Are Hot Tubs Dirty? Of Course Not, But People Still Wonder
When you think about having a hot tub in your home, you might wonder if they are clean and sanitary. The answer is YES, of course they are! But there’s a stigma attached to hot tubs that it’s time to debunk.
A hot tub, like any other part of your home, does need cleaning and maintenance. However, with proper care, a spa is a safe, fun, and enjoyable place to relax alone or with family and friends. So how can you care for your hot tub to keep it in great shape? Read on for some valuable tips in hot tub care and maintenance.
Maintain Proper Water Circulation
Water circulation is the first key to enjoying a clean hot tub. When a spa circulates water, it moves through the filters, which clear any debris from the water.
Depending on the model, your hot tub might automatically circulate water for 20 minutes or so twice a day. If it doesn’t automatically circulate, you’ll need to turn it on for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day to keep the water fresh. When the water is regularly circulating, those filters will keep your water clear and ready to enjoy.
Clean Regularly
Just like your home, your hot tub needs regular cleaning to stay in great condition. If you have an outdoor hot tub, be sure to use a cover when you’re not in the spa. That will keep debris like leaves — and even wildlife — out of your hot tub.
The good news is that it’s simple to clean a hot tub. Use a sponge with vinegar to wipe the hot tub on the inside, and clean the jets. If there’s any buildup at the waterline, clean that off, as well. Be sure to spray your filters with a hot tub filter cleaner and rinse them during your weekly cleaning.
Every few months, you’ll need to drain your hot tub completely for deeper cleaning. The more often you use the spa, and the more people that use it, the more often you’ll need to do a deep clean. At the same time, soak your filter in a chemical cleaner and rinse it thoroughly.
Keep That Chemistry Balanced
The final step to maintain your hot tub is to make sure the water is balanced in terms of pH, alkalinity, and chlorine.
You’ll need a pH increaser and decreaser to help you adjust the balance, along with an alkalinity increaser and sanitizer, usually chlorine or bromine. Shock can give your sanitizer a boost if needed.
Test strips let you easily see where your water stands in terms of pH and alkalinity, and you can balance accordingly. You only need to test the water about once a week if everything is going well.
Contact Your Local Hot Tub Experts
A hot tub is sanitary and easy to maintain, and it’s a relaxing and fun way to enjoy time at home. Contact your local hot tub experts for more information and advice.