if your spa cover. You can increase the longevity of your hot tub cover by removing it at least one time per week. By giving your cover time to breathe, it will help remove the constant heat, moisture and chemicals. It’s easy to schedule checks and cleans at the same time.

Another good tip is to clean and condition your vinyl spa cover. A good cleaner can easily remove oils, dirt, tree sap and pollen while a conditioner will keep your vinyl spa cover soft, strong and looking great.

Add fill water

Although a simple step, many people forget adding water. However, if the skimmer starts to suck air, it could cause damage to the pump. Your water level should be at the middle of the skimmer intake (or even just a little higher). If the water level is too high, it reduces the efficacy of the filter system. And don’t forget to never let it overflow. The easiest way is to keep a garden hose nearby

Five easy tips for a great hot tub maintenance plan:

1. Be sure and test and make adjustment to your spa 2-4 times per week.
2. Clean the spa filter at least every 8 weeks and replace at least every 2 years.
3. Keep your hot tub clean and be sure to drain and fill at least every 4 months.
4. Try to uncover the hot tub to air-out the spa cover at least once per week.
5. Remember to add water as needed to keep it full and filters functioning their best.