A Guide to Caring for Your Hot Tub Water

Owning a hot tub is a luxurious experience; soaking in soothing waters and receiving a relaxing massage any time you wish! However, owners of a spa must put in a bit of time and effort to keep the water clean and refreshing. If the water in your hot tub is not properly maintained it can become cloudy, malodorous and even dangerous. It’s important for you to understand the ins and outs of your spa so your water will be clean and ready for you at any time. A few basic steps done on a regular basis will keep your water crystal clear! 

Why do I need to take care of my hot tub water?

If the water in your hot tub is not properly maintained, soaking in the spa won’t be safe or pleasant. Less than adequate water care creates the perfect environment for algae, bacteria, microorganisms and other contaminants to thrive, causing the water to become cloudy and/or green. Minerals build up harming the systems of your hot tub and causing scale or residue on the tub’s surface. You need to have a good understanding of your hot tub’s system and the necessary maintenance schedules to keep the water clean, safe and inviting. 

How to fill your spa with water:

Filling your spa is the first step toward proper water care. 

• Water should be free of metals (iron, copper, and manganese) and low in calcium (hardness). Test your local tap water before you get started.
• Consider using a pre-filter as you fill the tub. It helps to correct pH and alkalinity issues in all water, including well water. 
• Fill your hot tub with cold, fresh water, adding an enzyme-based formulation to reduce the need for many of the chemicals used in traditional spa water treatment.
  
• Once the hot tub water level is above the top of the highest jet, switch the power on. Use the temperature up or down buttons to select your desired temperature. Close the hot tub cover to allow the spa to heat faster and keep any debris from entering the tub.
  
• Let your hot tub heat up for at least 5 hours before adding any additional chemicals.
• Use Test Strips to test the balance of the water. 
  
• If alkalinity or pH levels are not correct, adjust accordingly with either pH Booster or pH Reducer. Always adjust the alkalinity level first.
  
• When the water is hot and properly balanced, add sanitizer directly to your water to disinfect it. 
• Leave your hot tub cover open for one pump cycle (approx 20 minutes). 
  Your hot tub is now ready to use! Always refer to your manufacturers manual and information provided from your dealer. 

Ongoing water care:

• Once a week, use a test strip to check the water balance and sanitizer level.
  
• Balance your water as required.
  
• Add sanitizer at least once a week, more if the spa is used frequently or you have a large number of people using the hot tub. This compound breaks down organic material in the water which can cause bad odours and cloudy water.
  
• Add a descaler like Cop-Out once a week to prevent stain, scale and calcium build-up.

Each bottle of hot tub water care product comes with its own set of instructions. If you’re unsure of how much to add, consult with your local dealer. They’ll happily talk you through the process.

Clean and change filters:

Inspect your filters regularly. Keep them clean and replace them if they start to show wear and tear. This is a vital part of keeping your hot tub water in good condition. 

• Every two weeks, rinse your filter off to remove obvious, large particles.
  
• Every month, carefully clean with a filter cleanser like Spa Marvel Filter Cleaner to dissolve oils and reduce mineral buildup.
  

• Every three months, treat your filter to a professional cleaning. At  RnR hot tubs and spas we offer ultrasonic filter cleaning, a revolutionary new technique for removing dirt and contaminants from filtering equipment and components of all types. It improves the performance and longevity of spa filter(s).

Empty, clean and refill:

It’s a good idea to empty your hot tub every three to four months so you can give it a good cleaning before filling it up again with fresh water. This lengthens the life of your hot tub’s components and gives you a fresh start with respect to water chemistry. 

Helpful hints:

 

• • Undertake monthly maintenance: Clean your filter, test your spa’s water, balance chemicals, wipe your cover, wash your tub’s outer shell, scrub the tub’s interior above the surface of the water and vacuum particles. Not feeling up to the task? RnR hot tubs and spas offer a monthly maintenance plan to help you keep your spa in optimal shape. You enjoy your hot tub, and we take care of the rest. 
  • Not sure how to keep your water safe, clean and clear. Try  RnR’s Spa School. You’ll become confident with spa chemicals, learn to balance pH, test your water, maintain your hot tub, and more.
  • When adding chemicals to your hot tub water, don’t add multiple chemicals at once. Your chemicals are more effective when they are added separately.
  • For cloudy or foamy water, check sanitizer level is correct, and adjust if needed. 
    
  • When balancing your water, always get the alkalinity level right before adjusting the pH level.
  • After making an adjustment to the alkalinity or pH, wait at least 12 hours before retesting and making another adjustment.
  • Only make adjustments if it is obviously necessary (if you aren’t sure if it is too high/low, don’t make an adjustment and retest at a later date). 
  • At least once a year, clean and flush out your hot tub’s interior plumbing using a product like Whirlpool Tub and Rinse. This will help clean and degrease the plumbing lines and help prevent the buildup of calcium and body oils.
    
  • Purchase quality hot tub chemicals as it really does make a difference. 

 

In order to maintain proper water chemistry and keep your spa equipment in good shape, it’s important to regularly inspect, clean and add chemical enhancers. Ask your hot tub provider for a demonstration on how to care for your spa. Take a few minutes each week to maintain your hot tub. 

Wondering how to care for your hot tub? Need help with hot tub maintenance? Looking for quality hot tub chemicals? Consider RnR hot tubs and spas’ ultrasonic filter cleaning, monthly maintenance package, 50 point inspection,Spa school and quality chemicals. Call (403) 203-0860 or fill out the contact request. RnR provides comprehensive service, expert knowledge, a wealth of field experience and the best products in the industry to help you maintain your hot tub/swim spa for years of enjoyment. RnR is Alberta’s premier hot tub and swim spa store specializing in the World’s First Steel Framed Spas from American Whirlpool, Vita Spas and Maax Spas.