19Dec
The Beginners Guide To Hot Tub Ownership
While owning a hot tub is a great luxury and an easy escape from stress, there are still a lot of important things to consider when it comes to upkeep and maintenance. Make the most out of your home spa with this guide that explains the basics of hot tub ownership and regular maintenance.
Why Do You Need A Hot Tub?
Let’s be honest, a hot tub is an investment and it isn’t that cheap. Some might even say it’s a luxury. But, while we’re being honest – having a hot tub does have its benefits, if you actually use it. Otherwise, it’s just a waste of energy and money.
Trying to get that zen after a long day at work or an exhausting workout sure is easier when you hop in a nice hot tub. Relaxing and decompressing (both mentally and physically!) can help you ease out the everyday stress and it can help with soreness. Also, its massage jets are an awesome way to treat back pain and loosen up your muscles after you’ve been sitting the whole day. Did you know that spending time in a hot tub actually helps with diabetes, too? Because it simulates exercise effects!
And, let’s not forget that, with relaxation comes better sleep.
However, having a hot tub does have some cons. You have to spend time maintaining it and cleaning and your energy bills will be higher.
Read More: Year-Round Hot Tub Maintenance Tips
The Basics Of Hot Tub Ownership
Preparing Your Space For Your New Hot Tub
The site should be in an area that gets good drainage so that the tub isn’t at risk of being surrounded by puddles or mud. It should also be clear from overhead power lines, trees and messy shrubs, and at least five feet away from the electrical panel or outlet. Also, make sure the site you have chosen does not block access to your septic tank, sewer lines or other necessary utilities coming to or from your house, and is near a water source like a garden hose. You will need a convenient refilling source regularly.
Professional Installation
Part of the installation service is setting up the whole thing for you so that all you need to do is relax and enjoy once it’s all over. After you call an expert company like Poolarama and book an appointment to set up your hot tub, they will make sure the area you’ve selected is ideal for your tub, ensuring it’s clear of tree roots and that the ground is as smooth as possible.
Features To Look For
Durable Shell
A hot tub’s shell should not only be attractive and go with your yard, but it should also be durable, energy-efficient, and able to handle years of constant use.
Lighting
Along with the ability to turn the hot tub’s lights off and on, you should be able to adjust the brightness and colour as well. Almost all hot tub lights are operated with LED bulbs.
READ MORE: 15 Things You Should Never Do To Your Hot Tub
Controls
Your hot tub should have the following controls:
Blower control: Controls the hot tub’s influx of air, causing the bubbling from the jets.
Alerts/Warnings: GFI or GFCI failure and overheating are the main alerts you want to look for in a control panel.
Massage Jets
The question you might have swirling around your mind might be: “How do I know how many jets to get?” To answer that, think about why you’re getting a hot tub in the first place and how many people will use it at the same time. It is also better to think about the placement of the jets, rather than the number. It’s also a good idea to think about the height of the people that will use the hot tub most often.
When shopping for a hot tub, check the jet design and how the water pressure is adjusted. Consider a hot tub model with massaging foot jets and neck jets for added therapeutic benefits.
There is also a difference between stationary and adjustable jets. With adjustable jets, you can completely customize the hot tub according to your personal preference. They might work better for you because of the option to switch things up every once in a while, depending on your mood and pain area, for example.
Things To Consider
Investing In A Quality Cover
A quality spa cover not only keeps your spa cleaner and energy-efficient but also maintains tub safety, keeping small children and animals out of the water when not in use.
Keeping The Temperature Consistent
Keep in mind, most hot tubs are designed to stay at 104 degrees or cooler. Keeping the temperature in a hot tub consistent is important because you don’t want the pipes to freeze all of a sudden.
Keeping It Clean
When draining your tub, take the opportunity to scrub the tub’s interior and rinse it off with a hose to get all the grime and germs out.
Having The Right Accessories
The right accessories for a hot tub might include items like a fitted cover, but it goes deeper than that. The right accessories feature a proper pump for draining the tub, as well as a spare filter, just to name a few. You always want to have one spare filter to use when cleaning out your tub and filter.
Proper Drainage
Make sure to periodically drain and refill your hot tub periodically and flush the pipes to keep them clean. Use a sophisticated pump to drain the tub.
Maintenance Must
As we mentioned before, if you decide to splurge, you must be aware you will have to spend some time on maintenance. Here’s what you need to think about:
Cleaning Filter
Go the extra mile while you’re waiting the 10 minutes for your hot tub to shock and clean your hot tub filter! Using a hot tub filter cleaner purchased at a specialty store, you can clean it out gently and let it dry. Replace it with your spare filter if you’re in a hurry.
Balancing Chemicals + Testing
Regularly check the chlorine and pH levels each time before you use the hot tub and adjust these as needed. You can also shock your tub, which is what happens when you apply a dose of chlorine or non-chlorine shock to break-down organic waste contaminants, which could cause odour and cloudy water.
READ MORE: How To Test Your Hot Tub Water
Water Circulation
Water circulates through the filter and helps trap errant particles. It also properly distributes sanitizing products like chlorine and bromine and helps to keep the water chemistry balanced. If you hear any sort of humming or gurgling, your circulation filter might be faulty, or there might be an issue that you will need a professional to check out.
Airing Out Your Cover
Especially after a heavy rainstorm or during the fall when debris can collect on your spa cover, make it a point to clean it regularly and air it out to keep it from moulding or tearing, which would fail in up-keeping the quality of your hot tub. Sweep residual leaves off with a broom, wash and condition your cover with a gentle solution, and let it air-dry.
Draining + Changing The Water
To maintain fresh, clean water from the start, most speciality spa and pool places would recommend using a Pre-Filter when filling your spa. This filter attaches to an ordinary garden hose and removes organic contaminants, metals (such as copper and iron), and tannins before they are introduced into the spa water. Never refill your hot tub with hot water; always use cold or tempered water.
As long as you treat your hot tub well and with care, it will have a long life span and be good to you in return. Don’t forget to consult with your expert pool and spa maintenance company if you have any questions about installation or need any tips on different above-ground hot tubs to purchase.
The Takeaway
We’re confident every person out there has dreamt of soaking in a hot tub at least once in their lives. And who wouldn’t, hot tubs are awesome! With proper maintenance and regular use – they are really worth it. Plus, they can be used all year long, even in the middle of the winter (some would argue they’re even better when surrounded by snow!). But, if you decide to go through with it, make sure you have a quality product and a professional installation. Your pals ad Poolarama are your go-to option. Get a quote and start relaxing!