Taking proper care of your hot tub is very important. Not only will proper hot tub maintenance keep your spa working correctly, but it can also extend the life of the hot tub. Here are five tips you can use to help with maintaining your hot tub.
1. Keep the Water Clean
Filtration and circulation of hot tub water are crucial to keep it free from contaminants such as organic and inorganic waste while also enabling any sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, or salt system) you add to work efficiently.
At least twice per week, test and adjust your water chemistry by checking pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels to maintain an ideal environment for aquatic life.
 Utilize a skimmer basket or floater to introduce chlorine tablets or granules into your hot tub, where they will dissolve into hypochlorous acid that kills bacteria and deactivates chloramines. Wait two hours before retesting the water – this allows enough time for it to work without disrupting delicate water chemistry.
 2. Test the Water Regularly
 Regular water testing will help maintain an ideal bathing experience and extend the lifespan of your hot tub.
 A pH and alkalinity test strip or liquid tester will quickly reveal whether your hot tub water has the proper pH and alkalinity levels or needs adjustments due to imbalanced levels. If they don’t match up, it is necessary to add appropriate chemicals.
These chemicals may include sanitizer – essential for killing bacteria in the water; defoamer to reduce foam caused by lotions and cosmetics; calcium booster or descaler; water clarifier or algaecide. By regularly adding these treatments, your hot tub will last longer, saving both money and effort in drain and refill costs; maintaining balance will decrease wear and tear on jets and pump heater covers.
3. Clean the Filter
 Your hot tub’s filter is the primary line of defense between debris and your open water, but it cannot effectively do its job when it becomes dirty. Rinsing with high-quality filter cleaner every 1-2 weeks as part of your regular maintenance schedule ensures they remain ready to serve this vital function.
An annual water quality test should also be performed, with adjustments made as necessary, to keep the balance of your spa water. Doing so will prevent organic compounds and bacteria that build up over time from becoming difficult to clear out of your spa water. Incorporating an oxidizer as part of daily maintenance can support filters more effectively while decreasing the frequency of additional treatment steps required in your hot tub.
4. Replace the Water Filter
 Filters are integral in keeping the water in your hot tub clean and clear, helping prevent strain on both pumps and heaters and protecting pumps against blockages. Clogs often trigger warning signs such as dirty water displays or low flow.
 To prevent this from happening, visually inspect and rinse out your filters weekly with either running water or a hose nozzle. Also, soak them once every month with a cleaner to extend their lifespan; having an extra filter handy so you can continue enjoying your hot tub uninterrupted is always wise – these steps take just minutes each week, but they could save your hot tub from becoming murky with stagnant water.
 5. Check the Heater
As a hot tub owner, you must regularly inspect your heater to avoid problems and extend its lifespan. Should one become broken, replacement should take place quickly to maintain the optimal performance of your tub.
Regular maintenance and treatment of your hot tub will help ensure its water remains clean, safe, and healthy. Doing this also prevents bacteria and contaminants from accumulating in the water, which could otherwise lead to skin irritations and respiratory ailments.
Making time for all the tasks necessary for hot tub maintenance can be challenging, so creating a schedule can simplify things. By employing cleaning techniques commonly used by project planners and educators to increase productivity, you can develop a maintenance regimen tailored specifically for you.
If it’s time for a new hot tub in Jacksonville, FL, our knowledgeable staff is here to help you – stop by our showroom today!