A hot tub offers you a chance to really enjoy your home, creating an area where you can relax and have some time to yourself. However, like everything else in your home, your hot tub needs regular maintenance for safety and proper function. Between typical wear and tear, occasional malfunctions and other issues, it is possible for the spa to fall into disrepair and require replacement. If you’re not willing or able to do it yourself, it’s definitely a good idea to have a professional come out to perform regular spa maintenance for you.
Why Do I Need Hot Tub & Spa Maintenance?
Every hot tub and spa requires some sort of maintenance to work well over time. Hot tub maintenance ensures that normal wear and tear is accounted for that parts are replaced when necessary and that normal operation is not interrupted. For those that use their spas regularly, a hot tub service can make sure that the spa is never unavailable, whereas for those that use it irregularly or even rarely, it ensures that it is always ready to go at a moment’s notice. Regular service will also ensure that the water is sanitized to prevent germs and bacteria.
How Often Do I Need Spa Maintenance?
To prevent imbalances from occurring, it’s best to check your hot tub’s chemical at least once a week. If it’s not used often, check before you plan on using it. If there are any imbalances, correct as needed. It’s also a good idea to have the water from your spa professionally tested once a month.
Cleaning is a similar story. If your hot tub is used often, you will need to drain and refill your spa every 3 to 4 months, Or at least once a year.
If you are unsure how to properly care for your spa we recommend professional weekly service.
What Should I Do Between Services?
When it comes to hot tub care between when the spa guy comes, there are some basics you can do yourself. Take note of any issues as they come up, even something as minor as a weird temperature fluctuation, and have these ready for the spa guy. It’s also good to drain the water every so often to ensure the best operating conditions. Finally, keep the area itself clean and safe. Cleaning the deck is a necessary part of hot tub maintenance.
If you notice anything odd in or around your tub, like leaks or strange odors or colors, you can always call your hot tub service in early.
FAQs
Is Salt Water Better for Hot Tub Sanitizing?
Salt water has its positives and negatives. Saltwater sanitizer is a more mild form of chlorine that feels better on your skin and enhances your bathing experience. However, the system is more expensive to install, is more corrosive to the metal in the equipment. Your hot tub service should be able to set you up as well as show you what you need to add to your spa maintenance routine to allow for a salt water system.
Should I Leave My Hot Tub on All the Time?
In the case of above ground hot tubs and portable spas this is a common practice. The hot tub uses surprisingly little power to maintain itself and requires less power to run than it does to power on, get the temperature to the heat required and then maintain it. While you should notice a small increase in the power bill over time, it is less than what you would pay if the spa was being turned on and off all the time.
How Long Can a Hot Tub Sit Empty?
A hot tub should not sit empty for long. The acrylic tends to crack if allowed to dry, but that can be alleviated if the cover is kept on. Make sure that you conduct a thorough hot tub cleaning before you use it again in order to clear out any bugs or leaves that may have gotten into the system. If you know you are going to leave it empty for a long time.
If you are looking to get the best possible use of your spa, hiring a professional for regular hot tub cleaning and maintenance can make a huge difference. This will ensure that the hot tub performs at peak performance and is ready to be enjoyed at any time, without risking making you sick. If you love a good hot soak, professional hot tub maintenance services are indispensable.