There are many factors that decide the lifespan of a hot tub. The quality of the initial purchase, the amount of maintenance you put in, the amount you use the tub, and the weather conditions it has to withstand are only some of the factors that will affect its longevity. That said, depending on those variables, a hot tub can last anywhere from five to twenty years. In this article, we’ll go over some of the steps you can take to ensure your hot tub will last for a long time.
Buy Quality
The easiest way to ensure a long lasting hot tub is to start off on the right foot and buy a quality hot tub in the first place. The price of hot tubs varies widely, and although spending a lot of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll end up with a quality purchase, doing your research can add years to your hot tub’s lifespan. As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” Buying the cheapest hot tub may save you some money upfront, but you may end up paying a lot more in the long run. Looks for rugged materials, long warranties, and good reviews.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly maintaining the various components of a hot tub will undoubtedly increase its lifespan. The two main working components of any hot tub are the water heater and the water pump. Following a routine maintenance schedule as stated by the dealer and owner’s manual will ensure a longer lifespan of these parts. Regularly inspecting these parts can help you spot any irregularities before the problem gets too big to fix.
Water Quality
Maintaining the quality of the water inside the tub is important for the overall running of the hot tub. Water that is too acidic can damage the shell or cause corrosion of metal parts, while water that is too basic can cause a calcium buildup in the piping system. Invest in a water testing kit to ensure proper acidity levels and a longer lasting hot tub. Also, make sure to keep the water at an appropriate level. Low water levels can damage the pump.
Cleaning
Keeping your hot tub clean, inside and out, is one of the easiest ways extend its longevity. Covering the hot tub with a cover when it’s not in use will keep out leaves, insects, and other debris while keeping the heat in, resulting in less wear on your filters and water heater. Cleaning and replacing the water filters regularly will prevent damage caused by debris running through the system. Also, make sure to use cleaning solutions specifically made for hot tubs. Regular household cleaners can damage the plumbing system and the tub itself.
Regular Use
As with a lot of machinery, a hot tub functions best when it’s used regularly. Allowing it to sit without use for extended periods of time can cause the pump motor to seize up or run at a suboptimal level. At the same time, leaving the hot tub sitting empty for long periods of time can end up damaging the shell and plumbing. Never run the hot tub when there’s no water in the system as this will also damage the plumbing.
Maintain the Cabinet
The hot tub cabinet is responsible for protecting the various components of the hot tub. Regularly cleaning and inspecting the cabinet will allow you to notice any cracks or weathering that might eventually affect the other working parts. Make sure to perform extra inspections on the cabinet after particularly bad weather or storms.
Now that you know the key factors to increasing the lifespan of a hot tub, click here to download a hot tub buyer’s guide and browse the many options we have available.