How To Maintain a Hot Tub

Hot tubs, also known as Jacuzzis or spas, are increasingly common and popular. Like any piece of equipment, a hot tub is only as good as the quality of its routine maintenance. Hot tub maintenance may seem baffling at first, but breaking it down into four separate categories may help to dispel any confusion.

Filtration

Enjoy your hot tub. Don't neglect frequent, routine maintenance

1. Hot tub water has to be filtered to remove particles and debris. Leaves, twigs, dirt, organic material, sand, and other detritus find their way into the tub and contaminate the water. They leave stains and rings and can cause minor injuries, as well.
2. Many hot tubs come with one or more filters installed to remove this insoluble suspended matter. If not, you will want to install one or two filters yourself. The most popular type is the cartridge and element filter.
3. Floating weir filters are also used. This type of filter sits in the hot tub and removes debris by skimming the waters surface.

Ozone generators

1. You may also want to install an ozonator, which is an ozone generator. Ozone causes oxidation of just about everything undesirable in the water including body fluids, lotions, soaps, perfumes, and works with spa chemicals to improve water quality.

Adjusting the pH

1. PH is a measure of the alkalinity or acidity of the water in the tub. If the water is too alkaline, lime and scale from calcium carbonate, iron, magnesium, manganese, and other minerals will build up, coating the tub surfaces and the inside of the plumbing. Greater acidity will cause skin irritation and rapid deterioration of the hot tub pump, piping, controls, and surfaces.
2. Determine the pH of the tub water with a handy-to-use pH strip kit. Strive to maintain your hot tub pH at 7.2 to 7.8, which is nearly neutral.
3. Add the appropriate chemicals to adjust the hot tub water pH levels.

Hot tub chemicals

1. Use bromine or chlorine to sanitize your hot tub. Either one will work continuously to keep the water safe and fresh.
2. You can use floaters with bromine tablets or insert powder crystals directly into the water.

Tips

No matter which methods you use, routine hot tub maintenance is the key to experiencing the pleasure of a hot tub.

Reference: Alden Smith: Hot Tub and Spa Maintenance and Supplies

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