Hot Tub Maintenance: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Owning a hot tub is a dream for many homeowners. There are few things as luxurious as sitting back in your own private tub after a long day. But as any hot tub owner knows, those moments of luxury and relaxation aren't without a little effort. Hot tubs require regular maintenance and care in order to keep them running smoothly and looking their best, but it doesn't have to be overly complex.

In this ultimate guide to hot tub maintenance, we'll cover everything you need to know about hot tub care.

The basics of hot tub ownership

What is a hot tub?

A hot tub (also called a spa) is a large tub or small pool filled with water that is heated to a temperature above body temperature, typically 36-38°C. Hot tubs are often made of acrylic, fiberglass, and/or wood and can be portable or installed as part of a deck or patio. It's important to know the difference between Jacuzzis and hot tubs: Jacuzzi is a brand name whereas hot tub is the generic name used for the product.

A hot tub usually comprises of at least the following components:

1) Hot tub base

2) Hot tub cover

3) Hot tub jets

4) Hot tub filter/Ozonator

5) Hot tub lighting

6) Hot tub blowers

Each of these aspects may require different levels of care. Some should be cleaned monthly while others may need to be cleaned just twice a year. Find out more about the components and maintenance basics in these guides:

• How to Drain and Clean a Hot Tub
• The Complete Guide to Hot Tub Jets
• The Ultimate Guide to Hot Tub Base Ideas
• A Beginner's Guide to Hot Tub Covers

Swim spas

If you're wondering what a swim spa is, you're not alone. Swim spas incorporate top-of-the-range technology like built-in jets to create a current, allowing you to swim in place. These allow for a great workout as well as all the enjoyment and relaxation that comes with hot tubs.

While most of the advice in this guide to hot tub care will apply to swim spas, there are some key things to keep in mind. The most important is that, because you'll be using your swim spa for exercise, it's important to maintain very clean water. That means paying attention to your pH levels and chlorine levels and making sure they are balanced.

Find out more about the wonders of this brand-new technology in our ultimate guide to swim spas.

Hot tub chemicals - what do they mean?

Chemicals come top of the leaderboard when it comes to confusing new hot tub owners - and it's easy to see why. You've probably heard of chlorine, bromine, pH and alkalinity, but you're unlikely to have dabbled in much chemistry since you left school. Figuring out how to maintain healthy water is crucial for keeping your hot tub safe to use, and it needn't be overcomplicated. There are three main questions to ask yourself:

1) Do I want to use chlorine or a weaker chemical like bromine?

2) How often should I (or can I) treat my hot tub?

3) How can I test my hot tub and carry out regular chemical top-ups?

Find out all of the essentials to hot tub chemicals with our guides:

• The Ultimate Guide to Hot Tub Chemicals
• Chlorine & Hot Tubs: All You Need to Know
• Chlorine vs Bromine in Hot Tubs: Which Chemical Reigns Supreme?
• Balance Your Hot Tub’s pH with This Simple Guide
• How to Shock a Hot Tub: Our Simple Guide

Troubleshooting a Hot Tub

Our hot tubs are top-of-the-line, designed and manufactured in Europe. Unlike cheap, imported counterparts, our hot tubs are built to last and perform exceptionally for years. However, like anything in your home, your hot tub is susceptible to minor issues, particularly if chemicals are left unbalanced for an extended period of time. Find out answers to some of our most common questions below:

• Hot Tub Foam: Common Causes & How to Clear It
• Dealing with Algae In Your Hot Tub
• Cloudy Hot Tub Water: Common Causes & Easy Fixes
• How to Destroy Hot Tub Limescale (+ Prevent it Coming Back)

Hot tub safety

Are hot tubs safe? This is a question we get asked a lot, and the answer is always the same: yes, hot tubs are absolutely safe. In fact, they offer a number of health benefits, from easing muscle pain to helping you sleep better.

Of course, as with anything, there are certain safety measures you need to take when using a hot tub. For example, you should never use a hot tub alone, and you should avoid staying in the water for too long. Pregnant women should also consult a doctor before using a hot tub.

For more information on hot tub safety, check out our dedicated guides:

• Hot Tub Safety: 14 Common Questions Answered
• Dogs + Hot Tubs: Can Man's Best Friend Soak in Your Tub?

Frequently asked questions

There's a lot to unpack when it comes to hot tub maintenance, from balancing your chemicals to cleaning each component. Even after you've read up, you probably still have certain questions. Check out some of our FAQs and answers below:

• How to Prepare or Shut Down Your Hot Tub for Winter
• Hot Tub Temperatures: Everything You Need to Know
• How Often Should You Change Hot Tub Water?

Do you still have questions about hot tub care or hot tub maintenance? Our dedicated hot tub team is ready to help. Get in touch today.