How to keep your hot tub clean: Sometimes people lower the water temperature set point dramatically, usually to cool the water in the summer. The next thing they know, they are struggling to maintain water purity, and they think something is wrong because their spa no longer filters.
Here are several advices about how to maintain your hot tub and also a recommandation if you live in Colorado. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but drinking and hot tubbing are not a good mix. Despite all of those movies scenes depicting characters cavorting in hot tubs with their favorite beverage in hand, physicians and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) don’t recommend it. Sports stars and politicians have been known to imbibe while entertaining in a spa, but that doesn’t mean we should follow their example. The same caution should be used with drugs-check with your doctor before soaking in extremely hot water while taking a prescription. One reason is that both alcohol and some drugs (prescription and recreational) can cause drowsiness or disorientation. Check the water temperature before entering (it should not exceed 104 degrees), observe reasonable time limits (10 to 15 minutes), and enter and exit the tub slowly in case of dizziness or to prevent falls.
Tips for buying a hot tub : Plan on inviting guests or relatives over? Make room for a larger tub with more seats. You won’t want to take turns in your new hot tub. Will you be using the hot tub alone or with just two people at a time? If space is limited, a 2-3 person spa will be perfect. With a little more room, an extra seat or two is nice for stretching out.
You can save a pretty sweet chunk of change by running your hot tub’s heater during off-peak hours, or the hours of lowest demand. Not sure when that might be? Check with your utility provider for details. And if you haven’t already, insulate your hot tub . Efficient insulation, combined with heating during off-peak hours, can cut your energy costs. It’ll also reduce the stress on your hot tub’s system and help your hardware last longer. If you’re dealing with hard water as part of your regular hot tub care routine, you already know calcium can accumulate in your jets and cause them to stiffen, clog, or stop working altogether. To help combat the build-up, grab some white vinegar and clean your spa’s valves and jets. The acidic power of the vinegar will dissolve the calcium and get things flowing again. Be sure to rebalance your water chemistry after cleaning, since acids affect hot tub pH and alkalinity levels.
Speaking of regular spa care, a full cleaning of the waterline and surfaces can be done when the spa is drained, which should happen every 2-4 months. Just be sure not to use any old household cleaner or soap. If you are going to use any chemical on your spa surfaces, use something like our Spa Cleaner to keep out phosphates, nitrates and who knows what else. See extra details at Regular Water heater maintenance Colorado.
But first let’s see the hot tub choice of the month : Master Spas has a good variety of spas categorized into the entry- and mid-level price ranges, making this brand a good value option. The brand has 21 hot tub models, 13 of which fall into the entry- and mid-level price ranges, and all of which are made in the U.S. These spas span all sizes and represent four product lines: Clarity, Healthy living, Twilight and the Michael Phelps Legend series. Master Spas offers several premium features standard in all models, including waterfalls and a unique bio-magnetic therapy system. This brand also has the best upgrade options, including both UV-C and ozone sanitation options, a Wi-Fi module and Bluetooth audio. However, the customization options and shell colors were less extensive than other brands.
Besides performing regular maintenance tasks, it also doesn’t hurt to perform regular inspections of your hot tub’s inner workings in order to catch small problems before they become big ones. Primarily, look for obvious leaks or wet areas beneath the tub. Catching these problems early can be the difference between replacing a $10 pump seal and needing a new $250 part. Also, pay attention to your hot tub’s functioning, and call in a repairman if you notice any major problems, such as failure to heat, pump, or filter the water. Catching an obvious problem like a failed heater during the dead of winter can mean the difference between replacing the heater with a new unit, and having to replace just about everything on your tub, or replace the tub completely, after you thaw it out. One of the most important things you can do to increase the longevity of your spa cover is to remove it at least twice per week. Use a spa cover lifter to completely remove it, or if you don’t have a spa cover lift, gently place it off the spa. Give your cover a few hours to breathe and shake off some of the constant heat and moisture. This is also a good time to add chemicals or shock the spa if you aren’t using it at the time.