Summer is almost here, and now is the perfect time to start preparing your hot tub to make the most of the long summer days and warm evenings. From cleaning and sanitising, to balancing the chemicals and checking the equipment, there are several essential steps that you need to take to ensure that your hot tub is in top condition for the summer months. Taking the necessary steps now to get your tub ready will ensure that you can enjoy it to the fullest all summer long, so read on for our essential steps to prepare your hot tub for summer.
Preparing your hot tub for summer is essential to ensure that it is safe, clean, and enjoyable to use. Over the winter months, your hot tub may have accumulated dirt, debris, and bacteria that can cause skin irritation, rashes, and other health issues. The cold temperatures may also have damaged the hot tub’s pipes, pumps, and other equipment, which can cause leaks and require costly repairs.
Taking the time to properly prepare your hot tub for summer ensures that it is clean, safe, and in good working condition for the warm summer months.
The first step to prepare your hot tub for summer is to drain and clean it thoroughly. To do this, start by adding a pipe cleaner and run all the pumps for and hours, turning off the power to the hot tub and removing the cover before using a pump to drain all the water from the tub.
Once the tub is empty, use a mild cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the interior of the tub, including the sides, bottom, and seats. Be sure to scrub away any dirt, grime, or residue that may have accumulated over the winter months before rinsing the tub thoroughly with clean water.
The hot tub filter plays an important role in keeping the water clean and clear. However, over time, the filter can become clogged with dirt, debris, and other contaminants, which can reduce its effectiveness and cause the water to become cloudy or dirty. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to check and clean the filter regularly.
Once your tub is drained, take the opportunity to clean the filter. Start by removing the filter from the tub and rinse it thoroughly with a hose. If the filter is particularly dirty, you may need to soak it in a filter cleaning solution for a few hours, before rinsing it again and letting it dry completely before reinstalling it in the hot tub. In extreme cases of dirt accumulation, or if the filter has become corroded or damaged, then it may be time to replace the filter.
After cleaning the hot tub and checking the filter, it’s time to use a hose to refill the tub with fresh water. Be sure to fill the tub to the appropriate level, so all jets are covered. Once the tub is full, add the appropriate dose of sanitizer, turn on the power and let it run for a few hours to ensure that the water is heated and circulated properly.
Once the hot tub is filled with fresh water, use a testing kit to measure the levels of chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and other chemicals in the water. This is an important step to ensure that the water is safe, clean, and comfortable to use.
Once you have the test results, you can adjust the water chemistry by adding the appropriate chemicals. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when adding chemicals to the water, as adding inadequate levels can cause skin irritation, corrosion, and other problems. Once you have added the chemicals, let the water circulate for a few hours before testing it again to ensure that the levels are balanced.
The hot tub cover keeps the water clean when the tub is not in use, and can become damaged, worn, or faded overtime, which can reduce its effectiveness and affect the overall appearance of the hot tub. To ensure that your hot tub is in top condition for summer, it’s important to inspect the cover and replace it if necessary.
Start by examining the cover for any signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, water ingress or fading. If the cover is damaged, it is best to replace it, and if the cover is more than a few years old, it may be time to replace it even if it appears to be in good condition.
Turn on the power to the hot tub and check the heater to make sure that it is heating the water properly, before checking the heater for any signs of damage or malfunction. Whilst completing this step, check the pumps, jets, and other equipment to make sure that they are working properly, and call in a professional to repair or replace the equipment if you notice any problems, leaks, strange noises, or malfunctioning equipment.
Finally, it is important to remember that the whole reason for owning a hot tub is to enjoy relaxing, partying, or soaking in your own private oasis. Whilst preparing your hot tub for the summer, why not take the time to identify any accessories or extra features that will help you make the most of your tub.
It is also important to consider any extra safety features that you or your guests may require, such as steps and handrails to make it easier and safer to get in and out of the water, particularly if you are planning on hosting regular get-togethers.
Once you have followed these top tips, your hot tub will be in top condition for the summer months, allowing you to enjoy it to the fullest all season long.
If you are unsure about hot tub maintenance or need advice in choosing the right chemicals and cleaning products required to get your tub ready for summer, please get in touch with our team or visit us at one of our showroom locations.
