Category Archives: Hot Tub

Owning a hot tub is a lot of fun for the entire family and when you buy a good quality hot tub, you will find that there is very little maintenance that is required. However, you do want to take the few steps that are necessary to keep your hot tub pristine and fully optimized. There are a few chemicals that you may want to use in order to be able to achieve this.

One of the priorities is to keep your hot tub sanitized. Sanitizing your hot tub means killing the bacteria and any potential viruses that may be present, as well as preventing the growth of algae. There are some common products that can be used to assist you with this.

Chlorine

This is something that many people are familiar with as it is used commonly in swimming pools. It can be used in hot tubs as well, but it is important that you buy good quality chlorine and you also follow the manufacturer’s directions for using chemicals in your hot tub. You will find that it comes in many different forms, such as tablets or granules that dissolve as soon as they have been added to the water. These are the best types to use for hot tubs and you really want to keep your chlorine levels between 3 to 5 MG/L.

Bromine

This is a mixture of chlorine and sodium bromide. Bromide is also another product that works very well as a sanitizer and has been approved for hot tubs. One of the advantages of using bromine is that it does not have the strong odor to it that chlorine does. You will want to follow your hot tub manufacturer’s directions regarding the ideal level of bromine for your hot tub, but it is usually between 3 to 6 MG/L.

Shockers and oxidizers

Following the proper maintenance program to sanitize your hot tub is going to mean that you are going to very rarely have any issues with the water that it contains. On occasion, you may need to shock the water if the hot tub is being used on a consistent basis by many people. When you shock the hot tub it helps to get rid of any odors that may be forming and any organic material that has not been removed by your sanitizing system. Individuals that use the hot tub often have body oils on them and perspiration or cosmetics which often end up in the water of the hot tub. When you shock the hot tub it helps to get rid of all of these substances. There are several different products on the market that will do this job for you. Most likely, your provider of your hot tub carries a selection of hot tub products that you can rely on.

Alkaline

You want to know the level of alkaline in the water as this is the buffer regarding changes in pH. You want to make sure that you test regularly for the total alkalinity level, which should be between 125 – 150 MG/L. If you don’t stay on top of this and you allow it to drop lower than these measurements, you can end up with some corrosion of your hot tub equipment. If it gets too high, the clarity of the water is affected.

PH level

Measuring the pH level is going to tell you what the level of acidity or alkalinity is of your hot tub water. 0 to 6 indicates that the water is acetic and seven is neutral, while anything between 7 to 14 is standard. There are handy test strips that you can use for testing this.

Calcium

You will have to constantly be adding fresh water to your hot tub as it dissipates through use and evaporation. Each time you are adding water, you are going to want to check calcium levels. This is going to depend on the type of water that you’re using as tap water in some areas can be soft, while in other areas it can be harder, which means it has a higher level of calcium. It is suggested that the calcium level of the hot tub should be capped between 100 to 200 MG/L. Calcium levels that are too low will lead to equipment corrosion. If the calcium is too high the water may look milky or cloudy.

As you can see, it takes very few chemicals to keep your hot tub working at its best and it is well worth the few minutes of effort and investment that it takes to maintain it properly.

When you purchase a quality hot tub, you will find that it has the capability of maintaining itself in many different ways. Many people find that when they have made a hot tub purchase, they want to be able to utilize it on an ongoing basis and make sure that it is well looked after.

One of the areas that can wear down a hot tub is a poor filtration system. Buying one of the newer models means that you can rely on self-cleaning technology. Even the design of the seating in the hot tub can play an important role in the filtration. If the jets are placed in the unit properly, they will create a continuous flow of water, which helps to push all of the debris towards the filtration system.

While most hot tub owners try to encourage the users of the hot tub to shower before going in to the spa, there are times where body oils and impurities end up in the water. This is why it is important to have an excellent filtering system with the proper pumps that are going to be able to filter out the debris. The responsibility of the owner is to ensure the recycled filters are lifted and cleaned out properly, then replaced when necessary.

By following all of the suggestions and recommendations in the owner’s manual, it will also help to extend the life of the hot tub. Something else that is very important is to utilize a good quality hot tub cover. There are many to choose from that are made of different materials.

