Preparing Your Hot Tub for Spring and Summer: 5 Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

As spring begins to emerge, it’s time to turn our attention to the showpiece of the backyard oasis – your hot tub. Whether you’ve been diligently soaking through the chilly months, or your hot tub has been in hibernation, preparing it for the upcoming seasons is crucial. It’s not just about ensuring its best performance and safety; it’s about creating a space where you can unwind, relax, restore, and make lasting memories with loved ones. In the steps below, we’ll walk you through 5 essential tips to get your hot tub ready for spring and summer, so you can be ready to soak up the season.

1. Drain and Refill Your Hot Tub: The First Step to a Fresh Start

To achieve clean and clear water, the first step is to drain and refill your hot tub. If it’s been a while since your last drain (think three to four months), now’s the perfect time. Draining allows you to give your hot tub a thorough clean and inspect all its components for any hidden damage or buildup that might have occurred. 

Give the tub a good scrub to clear out any debris, mildew, or mold that might remain in your tub. Don’t forget to clean the area around your hot tub as well. Remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have accumulated during the cooler months. This not only keeps your hot tub area looking tidy but also prevents any unwanted items from making their way into the water once you refill it.

2. Deep Clean the Hot Tub: Giving Your Oasis a Spa Day

Now that your hot tub is empty, it’s time for a deep clean. Grab your Hot Spring maintenance products and get ready to make it shine. 

Pay extra attention to the jets, valves, pumps, and filter – these areas are notorious for accumulating buildup. Don’t be afraid to get in there and give them a good scrub. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any grime or debris that has settled in these hard-to-reach spots. For stubborn stains or buildup, allow the cleaning solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.  

And for an added layer of protection and shine, consider using a surface polish. This can help prevent future buildup and keep your hot tub looking as good as new. Just be sure to choose a polish that is compatible with your hot tub’s material to avoid any damage. 

Once you’ve given your hot tub a thorough clean, rinse it well to remove any remaining cleaning solution. You don’t want any residue to interact with the fresh water and throw off your chemical balance. Your hot tub will thank you for the pampering! Find more cleaning tips here: https://hotspringspasofkc.com/hot-spring-maintenance-and-operation-help/ 

3. Inspect the Hot Tub Components: A Closer Look

With your hot tub drained and squeaky clean, it’s the perfect opportunity to give all its components a thorough once-over. Take a close look at the pumps, pipes, filters, jets, and valves. Are there any signs of damage or wear and tear? If you spot anything that looks a bit off, don’t hesitate to replace those parts. 

Start by examining the pump and motor for any unusual noises or leaks. These could be signs that a component needs to be replaced or repaired. Next, check the pipes for cracks, leaks, or discoloration. If you notice any issues, it’s best to address them right away to prevent further damage. 

Don’t forget about the jets and valves. Make sure they’re all functioning properly and not clogged with debris. If you notice any jets that aren’t working as they should, it could be a sign that they need to be replaced. 

Finally, take a look at your filter. Is it looking a bit worn or dirty? If so, it might be time for a replacement filter. A clean, well-functioning filter is essential for maintaining clear, healthy water. 

When it’s time to refill, consider using a hose filter to ensure the water entering your hot tub is as clean as possible. This extra step can help reduce the need for chemical adjustments later and keep your water looking pristine longer.  

4. Balance Your Water Chemistry: The Key to Safe and Enjoyable Soaking

You’ve refilled your hot tub, and now it’s time to focus on the most important aspect – the water. Balancing the water chemistry is essential for ensuring a safe and hygienic soaking experience. Grab some test strips and check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. If anything seems off, adjust accordingly. 

The ideal pH range for a hot tub is between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH is too low, it can cause corrosion and irritation to the skin and eyes. If it’s too high, it can lead to scaling and cloudy water. Use a pH increaser or decreaser to adjust the levels as needed. 

Next, check the alkalinity. This refers to the water’s ability to resist changes in pH. The ideal range is between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). If the alkalinity is too low, the pH will be more prone to fluctuations. If it’s too high, it can lead to scaling and cloudy water. Use an alkalinity increaser or decreaser to adjust the levels as needed. 

Finally, make sure your sanitizer levels are within the proper range. The most common sanitizer for hot tubs is chlorine, with an ideal range of 1.5 to 3 ppm. Bromine is another popular option, with an ideal range of 3 to 5 ppm. Use a sanitizer test strip to check the levels and adjust as needed. 

Hot Spring Spas of Kansas City carries all the products you need to keep your water clean and fresh. Have any questions? Give us a call at 913-599-6700. 

5. Regularly Test the Water: Keeping Your Hot Tub in Check

Regularly testing your hot tub water is like giving it a health check-up. It’s essential for maintaining safe and hygienic conditions, especially during peak usage periods. Aim to test the water every few days, paying close attention to the alkaline and acid levels, as well as the sanitizer levels. 

But what exactly should you be testing for? The three main parameters to keep an eye on are pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. As mentioned earlier, the ideal pH range is between 7.2 and 7.8, while the ideal alkalinity range is between 80 and 120 ppm. For sanitizer levels, aim for 1.5 to 3 ppm for chlorine or 3 to 5 ppm for bromine. 

To test the water, simply use a test strip or a liquid test kit. Dip the strip into the water and compare the colors to the chart provided. For a liquid test kit, follow the instructions to add the appropriate reagents and compare the colors to the chart. 

If you notice any significant changes or inconsistencies in your test results, it’s a good idea to retest the water to confirm the readings. If the levels are still off, adjust them using the appropriate chemicals and retest the water again in a few hours to ensure the adjustments were effective. 

As the seasons change, so do the needs of your hot tub. Be prepared to adjust the water temperature and chemical levels according to the weather. During the warmer months, you may need to lower the water temperature and test the water more frequently. 

Don’t forget to keep a log of your test results. This can help you track any trends or changes in your water chemistry over time, making it easier to identify and address any potential issues before they become bigger problems. 

In the spring and summer, you may find yourself using your hot tub more frequently, which means you’ll need to be extra diligent about water testing and chemical adjustments. The warmer temperatures can also lead to increased evaporation, so keep an eye on the water level and top it off as needed. 

This process isn’t for everyone. If you want to be extra thorough, consider calling a Hot Spring Spas of Kansas City service professional. They’ll ensure everything is in tip-top shape and ready for the season. Contact us here: https://hotspringspasofkc.com/service/