Owning a Hot Tub is Easier Than Ever

Everything You Need to Know About Hot Tub Maintenance

If you've been thinking about purchasing a hot tub, but are worried about the responsibility, have no fear: hot tub maintenance is now easier than ever. The numerous chemicals on the market and low-maintenance tubs make owning a hot tub a dream that is in reach.

On top of the ease of hot tub maintenance, the added features are what sell them. You can now find features in the best hot tubs that include: stereo systems, LED lighting, cardio workout modes, infinite pool swimming spas, and high pressure or rotating massage jet therapies.

Forget about just sitting in a hot tub at a party. Now, it's common to regularly use hot tubs. You can even choose between built-in models and portable models, depending on your needs.

As mentioned above, the best hot tubs brands such as Jacuzzi, Bullfrog, Clearwater, Marquis, and Nordic have many advanced features to choose from. The shells of these hot tubs are non-porous and easy to wipe down and clean with a damp cloth if they sit for too long and get dusty. The covers and water purification systems that are available also provide built-in maintenance. The vinyl covers keep dirt and contaminants out of the water.

Comparing Brands

Companies like Bullfrog Spas specialize in building massage therapy spas with interchangeable jet packs. If you're looking for more relaxation and low energy consumption, Bullfrog is a good choice.

Jacuzzi is famous for its commercial productions, and refining them with numerous options that consumers crave. They have all the bells and whistles in their models, such as: stereos with Bluetooth connectivity, massage jets, ergonomic seating, LED lighting, and proprietary water purification systems.

Clearwater Spas claim to have the best hot tub features. Their models have the same stereo, but with a touchscreen. Other features include: bluetooth connectivity, massage jets, water purification systems, ambient LED lighting, and removable bistro tables.

The Marquis brand takes things a little further with a built-in cooler.

How to Pick a Hot Tub

Whatever brand that you decide on, you should find the one that fits your budget and promises the lowest electricity bills and maintenance. Brands like Nordic have ozonators that help oxygenate and purify the water without chemicals. Keeping the correct chemical balance is critical to inhibiting algae and microbial growth, so hot tubs that have the most effective water cleaning systems will save you an abundance of headaches.

It is difficult to advise someone on how to pick a hot tub because it is all situational. It mainly comes down to your preference regarding styling, features, price, and location. Do you want a large model that can fit dozens of people, or something romantic for you and a lover?

The best piece of advice may be to find a model that requires few if any hot tub repairs over its lifespan. A low-maintenance hot tub that is made of simple and durable parts will beat out an over-engineered system that requires complex disassembly and reassembly every time a little piece of plastic or seal goes bad.

Daily Hot Tub Maintence Basics

Basic hot tub maintence focuses on circulation, cleaning, and chemistry in order to keep your hot tub in the best condition.

• Circulation – Depending on the type of hot tub you've purchased, it may have an automatic circulation feature that goes on once or twice a day. However, if you don't have that option, consider circulating the water during off-peak hours to save money. You'll want to circulate the water 15-20 minutes, twice a day.
• Cleaning – Indoor and outdoor hot tubs are prone to developing residue. A weekly clean with a sponge and some white vinegar will help keep your hot tub clean and bacteria at bay. You can also choose to use a little bleach to keep mildew away too.
• Chemistry – Balancing your hot tub's water is similar to balancing pool water, you'll need to focus on pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. For pH levels, aim for a 7.1-7.6 level. As for alkalinity levels, try to get it 125-150 parts per million. Lastly, for sanitizer levels, add any sanitizer of choice (and follow the instructions), and test to see to make sure you pH and alkalinity levels are within optimal ranges.

How to Drain a Hot Tub

Few people know how to drain a hot tub properly. You should gravity drain it through the spigot and then follow up with a wet/dry vacuum to get the shell bone dry. This is the only way that you can wipe everything down to get rid of any mildew. Clean the cover on the inside with a garden hose, and allow it to fully dry before replacing it.

You should also soak and drain any filters while the tub is down to avoid costly hot tub repairs. You should drain your hot tub every 3–4 months. This will remove all the contaminants from suntan lotion, bacteria, chemicals, and mildew.