Hot Tub Maintenance Checklist

A hot tub is a major investment for most people. A quality home hot tub can cost as much as $7,000 new. To get your money's worth and enjoy years of service, it's vital that you establish a regular schedule of basic maintenance. There are several actions you'll need to perform, some more often than others. What follows is a schedule of regular maintenance you might want to use as a guideline with your hot tub.

Daily Maintenance

Your hot tub's water is the focus of all daily maintenance activities. There are three primary actions that are essential for keeping your spa in tip-top shape. First, you'll want to check the sanitizer levels by using hot tub test strips, which are inexpensive and available at any pool or spa store. This will tell you if you need to add a dose of chlorine or bromine to the water.

Next, it's important to know what the pH balance is in your tub's water on a daily basis. You should stock chemicals to make the water more acidic or more alkaline as needed to maintain the optimal balance.

Finally, all hot tubs that get frequent use accumulate body oils, perspiration, and other unpleasant materials that can stain the water line. Regular maintenance includes checking for and cleaning this recurring line so it does not become a permanent stain. Pastes and sprays are made that will accomplish this task easily and inexpensively.

Weekly Maintenance

On a weekly basis, you should add an anti-foaming agent to your hot tub's water. Foamy bubbles are very annoying while you're in the water. You should also remove and clean the spa's filter thoroughly. This is very important for your tub's long-term efficiency and the water's cleanliness. Finally, if you live where the water is hard, add an anti-scaling chemical to prevent the build-up of calcium deposits on the walls and floor of your hot tub.

Monthly Maintenance

Every month or so, it's a good idea to add a water sparkle agent to keep your hot tub looking bright and clear. This is really just an esthetic issue and is not critical in your tub's maintenance routine, but most owners find that a pleasing visual appeal adds to the experience. The other monthly maintenance regimen is to check the tub's interior and exterior carefully for gouges, dings, and cracks. Spotting these problems and repairing them early will prevent a major and costly headache later on.