Spa & Hot Tub Tips and Maintenance

Spa Care-The Stuff Nobody Tells You

You bought a spa to relax and relieve your tension, but now you are faced with the ongoing task of testing the water and keeping it balanced. There are some other issues that may arise that are rarely discussed anywhere. This posting is not meant to deal with the routine maintenance (but I’ll have to talk about some of the basics) but rather some tips to make it easy.

First, a spa is not “a small pool”. While the equipment is similar to a pool system (pump, filter, heater) there are significant differences. First is the water temperature. Typical pool water temperature ranges between 78 and 82 degrees F while spa water temperature is typically 102 to 104 degrees F. The rate of bacteria growth increases in the warmer water of the spa. This warmer water opens skin pores making the participants more susceptible to skin infections. Additionally, there are usually more bathers per gallon of water in a spa. This means that the bacteria, etc. entering the water via the bathers is greater per gallon. These differences make it critical that proper water chemistry is maintained. Sounds difficult and scary but actually I have found that maintaining a spa is far simpler than maintaining a pool.

First, you need to test the water with some type of test kit. I use test strips (I use AquaChek Pool & Spa Test Strips).

Tip #1

My daughter, who works in a medical research lab, gave me this tip. Cut the test strips lengthwise with a pair of scissors. A 50-test strip container now provides 100 strips.

The test strips indicate, by color changes to the 4 pads, the chemistry for your water. The four indicators are for Free Chlorine, pH, Total Alkalinity, and Cyanuric Acid. If the strip indicates a low chlorine reading, add chlorine. If the pH needs adjustment, add pH Up or pH Down-whatever is needed. You will find that your water has a specific profile. For example, I never need to use pH Down-only pH Up. Bromine is also used in place of chlorine (bromine does not have the strong smell typical of chlorine).

Tip #2

Test your water chemistry at least once a week-even if no one has used the spa during the week.

Test your water chemistry after a period of heavy usage-like after a party.

Test your water chemistry after every time you add water.

Keep your tub covered and locked when not being used. It is safer, cheaper to operate, and it reduces the required maintenance. A cover will last 3-5 years. I buy my replacement covers at http://www.thecoverguy.com/.

Tip #3

Avoid putting anything in the water such as fragrances. I find that they mess up the chemistry. Burn incenses or light a candle instead.

If your tub is located outside (the best location for several reasons) and you live in a cool climate, mice may try to set up residence in your tub enclosure cabinet. Even though the ventilation slots are small and the openings are screened, mice will find a way in. If they decide to live in your tub enclosure their urine will begin to become offensive to the spa users.

Tip #4

To keep mice out of your tub cabinet try the following:

Remove the access door several times a season and check for droppings or small pieces of insulation.

Place sheets of fabric softener stuffed in various areas inside the cabinet area. Mice don’t like the smell.

Keep a spray bottle of peppermint water near the spa. Every time you use the spa spray the mixture around the outside perimeter. Mice don’t like the smell of peppermint either.

Place poison pellets inside (not outside-you don’t want to kill the cat) the cabinet.

If you need to repair your spa (replace pump, motor, heater element-if electric, etc.), know that it is quite a simple system and that handy individuals can manage it themselves. If you are not knowledgeable about electricity, plumbing, or gas, hire a technician. For parts, I buy them at www.spacare.com. They have a good troubleshooting section on their website, they are knowledgeable, and they respond to your questions. I have also had good luck North Coast Spa & Hot Tub at http://www.ncspa.com/parts.html.

Empty the spa, clean the interior tub surface, and clean filters two or three times a year (depends on usage). I replace my filter(s) once a year. I buy my filters at www.focuspools.com. For cleaning filters, use cleaner specifically formulated for use with spa filters. Other types of cleaners may damage the filters or alter the water chemistry. Dirty filters can damage the spa pump and electronics and may create less stable water chemistry. Keep your filters clean!

For more information on spas (repair, glossary, maintenance) try the following sites:

www.spababes.com

www.focuspools.com

Using the above advice and tips you can enjoy you spa with less stress and expense. After all, you bought the tub to relax!