Even a seasoned hot tub enthusiast can find the actual practice of keeping spa water healthy and free of harmful microorganisms a little daunting, especially when faced with the myriad products available to spa owners today. Understanding the big picture, and then breaking it down into manageable pieces will relieve even a new hot tub owner from feeling overwhelmed. Hot tub maintenance can be divided into three basic steps; keeping the equipment clean, balancing and treating the water, and maintaining the sanitizing agent.

Keep the Spa Clean

Over time, spa water can get chemically saturated and become resistant to regular upkeep. Regardless of spa brand or sanitizer system being used, all hot tub water must be replaced periodically. The timing for draining and refilling the spa with fresh water can vary, depending greatly on bather load. Optimally, the water should be changed every 60 – 90 days.

Spa plumbing is vulnerable to deposits of debris and organisms in the lines, especially if it has been dormant for a while. Buildup of biofilm inside spa pipes and hoses can reduce water circulation and jet action, while providing a breeding-ground for bacteria. Before draining the old spa water, add a spa plumbing system cleaner, such as Spa System Flush® to remove films and deposits without the use of harsh or toxic chemicals.

After flushing the plumbing system and draining the spa, clean the tub shell and cover with a non-foaming all-surface cleaner. Avoid using common household cleaners, which can alter the pH balance of the hot tub. Finish up by sealing the spa interior with a gel-gloss polish containing carnauba wax for a high luster and smooth surface that will help to eliminate water spotting and staining. Never use car wax on a spa shell.

Now is also the time to soak the spa’s filter(s) in a filter cleaning compound. Filter media can become clogged with lotion residues, body oils, scum and dirt, restricting water flow and causing excessive strain on pumps and motors. Rotate the current filter with a clean, dry spare, or allow the cleaned filter cartridge to dry completely before reinstalling.

Don’t forget to take an extra moment to wipe down and protect the spa cover. Keeping the vinyl clean, inside and out, and protecting it from UV damage will prolong the life of the cover. Beware of vinyl products containing damaging silicone. Besides having a reduced insulating capacity, a worn-out or heavy (waterlogged) cover can actually harbor harmful microorganisms that will contaminate the spa water. A cover in this condition should be replaced.

Balance and Treat Water

The next step is to refill the clean spa with fresh water. Maintaining a proper water

balance will feel better on the skin and also allows the sanitizer to perform. Check the water’s balance using a 3-way test strip, first noting the Total Alkalinity, and then checking the pH level. A Total Alkalinity on the high side of the range is less a problem than if too low. The same rule of thumb is true for pH. While a too-high pH is alkaline and can contribute to scale formation, very low pH is acidic and can be corrosive. Use Alkalinity Increaser for too low TA or pH Decrease for too high TA as indicated on the test strips.

Complete water balancing by adding non-chlorine shock according to label directions. The shock oxidizes contaminants on which bacteria feed, and destroying this foreign matter ensures the spa’s disinfectant system can work more effectively.

Sanitize

The third step, and an important decision for the spa owner, is to choose an EPA-registered spa purifier system that meets stringent standards for effectiveness in hot tubs. There are advantages and disadvantages to using common sanitizing systems such as bromine and mineral purifier cartridges. An alternative to these products is a unique EPA registered liquid bactericide/algaecide called Cleanwater Blue® that utilizes a proprietary copper system to kill bacteria and algae. This sanitizing system is also odorless and safe to people and pets.

A few final points to remember are to run the spa at least 3 to 6 hours daily to completely filter the water and distribute the sanitizer. Always add chemicals to the spa one at a time – NEVER mix them together first.