How To Maintain Your Hot Tub Through The Seasons
When you think of poolside hot tubs, you probably imagine sipping on a cold beverage during a warm summer evening.
The truth is, you can enjoy spending time in your hot tub any time of year, and that even includes the winter.
With the right maintenance, you can enjoy having a hot tub all year round.
If you’re looking for high-quality hot tubs for sale in Cleveland, make sure you stop by and visit the showroom at Northeast Factory Direct today.
We carry a wide variety of awesome poolside hot tubs that will make your backyard even more enjoyable.
Read on to learn how to maintain your hot tub through the seasons so you can soak and relax any time of year.
- Planning for Spring Opening
- Use the Right Chemicals
- Practice Regular Maintenance
- Maintain Water Temperature
- Don't Forget the Cover
Planning for Spring Opening
If you don’t use your hot tub during the cooler months of the year, it’s important to make sure that you clean it thoroughly and prepare it before the next season.
There are a few things you should do to ensure that your hot tub is ready for warmer weather.
First, make sure that you purge the hot tub and clear out all of the lines.
Turn the power to the hot tub off and drain the water, then thoroughly clean the inside and the outside of the hot tub.
Spring is also a good time to go ahead and either clean or replace the filters, too.
You should also clean the hot tub cover to remove any dirt, debris, or mildew.
It’s also a fantastic time to go ahead and spruce up the outside of the hot tub, such as your deck or backyard so that it’s ready for guests.
Once all of these things are completed, you can go ahead and refill it with clean water.
No matter how often you use the hot tub, it should be thoroughly cleaned at a minimum of every three to four months.
Use the Right Chemicals
As you think about how to maintain your hot tub through the seasons, making sure that you use the proper chemicals is crucial.
You want to keep the water in your hot tub clear and clean, so treating it regularly is part of proper care.
The key of using chemicals is to ensure that the water remains within a proper pH balance.
You can use chemical test strips to find out the water’s pH level, then use alkalinity or pH up or down chemicals to adjust it.
Other products you should include as part of your hot tub maintenance plan are “shock” chemicals, water clarifiers, sequestering agents, chlorine, bromine, calcium, and a defoamer.
Always make sure that you read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to determine which chemicals you should or should not use.
You won’t need to use these items very often as long as you maintain a proper pH level balance all year round.
Stock up on chemicals and store them away so you always have access to them.
They have a long shelf life, so having everything you need close at hand at all times is the best way to keep the water in your hot tub safe and clean.
Practice Regular Maintenance
Regardless of the time of year, poolside hot tubs should be tested regularly to ensure that the water is properly balanced.
You can find water test strips that you’ll dip into the water once per week or so.
This is the best way to make sure that the water levels are balanced, and it only takes a few minutes to complete.
If the water levels are “off,” simply use your chemicals to restore the balance.
If you need help, you can take a water sample and have it tested by a professional so they can make the proper recommendations regarding which chemicals, and how much, you should use.
Part of knowing how to maintain your hot tub is to clean the filters on a regular schedule.
Remember, the filter is designed to catch debris and gunk, so keeping it clean and clear is the best way to ensure that your water stays clean and clear, too.
Clean the filters and sanitize your hot tub once a week and you should be good to go.
It’s also important to replace the hot tub cartridges regularly. Read the box of your cartridges to determine how long they’re supposed to last.
Mark the time on your calendar and then follow the schedule accordingly so that your hot tub always has fresh cartridges when it needs them.
Maintain Water Temperature
Before you use your hot tub, it’s important to check the water temperature to avoid scalding yourself or your guests.
Water that’s too hot may also lead to heatstroke and other dangerous conditions.
If the water is too cold, you could end up freezing, especially if you’re planning to enjoy a nice soak in the winter.
Every hot tub should have a properly working thermometer.
Check this thermometer often and ensure that the water is at the ideal temperature, which is typically between 100- and 104-degrees Fahrenheit.
As long as the water is within this temperature range, there should be no issues with enjoying your hot tub regardless of the season.
Don’t Forget the Cover
Every hot tub should have a well-fitting cover to protect the water from leaves, dirt, twigs, and other nasty debris.
Always make sure that you replace the cover after every use to help protect your investment.
Not only should you make sure that your hot tub stays covered, but you should also clean the cover every so often, too.
All you need to do is wipe the cover down with a special cleaner made just for hot tub covers or add a splash of bleach to clean water and wipe it down with a soft cloth.
Clean both the top and underneath your cover every time you put it back on.
Dust, pollen, and other particles can settle on top of the cover, so wiping it clean every week will help to prevent buildup both on the cover and in the water.
Do this once a week, and you’ll also help to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and algae.
You should also wipe the area above the water line every week or so just to keep things as clean as possible.
Remember these tips on how to maintain your hot tub, and you’ll be able to enjoy it all year long.
If you’re looking for a great variety of hot tubs for sale in Cleveland, make sure you stop by and visit our showroom or browse our website today and we’ll be happy to help you find the right option for you.