November 17, 2016

How to Clean Your Hot Tub: A Beginner's Guide

There are several benefits of buying a hot tub. It is a great way to relax after a long day. If you have sore muscles or any type of aches and pains, a hot tub can help. A hot tub also needs regular maintenance. The good news is that if the water gets too dirty, you can always drain the hot tub and start over. Since this can be a huge hassle, it is best to know how to care for your hot tub so that draining won't be necessary.

Use the Right Water 
Before you fill your hot tub for the first time and you plan to use tap water, the first thing that you should do is test your water. Depending on where you live, you could have hard water, soft water, water that has high alkalinity, or a high pH. After you test the water, you should add a spa pre-filter. This will remove odors and metals from the water.

Clean the Spa Filter
It is very important that you clean the spa filter regularly. To access the spa filter, you need to get inside the spa and look under the skimmer basket. On some spas, it is a small tank that can be opened underneath the spa. To find out exactly where your spa filter is located you should check your owner's manual. Most spa filters have a pressure gauge attached. When the gauge reaches 8 to 10 pounds of pressure, it means that it is time to clean it. If you don't have a gauge on your filter, you should clean the filter every 4 to 8 weeks. The more you use the hot tub, the more often you will need to clean the filter.

Replacing the Spa Filter
Replacing your spa filter is just as important as cleaning it. You would need to do this every 12 to 24 months and the frequency would depend on how often the hot tub is used. One rule of thumb that you can go by is to change the filter afte

r every 10 to 15 cleanings. The more you clean the filter, the more you will break down the cartridge. As the fibers loosen up during the cleanings, it can lose a bit of its ability to trap the dirt. It is important to keep track of your cleanings so that you know when to replace the filter.

Cleaning the Spa
You can do a full cleaning of the waterline and the surfaces when the spa is drained. Be sure to never use regular household cleaners or soaps. You need to you a cleaner that is made specifically for spas. These products will keep the nitrates and the phosphates out of the water.
It is also important to vacuum your spa regularly. There are several vacuum cleaners on the market, some that use batteries and some that can attach to your garden hose. The one that you choose should be based on your own personal preference.
If there are any leaves or debris in the spa, you should remove them with a skimmer right away.

Air Out the Spa's Cover
Your spa cover takes a beating from the sun shining down and the moisture from underneath. The best way to get the most out of your spa cover is to remove it at least twice a week to let it air out. If you are using the spa, it is the perfect opportunity. If you aren't, you should check your spa’s chemicals while you remove it. You should also purchase a cleaning and conditioning agent made for spa covers. It will replenish the vinyl and remove any tree sap or dirt that gets set into the spa's cover.

Keep the Spa Full
It is very important that you keep the water at the proper level. If you let it get too low, the skimmer can start to suck in air, which can damage the pump. When you are filling the hot tub, you want to keep an eye on it. You don't want it to overflow. It is a good idea to keep a garden hose close by the hot tub. After you add water, you should test the water before using the hot tub to determine if any chemicals need to be added.

A spa is a great way to relax, but it can be a lot of work. The better you care for your hot tub, the longer it will last.

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