How to take care of a spa

Hot Tub Care

A hot tub is a place to go to relax muscles, soothe aches, rest bodies and minds, and let the warm water massage away worries. So the last thing you want from your hot tub is a list of care and maintenance chores that only add more stress to an already long list. But, the care of your hot tub doesn’t have to be a headache. Establish a routine, keep a checklist and proper chemicals nearby and you’re all set. Aside from the fact that proper care of your hot tub will increase its life and keep costs at a minimum, a clean hot tub is ready for you any time you want to step in.
Step 1
Get the right chemicals and cleaning products for your hot tub. It costs some money to get started, but the nice thing about spas is that they are small and don’t need large amounts of chemicals. Keep a list of the minimum requirements for your spa and product purchase information handy.

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  Step 2
  Avoid using household cleaners, such as 409 or Comet to clean your hot tub. These products contain soap or ammonia, which can be harmful to the chemistry of your hot tub water.
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  Step 3
  Run bathing suits through an extra rinse cycle or rinse thoroughly by hand to remove residual detergent. Detergent from swimwear is one of the most common causes of foam in a hot tub.
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  Step 4
  DO NOT bathe or use personal hygiene products in the hot tub. Shampoos, soaps, gels, deodorants, sun tan lotion, make-up and skin creams can clog a filter and add to the maintenance and reduce the life of your hot tub.
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  Step 5
  Test your water at least once per week, and always after adding new water. Get your sample from at least 12 inches below the surface of the water. It is imperative that the Ph balance and alkalinity are within the proper range. Clean your test materials after each use. Keep solutions out of direct sunlight and keep them fresh (replace everything before its expiration date).
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  Step 6
  Use a garden hose to get rid of the debris. Simply siphon out the debris.
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  Step 7
  Make sure your filter is fitted correctly. Clean the cartridge once a month and replace every year. A clean, properly placed filter will ensure that the water passes through it, not around it.
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  Step 8
  When your hot tub is not in use, keep the air control valves closed. Cover the hot tub to prevent cold air from cooling down the water, increasing heating costs. A cover will also prevent the breeze from bringing with it debris and algae spores that can clog your filter and add to your maintenance cost and time.
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  Step 9
  Never drain the water from your hot tub if it has rained in the last few weeks, or if the ground is wet. This can actually cause the tub to float out of the ground.

Well simply you just need to keep your hot tub clean from the start my friend. You should read up on how to look after and maintain a hot tub and spa before you buy to make sure one is the right choice for you and your family.

Hot tubs do tend to take more time then a swimming pool would due to the fact they remove more dead skin and of stuff from your body when your in the hot tub due to the jets.

If you was to keep your hot tub maintained as said in these hot tub guides you shouldnt have any problems with keeping your hot tub look fresh and new all year round for many years to come :)

If you are just looking for a hot tub for only yourself to ease your stresses, you will have to take into account that you will not need a big tub, you can buy single seated hot tubs these days which would be great, not only on saving money but also on your utility bills. Also take a look at what features you would like to see in a hot tub don't go over the top if you do not need all of the features.

The most important aspect of owning hot tubs is the hygiene matter. A lot of people forget to clean and maintain their tub, as the tub is always warm it is a great breeding area for bacteria. A species of bacteria, Mycobacterium avium, is known to cause tuberculosis, and commonly grows in the cozy and warm temperatures of the hot tub. These little creatures can rapidly grow their colonies so make sure you use the tools provided to make your that your tub is always up to scratch. A good way to keep your tub clean is to change your filters on a regular basis, it is not only due to hygiene matters, but if you keep your filter dirty it can clog up and break your pump which will cost you a fortune. When changing your filter if you notice that it is damaged or a seal is broken do not attempt to use it as it could cause your hot tub to malfunction or spread different species of bacteria.