Owning a hot tub is a fantastic way to relax, unwind, and make the most of your outdoor space, but proper maintenance and care are essential to keep it in top-notch condition. 

If you are planning on caring for your new hot tub over the winter months, then explore our beginners guide to hot tub maintenance for everything you need to keep your hot tub clean and make the most out of your investment.

Regular Hot Tub Maintenance 

Maintaining a regular hot tub maintenance and cleaning routine is essential to ensure the longevity, safety, and optimal performance of your hot tub. Firstly, regular hot tub cleaning ensures that you and your family can enjoy the most basic requirement of a hot tub – clean and safe water. Whilst maintaining clean water may seem like a simple task, hot tubs can easily become breeding grounds for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms if not properly cared for, and regular maintenance ensures that your hot tub remains a healthy environment.

Proper maintenance also extends the lifespan of your hot tub as regularly cleaning and sanitising the hot tub and balancing the water chemistry helps prevent damage to the hot tub’s components. Regularly checking key components will help you avoid costly repairs or having to replace parts due to avoidable damage.

Hot Tub Cleaning 

Proper cleaning and sanitising are crucial for maintaining a safe and hygienic hot tub environment. For the best results, follow the guide below to effectively clean and sanitise your hot tub: 

• Drain and Clean: Start by draining the hot tub completely. Once it’s empty, use a non-abrasive cleaner such as Surface Cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the interior surfaces of the tub, paying particular attention to the waterline, jets, and any hard-to-reach areas, before rinsing thoroughly with water to remove any residue.

Your hot tub should then be drained and cleaned every 3 to 4 months.

• Clean the Filter/s: Remove the filter cartridge and rinse it with a garden hose to remove any debris then use a filter cleaning solution to soak your filter/s overnight before rinsing again and leaving to dry. It is advisable to have a spare set of filters so your hot tub is never left without. If you are unsure about the filter’s cleaning requirements, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance of your specific filter.
• Sanitise the Water: After cleaning, refill your tub with water and sanitise it to kill any remaining bacteria or microorganisms. There are different sanitising options available, such as chlorine, bromine or active oxygen, so follow the recommended dosage and application method for your chosen sanitiser and daily test and adjust the sanitiser levels to maintain a safe and balanced hot tub.
• Finally, inspect the cover for any signs of wear or damage and clean it if needed before covering the tub. A well maintained cover will minimise the running costs.

Balancing the Water Chemistry

Regularly testing and balancing the water chemistry of your hot tub will ensure that it remains clean, clear, and safe to use, so utilise water testing kits or strips recommended by the manufacturer to monitor the levels and adjust accordingly. When monitoring the water chemistry of your hot tub, there are several key levels to balance, including: 

• Total Alkalinity: Alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH levels and should be kept between 80 and 120 ppm, as if the alkalinity is too low, it can cause pH fluctuations and the associated risks. Always balance this first before the PH.
• pH: The pH level of your hot tub water should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is too high or too low, it can lead to skin irritation, equipment damage, and cloudy water, so use a pH increaser or decreaser to adjust the pH level as needed.
• Sanitiser Levels: The sanitiser levels, such as chlorine or bromine, help kill bacteria and maintain water clarity, so test these levels daily and adjust as needed to keep them within 3 to 5ppm or the recommended range specified by the manufacturer. 

Maintaining the Filtration System

Maintaining a clean and properly functioning filtration system is essential for water clarity and overall hot tub performance. Here are some tips for maintaining and maximising the performance of your hot tub’s filtration system to keep your hot tub water clean and clear:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean the filter cartridge weekly to remove debris and prevent clogging by spraying it with a garden hose to remove loose particles. For a deeper clean, use a filter cleaner solution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Replacement: Over time, filter cartridges become less effective and will need to be replaced. The frequency of replacement depends on usage and the quality of the water in your area, so inspect the filter regularly and replace it when necessary to ensure optimal filtration. Yearly replacement is recommended for a well looked after filter.

Preventing Common Hot Tub Issues 

Despite regular maintenance, hot tubs can still encounter common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips for addressing these problems and preventing them in the future:

• Cloudy or Foamy Water: Cloudy water is often caused by poor water chemistry or inadequate filtration. To prevent this, clean or replace the filter cartridge as necessary and maintain proper water chemistry by testing and adjusting the levels as needed. 
• Unpleasant Odours: Foul odours are usually a sign of bacterial growth in the hot tub water. To tackle this, shock the water with an appropriate sanitizer and non-chlorine shock to eliminate bacteria. Contact All Weather Leisure for more details and guidance on shocking the water. The biggest trick to keeping the water pure is to never let it run out of sanitizer. Ensure your tub is kept sanitised through regular cleaning to prevent the recurrence of odours.
• Heater Issues: If the hot tub is not heating properly, contact a professional to inspect and repair the heater. 
• Leaking: Leaks can occur in various areas, such as plumbing connections or around seals. Regularly inspect the hot tub for any signs of leaks, such as damp areas or water pooling, and if you notice a leak, contact a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
• Proper Cover Usage: Always use a high-quality cover that fits securely to protect your hot tub from dirt, debris, harsh weather conditions and to retain the heat. Remove snow or standing water from the cover to prevent damage or excessive weight.

Prevention is key to avoiding these issues. By following a regular maintenance routine, addressing any problems promptly, and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can keep your hot tub in excellent condition and minimise the occurrence of common issues.

Maintaining Your Hot Tub With All Weather Leisure

Owning a hot tub is an excellent way to enhance your garden and spend time with your loved ones, and it’s essential to prioritise regular maintenance and care to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your hot tub.

By following these tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your hot tub, enjoy optimal performance, and get the most out of your investment, and if you require ongoing maintenance or repairs for your hot tub, contact us today.