Posted by on 9/29/2023 to Chemical

Filter Cartridges

Filters are essential for creating a safe and healthy bathing environment.
Filters have only a one-year lifespan at best.
They need to be cleaned monthly and replaced yearly.
It’s a great idea to purchase 2 filters. This way you are all set for 2 full years, and they can be swapped out monthly.
Filters that are cleaned, dried out and stored, filter better than filters that are cleaned, remain wet and reused.

Cleanliness of your hot tub

Hot tub water should be drained every 90 days regardless of whether it is used or not.
This should be done more often if you have large parties or have a consistently larger bather load.
Hot tubs should be drained and thoroughly cleaned at least once a year. This includes draining, cleaning out with a good non-foaming cleaner, scrubbing the interior, and rinsing out.
Using a jet line cleaner once a year is also a great idea, as it cleans the interior of your plumbing and removes built-up mold, algae, and other debris.

Be sure to check your supply of essential chemicals at the start of your hot tub season.
Test strips only have a one-year life span, pick up a new bottle of strips or your preferred test kit at the start of each season.
Chemicals such as sanitizers (chlorine or bromine), PH adjusters, alkalinity control, enzyme, non-chlorine shock, metal remover, and scale preventers are essential to clean sparkling water.
See our articles on chemical maintenance. Even seasoned hot tub veterans can learn something new!

You can’t enjoy your hot tub if it isn’t operating properly.
Check that the water heats up to the temp you have it set to. Use a trusted thermometer to check the display temp vs the actual temp. Test from 12” down if possible. If you read within 3 degrees above or below the displayed temp, the system is running within factory specifications.
Open skirting panels and inspect the interior of the spa. Check for rodent infestations, burns, melting, leaks, and any other obvious damage. Use a good flashlight to aid you in this.
Run pumps, blowers, lights, and any other equipment one at a time. Listen for any raspiness, grinding, clunking, or even screaming. Pumps with bad bearings will sound like a freight train is running through your yard. Check for any leaks on the pumps, especially between the wet end and the motor. Leaks in this location are usually caused by a failed shaft seal. Repairing this now is inexpensive. If it’s left to continue leaking, it could cost you a whole brand-new pump.

Covers are essential to maintaining heat levels and minimizing heat loss.
A good cover will save you money on electricity costs.
Covers in good condition will be very light to the touch. If you need both hands and have to struggle a bit to open it, it’s time to replace it. Most hot tub covers have a max 5-year lifespan.
Inspect your cover for holes, tears, and broken stitching. Any breach in the vinyl will allow water to infiltrate the foam core and render your cover useless. Covers rely on the air in the foam core to act as a barrier keeping your heat in your tub. A saturated foam core acts like a conduit for heat to escape. If you find any holes (even tiny punctures) you must seal or repair them right away. Vinyl repair kits can be purchased and are inexpensive.