How to keep your hot tub or spa water clean

The dirty little secret of owning a hot tub? You have to keep it clean. Fortunately, technical advances have considerably shortened
the time it takes to maintain today’s hot tubs, while innovative products like ozonators and simulated wood cabinetry make cleaning
your hot tub quick and simple.

It is critical for your health and for your spa enjoyment to keep the hot tub water fresh and sanitized. Therefore, before buying a spa,
consider the maintenance options. The most common method to disinfect the water is through daily testing and the addition of
chemicals. Installing an ozonator, however, is becoming more popular. Either way, a regular spa maintenance regimen will provide
you with the peace of mind to really relax and enjoy the time in your tub.

Steps to a Sparkling Clean Hot Tub

Know which chemicals to use and test your water frequently.
Your hot tub manufacturer’s representative can best recommend the proper chemicals and instruct you on their use. He or she is
likely to provide you with a complete hot tub maintenance education. Ask for a chemical formula based on the spa model, size and
your intended average use, i.e., how often and how many people will typically use the hot tub. You will need to add more chemicals if
your usage and numbers increase. On the other hand, if you go on vacation, the addition of chemicals will obviously drop during that
time.

Be sure to follow the measurements and instructions exactly and store chemicals out of the reach of children and
pets.
When the spa is delivered, most dealers will include a firsthand chemical start-up lesson. These few minutes will save you a lot of time
playing junior scientist later. In the future, if service questions arise, do not hesitate to contact customer service. The company’s
representatives are trained in the art of water chemistry and they will walk you through the process of getting back on track.

Consider installing an ozonator to diminish the time, effort and amount of chemicals it takes to maintain your hot
tub.
An ozonator automatically disperses ozone into the water and helps sanitize naturally, resulting in less work on your part. Though
more expensive upfront, an ozonator may actually pay for itself because it will lessen the amount of chemicals you need to add.

Rinse the filter cartridge with a garden hose once every two to four weeks (depending on how often you use your
spa) to prevent cloudy water, maintain proper water flow and extend the life of the filter cartridge. Experts
recommend that you replace the filter once a year or when you can no longer get it clean based on the manufacturer’s instructions. It
is a good idea to purchase two filter cartridges and alternate them, inserting a clean one while the other one is being washed. This
allows each one to dry completely and last longer.

Flush and clean your plumbing lines once every six months (right before you drain the spa) to eliminate bacteria
and mildew that may have accumulated.
No matter how clean you keep the water, chemicals will sanitize only the water, not the plumbing lines.

Drain and clean the spa shell about once every three months.
This ensures the life of the shell and prevents a scum line from forming at the waterline. Make sure to use the cleanser recommended
by the manufacturer to avoid scratching or bleaching the color from your spa shell.

Attend to the exterior.
If you have a cabinet made of pure wood, you should sand, stain and seal it at least once a year. Sanding eliminates splintering,
staining revives the cabinet’s color and sealant adds a layer of weather protection. If you have simulated wood paneling, the only
cleaning it requires is an occasional spray with the garden hose.

Clean and protect your spa cover about once a month.
For the underside of the cover, simply rinse it with a hose and let it air-dry to avoid affecting the hot tub water chemistry. For the
exterior of the cover, use cleaner and a protectorate recommended by your hot tub manufacturer. Do not use products intended for
automobile use!