Quite often they have a vinyl outer layer that over time can wear out as they are exposed to the UV rays of the sun. You can actually extend the life of the hot tub cover by getting an additional cover to go over this, which is not expensive. Some individuals will use a UV resistant tarp for this, but it really takes away from the aesthetics of the hot tub itself and it can be cumbersome to work with.

No matter which form of protection is used it is important to make sure that some form of cover is used for the hot tub as this will go a long way in extending its life. It is also a way of being energy efficient.

Your hot tub is going to bring you a great deal of pleasure. You are going to find that this is a wonderful source for relaxation and when you have purchased a quality hot tub, you have very little maintenance. Ideally, you will want to have a hot tub cover that is going to protect your investment.

Keeping it clean:

The hot tub cover provides protection from debris getting into your hot tub. You will find that your outdoor hot tub will be subjected to airborne debris. By having a proper hot tub cover to protect it, you will not have to deal with removing the debris and you won’t have to be concerned about the smaller particles creating different forms of bacteria.

Child, pet and sun protection:

Another reason for having a good quality hot tub cover is that it protects the hot tub from children and pets falling into it. A good quality hot tub cover will also protect the hot tub from the exposure to the sun, which can be harmful over time. This is one of the reasons why you want to make sure that you invest in a good quality cover that is going to be able to withstand the UV rays.

Heat retention and energy savings:

Another very important factor that the cover serves is that it helps to retain the heat of the hot tub, keeping the temperature more consistent and energy efficient.

Choosing the right cover:

When choosing your hot tub cover there are a few things at that you want to keep in mind. You want to make sure that the material it is made from is going to be UV resistant as well as mildew resistant. There are many different types of materials that hot tub covers come in and you may want to speak with your hot tub supplier to find out which one would be the most appropriate for yours. It is important that you get to the proper size for your particular hot tub.

You may also find that you want to invest in a hot tub cover lift. This makes removing your cover much quicker and easier which will depend on the type of cover that you have chosen.

Using a hot tub allows you to relax and enjoy the many comforts that warm circulating water can bring. Many individuals enjoy using their hot tub with their partner. This is a golden opportunity to be able to incorporate some massage to enhance the benefits that the warm water is going to bring you. Massage has many benefits. It helps one to relax, reduces stress and anxiety, and it can even improve sleep.

There are specific types of massages that work really well in the hot tub setting. It can begin with a gentle back scratching to help increase the circulation and stimulate the skin. One area of the body that receives a lot of tension throughout the day is the neck. This can affect the upper back and shoulders. To massage your upper back and neck, you can either do this alone or have someone that has joined you in the hot tub do it for you. What you want to do is interlock your hands and use the palms of your hand in the heel area to gently squeeze the neck and pulsate it. You don’t want to apply too much pressure, but just enough that you can feel some firm pressure.

One of the best massages for relaxing and allowing the muscles to unwind is the shoulder massage. When you are enjoying a muscle massage of the shoulders, if you tip your head to one side this helps to stretch the muscles of the shoulders and neck area. A gentle massage using the knuckles should bring some wonderful relief from the tension that is found in the shoulder area. Even a massage of the head does wonders to create a relaxed state.

Arms and hands are important to massage as well. Raising your arm and having your partner gently massage the arm starting at the wrist and working down to the forearm with a gentle squeezing motion feels fantastic. This encourages the immune system to function properly and helps to increase lymphatic flow.

At the end of the entire massage session, there is no doubt that you are going to feel totally relaxed and have enjoyed a great experience that massage brings, especially when it is combined with a hot tub session.

Athletes find a massage to be excellent following a sports activity as it helps to stretch their muscles and reduce soreness. For older people that have irritation from stiff joints and tight muscles, this is a great treatment. Hot tub massage is something that anyone can enjoy, while helping to reduce stress.

A hot tub provides a great deal of fun, relaxation and enjoyment. But, when you add some of the various hot tub accessories, you can really enhance your hot tub experience and customize it to your specific needs. There are many hot tub accessories to choose from and some are designed for convenience, while others enhance your pleasure. Let’s take a look at some of the options that are available.

