Although most people who use hot tubs don’t necessarily think about water chemistry or regular maintenance procedures, someone needs to take care of those things to ensure the hot tub remains safe for bathing. Due to the high water temperatures and a relatively small amount of water, untreated hot tubs can quickly become overrun with algae, mold, bacteria and viruses. That’s why it’s important that someone understands how to disinfect a hot tub. In this article, we’ll go over the various maintenance tasks that need to be undertaken to ensure a safe and healthy soaking experience.
Balancing the Water Chemistry
One of the best ways to ensure your hot tub remains disinfected is to keep a close eye on the water chemistry balance. When the water chemistry is out of balance there’s a greater chance that the hot tub could pose a danger to its users. Testing your water chemistry will allow you to understand if there’s an appropriate amount of sanitizer present, if the water is too acidic or too basic or if the conditions are relatively safe or dangerous. Testing the water is a simple process and can be done on the spot using affordable water test kits or test strips. Water chemistry should be tested at least once a week or more often if the hot tub is seeing a large number of users. The results of the tests will allow you to ascertain what chemicals need to be added to bring the water back into balance.
Cleaning the Filter Cartridges
Filter cartridges play a primary role in removing large impurities from the water. This could be anything from hair to insects to dirt to body oils. Allowing the filter cartridges to get clogged can put undue pressure on the mechanical components of the hot tub, so it’s important to keep them clean. Remove them from their housings and rinse them out with fresh water regularly. Filter cartridges need to be deep cleaned every three to four months. This is done by spraying the cleaning solution on the cartridge(s) and allowing it to sit for up to an hour. Water filters should be replaced every year or when they begin to show wear.
Draining the Hot Tub
The hot tub should be drained every three to four months depending on the amount of use it’s getting. This will allow you to flush the plumbing and clean the shell. A pipe cleaning solution is added to the water before draining and allowed to pass through the plumbing system according to the directions. The hot tub should be completely powered down before the tub is drained to prevent the water pumps from running when the hot tub is empty. Ensuring the hot tub drains into a suitable area will prevent flooding and other water damage. Once drained, the interior of the hot tub shell can be cleaned using soft cloths and an appropriate cleaning solution.
Refilling the Hot Tub
After cleaning and rinsing, the hot tub can be refilled with water. Check the owner’s manual to ensure the hot tub is filled properly without allowing any airlocks to occur. Once the water reaches the proper level the pump and heater can be turned back on. The water chemistry should be tested again, and the appropriate amount of chemicals added to get it back into balance. Again, it’s important to read the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding how long the chemicals should circulate before the hot tub can be used again.
Now that you’ve learned how to disinfect a hot tub, download a free buyer’s guide for more information.