Hot tubs are generally not hard to maintain. The spa and tub system may look complex and delicate, but the key is to understand how it works. Hot tub maintenance is like any other home maintenance routine. So, the more you know, the easier it gets.
Before anything else, it pays to know what kind of hot tub you own. Get to know the basic terms of the equipment and read through the manual if it is available. It will also help you if you need to get some parts and services in the future.
Another crucial set of information that you have to consider is the age, water capacity, and other specifications during hot tub maintenance. This way, it will help you execute cleaning in the easiest possible way.
Types of Hot Tubs in Residential Properties
First, let’s take a quick look at the most common types of hot tubs.
1. Inflatable Hot Tub
This type of tub is portable and can be placed either indoors or outdoors. Since it is inflatable, you can also bring it on your trips. The biggest advantage of this type of tub is that you can deflate it for easy storage.
Inflatable hot tubs are also the best entry-level tubs because they are affordable and easy to maintain. They may not have all the advanced features of a high-end tub, but the advantages can make up for it.
2. Rotomolded Hot Tubs
“Rotomolded Hot Tubs” is short for Rotationally-Molded Hot Tub. The name is derived from the process by which the equipment is made. The procedure involves a mold filled with a plastic resin heated and rotated slowly.
Rotomolded Hot Tubs are not as lightweight as inflatable ones, but they have hydro-massage therapy. They are also more durable.
3. Portable Hot Tub
Although the name suggests that you can move this type of hot tub, Portable Hot Tubs can be pretty heavy. Therefore, it’s challenging to transfer from one place to another. On the flip side, however, they are durable and energy-efficient. In addition, portable hot tubs can also be customized to match the house’s landscape.
4. In-Ground Hot Tub
In-Ground Hot Tubs are placed in the higher bracket when it comes to cost. The good thing about it is that having one installed at home can massively add value to your property.
This type of hot tub is also custom-built, meaning that it can be designed according to the needs of your home.
5. Wooden Hot Tub
As the name implies, this hot tub is made of wood. And because of the material, hot tub maintenance maybe a little more complicated than the more advanced models on the market.
Wooden Hot Tubs can also use alternative heating sources such as a gas heater or wood-fire. It can be placed off the grid and is ideal for vacation houses up in the mountains.
6. Swim-Spa Combo Tubs
This type of hot tub is excellent for health-conscious individuals. While the hot tub can help improve muscles and joints, the pool is suitable for cardio exercise. Swim-Spa Combo Tubs are bulky and may require professional hot tub maintenance.
4 Things to Ensure to Keep Hot Tubs in Good Condition
Now that you know the type of hot tubs in the market, you can quickly tell what kind of upkeep you need for the one you have in your home. Generally, there are four main requirements in keeping hot tubs in good condition. They are:
1. Water Chemistry
Keeping the water clean is essential knowledge. However, it is also critical to ensure that the Ph level is balanced. A test strip is readily available in the market and can test for chlorine levels, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
2. Water Level
Hot tub owners tend to overlook the water level of their equipment. To keep the equipment in top shape, it is a must to keep water levels that will still allow effective filtration, jet performance, and heating. The ideal water level would be just a few inches above the filter. Keeping it this way will allow enough to prevent overflow once people get in and the water rises.
3. Regular Cleaning
There are different cleaning routines for hot tubs.
- Daily – secure the hot tub cover is placed correctly to keep the water temperature and chemical constant. It will also help avoid debris and other particles in the water.
- Weekly – alkaline and pH levels should be tested weekly. To keep the tub healthy, it is also necessary to add a higher dose of oxidizing chemicals to the water to control the growth of bacteria. This process is called “shocking the tub.”
- Monthly – chemical rinsing and hot tub jet troubleshooting are best done on a monthly basis. Although these procedures are easy to learn, you can always consult a professional if unsure.
- Quarterly or Annually – soaking the filter in a chemical mix and flushing the lines or tubes to avoid bacteria and biofilm build-up can be done quarterly or annually. That’s because it takes up time and effort. Moreover, having a professional look at the equipment once a year is most recommended.
4. Caring for the Cover
Tub covers are equally essential as the tub itself. As such, they should be included in the cleaning and maintenance. Luckily, a vinyl cleaner and conditioner works best and can be used once weekly to extend the life of the tub cover.
Let Cherry Help Install, Repair, or Maintain Your Hot Tubs
Hot tub maintenance is essential and should be done to enjoy the equipment for a long time. Let an expert take care of this for you in San Diego, CA. Call us at Cherry Pool Services on (858) 999-1004 to know more about how we can help you.