Cover removers

You will want to keep your hot tub protected when not in use and you can do this with a quality hot tub cover. To make it convenient to easily remove your cover, you have a variety of cover removers that you can buy. You can get a standard cover remover or you can get the type that is mounted to your deck. Some even come with hydraulics for easy removal.

Spa steps

For an easy way to get in and out of your hot tub, spa steps are a great solution. There are many different types of steps that you can purchase that come in a variety of shapes and styles, as well as materials and colors. It’s just a matter of choosing the set of spa steps that goes best with your particular hot tub.

Pillows

Aside from convenience, there are many accessories that are going to add to your pleasure and enjoyment. One of the greatest benefits that a hot tub affords is the ability to be able to relax in the warm soothing circulating water. You will want to sink down and enjoy every moment of this and to add to your comfort there is a selection of pillows that you can choose from. These will give you the support that you need and add to your relaxation.

Ice buckets

When relaxing in your hot tub, many people like to enjoy some refreshments. To keep these cool and enjoyable, an ice bucket with a cover is ideal. There are many different types to choose from. You can even get a hot tub spa caddy, which sits on the side of the hot top and swivels in and out, so you can reach your refreshments easily.

Aromatherapy oils

Another great accessory for your hot tub is aromatherapy. There are specially designed oils that are compatible with the hot tub. It’s a matter of choosing those scents that appeal to you most as the aromatherapy oils each have the ability to create a specific sensation. You also want to use the proper diffuser.

These are just a few of the very common accessories that can really make your hot tub experience all the more enjoyable.

The great thing about preparing your hot tub for the cold weather is that it doesn’t mean that you have to close it up for the winter. Instead, you simply have to take some simple steps to protect it so you can utilize it during all seasons.

If you have decided that you don’t want to use your hot tub during the cold weather, you will need to winterize it. You have a couple of choices here. You can have your hot tub dealer perform this service for you or you can do it yourself.

If you are doing it yourself, you will need to begin by draining your hot tub entirely. Then, you want to take out the filter and clean the filter element. It is important that you have removed all of the water, which includes the water in the jet openings, the housing for the filter cartridge, and the foot well. You can do this by using a wet dry vacuum.

You are then going to want to add some antifreeze to the pump well, jet channels, the housing for the filter and the blower channels. Try to ensure that you are using antifreeze for RVs and that you do not use the automotive antifreeze. Also, when adding the antifreeze, add some to the bottom section drain, which will ensure that any water that may be trapped there in the false floor of the hot tub will not freeze.

Once you have added the antifreeze, you want to turn on the pump to circulate this. It only takes a few seconds. You want to make sure that you disconnect all the unions that are in the support equipment area.

When looking at your pump, you will see that there are some winter drain pump plugs. You will need to remove all of these plugs. The next thing you will need to do is look at the plumbing connections that are exposed. You want to protect these using plastic bags secured with duct tape. If it’s possible, you really should disconnect your hot tub support equipment and store this indoors.

Once you’ve completed all of the steps you can cover your hot tub with its safety hardcover and can even place a tarp to protect the hardcover itself. If you are in an area that receives snow throughout the winter months, make sure that you do not allow the snow to build up on the hot tub.

There are a lot of very important steps to winterizing your hot tub and you really should follow the specific manufacturer’s directions for doing this. You can also have professionals perform this service for you as you don’t want to miss a step or do it incorrectly, which could lead to some type of damage to your hot tub.

There are so many great choices when it comes to choosing a hot tub for you and your family that the purchase adventure alone is going to be interesting. Not only are there many different styles and models to choose from, but you can also choose a spa that has self-cleaning technology, so you can reduce the maintenance requirements.

You will find that it only takes a limited amount of chemicals and very little time to maintain your hot tub. Some people rely on chlorine to keep their water in prime condition, while others are now using bromine.

There is something else that is available to help with keeping your hot tub in prime condition, so your time is spent on enjoying all it has to offer you and your family. The use of a salt water bromine system replaces the need for chlorine once the system is installed. It can be used with new hot tubs or even older versions.

One of the greatest features about this is that it cuts down on the amount of maintenance for your hot tub and you don’t need to use as many chemicals. Once the system has been installed, it takes over with the production of the bromine sanitizer. Any adjustments that need to be made can be made right from the keypad.

