A hot tub needs a few different maintenance tasks that need to be done daily, weekly, and quarterly. Having the proper schedule for these tasks can make sure your hot tub lasts for years to come.
Every day, take a quick look around your spa for floating debris. This can be a great way to spot early signs of damage that need to be addressed.
Table of Contents
Heater
Hot tubs need a heater to work properly. This is because the water in the hot tub is heated by electricity, and this is done via the heater. The heater assembly has several components, including a heat sensor and a thermostat. Eventually, these hot tub parts can wear out and need to be replaced.
It is important to have the right kind of cleaning products on hand to maintain your hot tub. You will need a non-abrasive sponge, as well as a surface cleaner that is safe for hot tub surfaces. You should wipe down the shell, waterline, and jets at least once each week. You should also use this opportunity to check for signs of mildew or mold and clean these areas accordingly.
In addition to these regular cleaning tasks, you will need to have the right kinds of products on hand for treating the water. Depending on the type of system you have, this may be liquid chlorine or chlorine tablets, bromine, salt, or Baquacil (if you have a saltwater system). You will also need test strips or a digital pH meter to monitor the water chemistry. This is very important because your water should be in the proper ratios to prevent algae growth.
You should also have a skimmer net on hand to collect any floating debris in the hot tub. This is an especially good idea if your hot tub is outside, as it will collect leaves and other debris that can clog the filters. Finally, you will need to drain your hot tub every three months and refill it with fresh water. This is a crucial step that will keep your hot tub in peak working condition for years to come.
It is also a good idea to have a professional come out and perform a routine maintenance check-up. These professionals can identify problems before they become serious, which will save you money in the long run. They can also do a comprehensive inspection of your cover to look for physical damage, excessive moisture absorption, and mildew or mold infestations.
Filters
A hot tub needs clean filters to keep water circulating and free of contaminants. A simple rinse every week or two prevents cloudy water, funky smells, and bacteria buildup.
Keeping your hot tub filled with the right level of water also ensures filtration, heating, and jet performance are optimal. However, you do not want to fill it too high because this can damage the filtration system or overflow the spa. Instead, aim to fill it a few inches above the filter and drain or add water as needed.
Another simple but vital chore is to remove floating debris from the hot tub with a skimmer net each day. This will protect the pump and hot tub shell from dirt and debris that can cause clogs and wear on your equipment.
Wipe down the shell and hot tub cover each week with a sponge and white vinegar to prevent mildew. This is an easy task that only takes a few minutes but will greatly prolong the life of your hot tub and keep it looking good.
The next maintenance chore involves the filter itself. It is important to inspect and replace your filters regularly, as they can get clogged with hair, dirt, leaves, and other debris. Once a month, spray your filters with a filter cleaner to give them a deeper clean that is more effective than a simple water rinse.
Finally, if you’re willing to take your maintenance to the next level, once per quarter, soak your filters in a chemical solution to provide them with a deep cleaning that goes beyond what water or a rinse can accomplish. Performing this quarterly maintenance will help you extend the lifespan of your filters.
Pump
While it might seem daunting at first to figure out all the new terminology, concepts, and science that goes into proper hot tub maintenance, there is good news – many of these tasks are very simple and can be broken down into a daily, weekly, monthly, or even seasonally schedule. These easy-to-follow routines will help you maintain a healthy hot tub and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Your hot tub’s pump is vital to the water quality and circulation of your spa, pulling bacteria and contaminants out of the water as it circulates through the system. If you allow these contaminants to accumulate, you may see cloudy water, a different smell, or foam on the surface of your hot tub water.
It’s also important to keep your pump clean and free of debris. While you can use a skimmer net to remove any floating debris from the top of your hot tub, you’ll need to regularly go over the entire pump with a hand-held vacuum or suction cleaner to keep it working efficiently. If your pump is making a loud buzzing or grinding noise, that’s an indication that it needs to be cleaned out and repaired.
In addition to cleaning the filter and the skimmer basket, you’ll need to check your water levels a couple of times each week, as well as test and balance the water chemistry at least once a month. Using water strips or a digital pH meter will give you the information you need to make sure your water is properly treated.
Your hot tub’s wet end houses the impeller that pushes water through your circulation system, while the dry end houses the motor, which is basically the “engine.” A faulty wet end could result in a low-noise pump with no visible flow, or it could make a strange pulsing or reversing noise and trip your breaker, depending on the specifics of your spa. If you suspect your pump is having issues, it’s a good idea to open up the cabinet and take a look inside. Moisture around a pump seal can cause the motor to short circuit, and it’s much easier to spot any problems early on rather than waiting until they become obvious.
Water
Adding the proper water chemistry to your hot tub is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your investment and provide a safe, healthy, clean soaking experience. A regular testing and balancing routine is essential to prevent the most common problems, including water cloudiness, scale buildup, and decreased spa performance.
The first step is to test your water for the correct balance using a spa test kit. You will want to test your pH and alkalinity at least three times a week. These levels can drop quickly and cause equipment corrosion, but you can prevent them by adding a product designed to stabilize the pH level and increase the alkalinity level.
You will also need to add sanitizer to your water. This will kill bacteria that could sicken your friends and family, so it’s important to add it at least once a week. This can be liquid chlorine or chlorine tablets, bromine, salt, or a non-chlorine system such as Baquacil. Always follow the directions on the label to ensure proper usage. It’s also a good idea to clean above the waterline on a weekly basis to remove any floaters or debris that can contaminate your water.
Another important task is to test the water’s total alkalinity level. This will help keep your pH in balance and prevent the formation of corrosive acids in your spa. A total alkalinity level of 80 to 120 parts per million (ppm) is ideal.
Finally, you will need to add a calcium hardness increaser if your water is too soft. This will help reduce foaming and make it feel less sticky. If your water is too hard, it can be corrosive and degrade components in your hot tub.
Finally, once a month, you should drain and flush your pipes with a line cleaner. This will help eliminate build-up from soap scum, body oils, and other contaminants that can contribute to poor water quality. Before draining, make sure the power to the hot tub is completely off by turning off the circuit breaker or removing the cabinet panel and turning off the pump. Then, use a line cleaner and follow the instructions on the label to thoroughly clean your spa pipes and jet lines.