We can all agree that spas and hot tubs are great. The hot water can really soothe away the aches and pains of a busy day, create a relaxing environment for friends and family, promote togetherness and are all around lots of fun. Just like our homes, vehicles, and every other investment in our lives, spas and hot tubs need to be maintained properly. This guide is designed to focus on the importance of chemical maintenance, how chemicals interact with each other, and the risks and benefits associated.

Portable spas and hot tubs that are located outdoors tend to have a 10–12-year lifespan. Climate and weather conditions have a lot to do with that; however, poor or inconsistent chemical maintenance is the number one killer of most hot tubs. To think that a hot tub is just a “small pool” and treat its maintenance as such is a mistake. Hot tubs differ from pools in many ways. The water is hotter, the gallonage is much less. The materials used in manufacturing of hot tubs are much more vulnerable to chemical damage. 

There are a lot of commonly used terms and words being used these days regarding chemicals for recreational water. Terms like “Sanitizer”, “Oxidizer”, and “Alkaline” can seem confusing. See our guide “ Recreational Water Chemical Dictionary” for definitions of the most widely used terms in the industry.

Comparisons between pools and spas

A hot tub is a very small body of water that can be extremely volatile. With a small amount of water at such a high temperature, almost anything can drastically change the quality of the water. Changes in cleanliness, chemical balance, and overall water quality can worsen in a very short amount of time. A single person can enter a perfectly balanced hot tub and severely alter the chemical balance simply by being in the water. The very hot water also tends to use up sanitizer much faster than colder temperatures. Because of this, hot tubs and spas must be maintained more often than a full-sized swimming pool. If a hot tub owner balances the chemicals before they get in, they know it is safe for them, but what happens after they get out, close the cover, and walk away? After usage, most often you can expect a lower sanitizer level, and most likely a change in PH level. It is important to understand what potential health risks this can pose, as well as the effect this has on the hot tub.