Bromine can handle a wider range of the pH levels with temperatures that are higher. This means that your hot tub will be in pristine condition without the need of adding additional products. You no longer have to be concerned about adding chlorine or bromine to your spa by schedule. With the system releasing the bromine, it means is that it can go to work and destroy any contaminants that may be found in the water.

For those that really are not keen on using chemicals in their hot tub, this is a great alternative. One of the other great features about this system is that there are no odours associated with it like there are with some of the other chemicals, and it doesn’t cause any skin or eye irritation.

When you can combine the self-cleaning features of a hot tub with saltwater technology, it really steps up the convenience and enjoyment of the hot tub.

Once your hot tub has been installed and all set up, you will find it quite easy to keep the water in pristine condition through the minimal maintenance requirements. This is especially true if you purchased one of the self-cleaning hot tub models. You will want to follow the instructions in your manual and use the proper chemicals to keep the water balanced and clean.

When you were going through the steps of purchasing your hot tub, your should have been able to rely on your supplier to assist you with advice and suggestions regarding the best way to set up your hot tub, as well as the best location for it.

You should also now be able to get advice from your supplier on the aftercare. While you may want to look after the daily maintenance of your hot tub yourself, you may also want to bring in professionals to do a full maintenance on it, especially when it comes to cleaning and changing the filters.

If your hot tub is an older model, you may find that it may be in need of some repairs. Using a company that is qualified in offering this service is going to be important for you, not only to have access to the necessary parts, but the expertise for installing these parts.

You may find after a period of time at that you would like to expand your outdoor environment by including a hot tub enclosure. There are a lot of great reasons for doing this. You may want to increase the privacy setting where your hot tub is located, or you may want to enhance your outdoor environment by making the space more attractive. You will find that you have lots of choices, such as gazebos or pavilions comprised of many different styles. You want to make sure you rely on experts that specialize in this field, so that you can get the most from this new edition to your hot tub setting, while expanding the enjoyment you are receiving from your hot tub.

Your hot tub is designed to bring you many hours of enjoyment. As an owner of a quality hot tub, you probably have already realized that there is very little maintenance needed and you truly get to enjoy it whenever you want.

On occasion, you may find that the water in the hot tub doesn’t look quite right. You need to address this immediately. When you do, you will most likely find that it doesn’t take much to correct the problem. A good indication that something is going wrong with the water is when it begins to look a little cloudy, milky or if it’s foaming a bit.

Water that is cloudy looking:

If you look closely at the hot tub water, you may notice that it looks as if there are small particles floating in it. They are so tiny that if you don’t look closely, you will not see them. There could be multiple reasons for this, such as having insoluble particles in the water, organic debris, or even the beginning of dead algae. Any of this may be present because the filtration system is not working properly for your hot tub, which means that it may simply need to be cleaned out. This also may mean that you are not keeping up with your water maintenance enough or are not using the right chemicals.

The first thing to do is check your filter. Make sure that it is clean and working properly. Then, check the water chemistry to see what the water balance is. Determine if you need to balance the PH. Once you have made any necessary corrections, you may need to shock the spa or try a water clarifier. If all of this fails, you may need to empty the spa and start over with fresh water.

Milky looking spa water:

If your spa water has taken on a white tinge, you probably are not able to see the bottom of the hot tub. Again, there is no one cause for this but most often it is because the filters are not working properly. It could also be that the hot tub has been used more than normal and you have not compensated for this by adjusting the amount of hot tub chemicals that are needed. To rectify the problem, follow the same steps as you would for cloudy water. Some people find using a non-chlorine shock product works well.

Foaming spa water:

It may look like someone has added detergent to your hot tub water and it is foaming up. This is not likely the case. What you may notice is that it looks like there is a film lying on top of the water. The most common cause of this is the residue that comes off the bodies of the individuals using the hot tub. This could be natural skin oils or cosmetics they have on their body prior to using the hot tub. The best solution for this is preventative action. Requesting that users take a shower prior to using the hot tub is not unreasonable. If you are already faced with this problem, you can check with your hot tub supplier to see which chemicals they recommend as the solution. This will usually be an enzyme or anti-foam product.

These hot tub water problems can cause some concern but are easily rectified provided you handle the problems as soon as they are noticed.