May 3rd, 2023 by Shauna Hammond

Hot tubs are an excellent way to relax and unwind whether it is in summer, winter or anywhere in between. However, they require regular maintenance in order to keep them clean and functioning properly, after all, hot tubs can be a big investment and repairing them can be pricey not to mention the effects it can have directly on those enjoying the water. In this blog, we will discuss some tips for taking care of your hot tub:

Cleaning Your Hot Tub

One of the most important aspects of maintaining your hot tub and ensuring it is always workings its best is to keep up with a regular cleaning routine. That is because your hot tub can quickly become a hotbed for bacteria, dust, debris and oils all of which can cause your water to become murky and affect how well the sensitive components inside your hot tub work. Some parts will need cleaning more regularly than others but we will take some time now to go over how to clean some of the most important parts.

Clean the Surface

You should regularly use an antibacterial cleaner or surface spray to clean your hot tub shell for obvious reasons, after all, most hot tubs spend a lot of time outside which means they can quickly and easily build up dirt, dust and debris.

Homefront Waterline Surface Cleaner 5L

Price: £14.99

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Clean the Cover

The hot tub cover can collect dirt, debris, and moisture, which can cause odours and other issues such as algae and mould. Regularly clean the cover with a detergent that is suitable for whatever material your cover is made of (this is usually vinyl) then thoroughly dry it before placing back on your hot tub also ensure it's properly secured.

Clean Filters

It is good practice to clean your hot tubs filters once every 2 weeks to ensure that they keep working at their best and to keep the water clean. If you neglect to clean your filters, not only can it cause them damage but it will also mean they will become clogged so they will be unable to filter the water which can result in cloudy bacteria-ridden water.  

To clean filters, you must first remove them and then use a cloth to remove any visible dust and debris before using a filter cleaner. These will either require you to soak overnight before rinsing and then replacing or instant formula which will allow you to soak them for around 15-20 minutes before rinsing and returning to the hot tub.

1L Homefront Instant Filter Cleaner Spray

Price: £15.95

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Clean Jets and Internal Pipes

Since hot tubs work by using pumps to continuously circulate water all the bacteria, sweat and oils from our body (which is unavoidable) end up in the water, this is then circulated through the internal system, and eventually, this will build up in the pipes which is why it is important to take time to clean even these parts too. Failing to do so can cause water to look cloudy or may even have an odour and the presence of this bacteria can cause irritation or rashes on your own skin too. This is why it is highly recommended to complete a flush system flush every three months.

This involves adding a strong detergent into the water and running the jet to allow the solution to move through the pipes for 15-30 minutes (this may vary depending on the brand) the detergent will then break down dirt and grime. Once the cycle is complete all the water will need to then be flushed from the system before being re-filled with clean water.

Homefront Hot Tub System Flush Cleaner 5L

Price: £16.96

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Inspect the components

While cleaning our hot tub it is also important to take time to regularly inspect the hot tub components, such as the jets, pumps, and heater, for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, contact a qualified service technician to repair or replace the components – after all, like any machine, once one part breaks down this will inevitably affect the rest of your hot tub and in most cases repairing small parts is much more cost-effective than buying a whole new hot tub!

Monitor the water level

Keep an eye on the water level in your hot tub – we recommend checking the before and after every use. If the water level is low, add more water. If it's too high, drain some out. There should always be enough water to ensure the jets and other components are properly submerged however it should not exceed max capacity and this is usually an inch or so below the headrests - Always check your manufacturer guide however for the correct maximum capacity.

Check the water chemistry

Perhaps one of the trickiest parts of maintaining your hot tub is to keep the water balanced. Maintaining proper water chemistry is crucial to keeping your hot tub clean and safe to use. You should test the water regularly to ensure the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels are within the recommended range:

·        pH level between 7.2 and 7.8

·        Alkalinity level between 80–120 ppm

·        Chlorine levels 1- 3 ppm

You can purchase testing kits easily offline in order to check these levels, and where there are any discrepancies it is important to adjust them accordingly using the correct products, such as a pH increase or reducer, Alkalinity increaser and chlorine tablets or granules. If the levels do not measure correctly it can lead to water that is too acidic or too alkali which can cause a variety of issues for the tub including cloudy water, increased risk of limescale build-up – it can also have health implications such as skin and eye irritation.  

While using chemicals it is always important that you leave time for each chemical to fully dissolve before adding another, test regularly and always follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage, adding the products slowly to ensure you do not overdose the water.

Use the right products

While it may be tempting to use any old cleaner on your hot tub, this is not recommended as most household cleaners can be quite abrasive when used on your hot tub and they can damage the surface and components, you may also find incorrect products can cause water to become cloudy, or foamy.

By following these hot tub care tips, you can ensure that your hot tub stays clean, safe, and enjoyable to use. Regular maintenance is important to help prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your hot tub as well as make sure you remain comfortable and relaxed in the water!