8 minute read
HOT TUB CARE
2/6/2025
Get Your Hot Tub Ready for the Season: Essential Chemical Care Tips
Stacey Owens
As temperatures begin to dip, there's no better time to enjoy the warmth and relaxation of a hot tub. But before you dive in, a bit of seasonal prep is key to keeping your hot tub water clean, clear, and safe for soaking. Here’s your go-to guide for getting your hot tub ready for fall and winter, with essential tips on chemical treatments, pH balancing, filter cleaning, and routine maintenance.
1. Start with a Deep Clean
Before diving into chemical balancing, it’s wise to give your hot tub a thorough cleaning:
- Drain and Scrub the Shell: Drain the water completely and wipe down the interior surfaces. This helps remove any lingering oils, dirt, or residue that could cloud the water.
- Inspect the Jets: Make sure your jets are clear and functioning. Debris can build up over time, so give them a quick clean or inspect for any blockages.
Starting with a fresh, clean base will ensure your chemical treatments are more effective throughout the season. For tubs that may have been neglected and need a little more attention, see our article HERE on how to perform a hot tub purge.
2. Clean or Replace the Filter
A clean filter is essential for proper water circulation and prevents debris buildup. Here’s how to clean it:
- Rinse the Filter: Use a garden hose to rinse off any surface debris on the filter cartridge. This removes larger particles and opens up the pores for a deeper clean.
- Soak the Filter: For a more thorough cleaning, soak the filter in a specially formulated filter cleaning solution for 8-12 hours or use a filter spray cleaner. This will aid in dissolving oils, lotions, and finer particles embedded in the filter.
- Rinse Again and Dry: After soaking, rinse the filter again to remove all cleaner residue and let it dry completely before reinstalling. If your filter is older or worn, consider replacing it for the new season to ensure optimal filtration.
3. Balance the pH and Alkalinity Levels
Balanced water chemistry is essential for preventing corrosion, skin irritation, and cloudy water. Start by testing your water using test strips:
- Alkalinity First: Set your total alkalinity to 80-120 ppm. This acts as a buffer for pH levels and helps keep them stable. If you need to increase your hot tub’s alkalinity levels, see those products here.
- pH Adjustment: Aim for a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8. If pH levels are too low, add a pH increaser, and if they’re too high, use a pH decreaser. Proper pH levels reduce the risk of scale buildup, which can affect the efficiency of your hot tub’s heater and jets.
4. Add Sanitizer to Keep Water Clean and Safe
A sanitizer is crucial for keeping your hot tub water free of harmful bacteria and algae:
- Chlorine or Bromine: Choose between chlorine or bromine as your sanitizer. Ensure after adding that you are maintaining appropriate ppm levels as indicated on your test strips.
- Test and Adjust Regularly: Keep sanitizer levels between 3-5 ppm or as recommended by your hot tub manufacturer. Test the levels at least once a week and adjust as necessary to keep water safe and balanced.
5. Perform a Shock Treatment
A shock treatment is an effective way to eliminate contaminants, like oils, dead skin, and lotions, that can make water cloudy or cause unpleasant odors:
- Choose Your Shock Type: Chlorine-based shocks are ideal for clearing up cloudy water quickly and can be used in tandem with a chlorine sanitizer while non-chlorine shocks are better suited for tubs using a bromine sanitizer.
- Follow the Directions Carefully: Add the shock according to package instructions, typically once a week or after heavy use. This helps keep the water clear and maintains your sanitizer’s effectiveness.
6. Routine Maintenance Tips
Once your hot tub is up and running for the season, these routine maintenance tips will help keep water quality at its best:
- Test Weekly: Regular testing allows you to spot any imbalances early, so you can make minor adjustments rather than major fixes.
- Keep an Eye on Water Levels: Colder weather may cause water to evaporate faster than usual, so keep an eye on water levels and top off as needed to maintain proper circulation.
- Cover Your Tub: When not in use, cover your hot tub to prevent heat loss and reduce the amount of debris and contaminants that might fall in.
Wrapping Up
Taking these steps now will ensure your hot tub is ready for months of safe and enjoyable soaking. Plus, with balanced chemicals and a clean system, you’ll spend less time on maintenance and more time unwinding. Preparing your hot tub for the season with proper chemical care is a small effort that leads to a big payoff in clear, inviting water all season long.
Ready to get started? Browse our selection of high-quality chemicals and maintenance products to make seasonal prep a breeze!
