As a beginner, owning and maintaining a hot tub can be overwhelming without the right advice and knowledge. Whether you decided to buy a hot tub for yourself or as a gift for your family, this Beginner’s Hot Tub Care Guide for 2023 is the perfect companion to ensure your hot tub remains in pristine condition. Use the following guide to ensure your hot tub is up and running without any issues for years to come.
1. Setting Up Your Hot Tub
Once you’ve purchased a hot tub, there are several steps to get it properly set up.
Pick a Level Surface
It’s important to pick a level surface that is able to support the weight of your hot tub. Avoid placing your hot tub on grass or dirt, as these surfaces may shift or settle over time, causing the hot tub to become unlevel. If setting up indoors, make sure the floor is able to support the weight of the hot tub and its contents. Additionally, the hot tub must be located on a flat surface level within 1/4″ over the entire area of the hot tub.
Gather Necessary Supplies
If you’re installing a hot tub outdoors, make sure to gather necessary supplies such as a tarp to place underneath the hot tub, a ratchet and straps to secure the hot tub to its base, and a level. Moving the hot tub from its delivery location to its installation site can be hazardous without the proper planning and supplies in place.
Connect Electrical Pipes
Once the hot tub is placed in its designated area, it’s time to begin connecting the necessary electrical pipes to the hot tub. Take special care to make sure the electrical connections are in compliance with local regulations and safety standards.
2. Choosing the Right Hot Tub
Before investing in a hot tub, it’s important to research and find the hot tub that is right for you.
Size
The size of a hot tub is an important factor to consider. Measure the available space you have to ensure the hot tub will fit without issue. Additionally, consider how many people will use the hot tub at one time to ensure the hot tub’s capacity is large enough for your needs.
Price
Hot tubs range in prices from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Consider your budget and the features available when shopping for a hot tub.
Features and Add-Ons
When shopping for a hot tub, look for certain features and add-ons that enhance your hot tub experience. Some features to consider are lighting, built-in stereo system, or settings like a waterfall feature, night light, and massage jets.
3. Maintaining and Cleaning Your Hot Tub
To keep your hot tub in its best condition, here are some tips and tricks to help maintain and clean your hot tub.
Balance the Water Chemistry
To ensure the water in your hot tub is clean and free of bacteria and skincare residues, it’s important to balance the water chemistry. Test the pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels weekly with a hot tub test kit. Rebalance the water chemistry levels as needed.
Shock the Water
Monthly, shock the water to ensure your hot tub stays clean and free from bacteria and contaminants. Use a hot tub shocker specifically designed for hot tubs.
Clean and Replace Filter Cartridges
Filter cartridges need to be cleaned of contaminants as often as possible. Depending on the type of filter, they may need to be replaced once or twice a year.
People Also Ask
How often should the water be changed in a hot tub?
The water in a hot tub should be changed every 3-4 months depending on the usage.
What is the best way to maintain a hot tub?
The best way to maintain a hot tub is to regularly test and balance the water chemistry, shock the water monthly, and clean and replace the filter cartridges as needed.
How do you clean a hot tub?
Cleaning a hot tub involves regularly testing and balancing the water chemistry, shocking the water monthly, and cleaning and replacing the filter cartridges as needed. Additionally, brush down the walls of the hot tub and the filter with a soft brush.
How long should it take to heat a hot tub?
It takes 4-12 hours to heat a hot tub depending on the heater size, thermostat settings, insulation level, and water temperature.
Is it safe to use a hot tub in cold weather?
It is safe to use a hot tub in cold weather as long as the water is kept above 20°C. Keep the water temperature in mind when getting into a hot tub in cold weather.
Final Words
Owning and maintaining a hot tub is a rewarding responsibility that provides years of enjoyment. Understanding how to properly set up, choose, and maintain a hot tub can help ensure the hot tub remains in pristine condition for years to come. Following this Beginner’s Hot Tub Care Guide for 2023 is the perfect companion to ensure your hot tub is up and running without issue.