Hot Tub Care 101

A hot tub is the perfect way to relax and unwind with family and friends, and taking care of your hot tub should be as easy and it is to get in to it! Follow our simple to follow breakdown for hot tub maintenance and care, and you’ll be spending less time maintaining your spa, and more enjoying it.

Water Care

The most important chemical in your hot tub is sanitizer. Hot tub sanitizers include:

Chlorine (Granular):

• Cost effective
• Easy to manage
• Easy to add
• Effective killer of bacteria

Ideal Chlorine Ranges are 3 - 5 ppm (Parts Per Million)

Bromine (Granular or Tablets):

• Effective killer of algae
• Works well in wider pH ranges
• Produces less of a smell

Ideal Bromine Ranges are 4 - 6 ppm (Parts Per Million)

Minerals (Nature2 or SpaFrog):

• Cost effective
• Easy to manage
• Easy to add
• Lowers chlorine use

The Ideal Mineral Range is 0.5 ppm (Parts Per Million)

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For your sanitizer to work properly, your water must be balanced - your chemical levels should be as follows:

• pH: 7.4 - 7.6
• Alkalinity: 100 - 150 ppm
• Calcium: 100 - 200 ppm

If you’re experiencing water problems, here’s some products to help treat some of the more common issues:

• Clarifier - Clarifiers clear cloudy water by grouping small particles in to large particles that can then be picked up by your filter
• Stain & Scale - Stain and scale control prevents scaling in your hot tub, which is caused by high metal levels
• Enzymes - Natural enzymes break down oils, lotions and other organic products and prevent scum lines and odours from forming

Filter Care

Three are 3 ways you should be cleaning your hot tub filters:

• Quick Rinse - once a week, rinse each filter with a garden hose or filter cleaning wand. Be sure to spread the filter pleats out and rinse between them to remove dirt and debris
• Filter Cleaner - once a month, use a specially formulated filter cleaner solution to deep clean your hot tub filters. Allow the solution to soak for approximately 15 minutes, then thoroughly rinse
• Chemical Rinse - once a season, mix a filter cleaner solution with water to dilute it, and allow your hot tub filters to rest fully submerged in the mixture for 24 hours, then throughly rinse with fresh water

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Water Replacement

You should be draining and refilling your hot tub every 3-4 months.

Steps for Draining

1. Turn off the power - make sure the spa is completely powered down
2. Drain the water - using a submersible pump or the hot tub’s drain plug, start draining the water. You don’t need to drain the spa completely, and you can leave a bit of water at the very bottom
3. Clean the filter(s) - remove your hot tub’s cover and remove the filters, fully cleaning them using a chemical rinse (as described above)

Steps for Refilling

1. Re-install the cleaned filter(s) - ensure the filters are properly cleaned, then place them back in to your hot tub’s filter well
2. Fill the hot tub - fill the hot tub by placing a garden hose in to the filter well - this will remove any air from the hose line
3. Test your water - once the hot tub is filled, test the water chemistry and balance/sanitize it as necessary

Hot Tub Covers

Maintaining a hot tub cover is easy and will make it last longer! Clean your cover regularly with cover cleaner to protect it from the elements and keep it looking brand new. On hot days, unzip the cover to allow the inside foam inserts to dry out. This will keep your cover light. Every few months, use a small amount (10%) of bleach added to 90% water and wipe the bottom of your hot tub cover off. This simple procedure will prevent your hot tub cover from smelling musty.

Every few months, check for tears or any deterioration to your cover. Duct tape can seal any split seams or spots that might allow water in to the foam. If the damage is too extensive, it’s time to order a new cover from Pool Supplies Canada!

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Cabinet Care

Wooden Cabinets - your wooden hot tub cabinet should be re-stained every 6 months or so. Staining provides an extra layer of protection from the weather and helps to prevent warping or discolouration.

Synthetic Cabinets - synthetic cabinets are almost maintenance-free, but you should still spray and wipe down using a mild soap and water every month.

Shell Care

Acrylic Shells - normal household cleaners can damage acrylic hot tub shells. Use a soft cloth or sponge to remove scum or build up at the water line. Baking soda and vinegar can also be used to remove minor stains. Always rinse any spots you clean with fresh water.

Between water changes, use a hot tub shell cleaner to keep your acrylic polished. ALWAYS wipe up any spills immediately using fresh water.

Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Place tennis balls in your hot tubs’ skimmer or directly in to the water - they will attract oils, hair products, lotions and creams from bathers before they enter the filter system
2. When filling your hot tub, set a timer to avoid wasting water and to reduce the risk of a potential overflow
3. Program your hot tub to heat up when energy costs are lower. Check with your local electricity provider to find out the best times to save!
4. Keep hats near your hot tub so your guests can keep their hair (and hair products) out of the water

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