The hot tub is a unique and cherished feature of a home, a vessel of relaxation and hydrotherapy that promises to melt away the stresses of the day. It is a place of quiet solitude under the stars or a centerpiece for social gatherings with friends and family. But this luxury comes with a non-negotiable responsibility. A hot tub is not a “set it and forget it” appliance like a refrigerator or a dishwasher. It is a small, self-contained, and highly active body of water, a delicate ecosystem that requires consistent, diligent maintenance to remain a source of pleasure and not become a source of murky, unsanitary, and potentially hazardous problems.
The Chemistry of Water
To own a hot tub is to become a part-time water chemist. The warm, bubbling environment that is so inviting to us is also the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. The key to a clean, safe, and enjoyable hot tub experience is not about performing a massive, hours-long cleaning session once a year. It is about a regular, simple, and consistent routine of testing, balancing, and sanitizing. Understanding the fundamentals of this routine is the most important aspect of hot tub ownership.
The foundation of hot tub care is water chemistry, and the three most important pillars of that chemistry are alkalinity, pH, and the sanitizer level. These three elements are interconnected, and a problem with one will inevitably affect the others. The first step for any hot tub owner is to get comfortable with testing the water, which should be done at least two or three times a week, or more often with heavy use. The most common method is with test strips, which are simple, color-coded strips of paper that you dip into the water for a few seconds.
The first level you should check and adjust is the total alkalinity. Alkalinity is the water’s ability to resist changes in pH. It acts as a buffer, a stabilizing force that prevents the pH level from swinging wildly. The ideal range for total alkalinity in a hot tub is typically between 80 and 120 parts per million (ppm). If your alkalinity is too low, the pH will be unstable and can drop suddenly, making the water corrosive. If it is too high, it can cause the pH to drift upward, leading to cloudy water and scale formation. You can raise the alkalinity with a product often called “Alkalinity Increaser” (sodium bicarbonate) and lower it with a pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate). Always adjust the alkalinity first, before you address the pH.
Alkalinity
Once your alkalinity is in the correct range, you can adjust the pH. The pH is the measure of how acidic or basic your water is, on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. The ideal range for a hot tub is between 7.4 and 7.6. This is not an arbitrary number; it is slightly alkaline to match the natural pH of the human eye, which is why it is the most comfortable for bathers. If the pH is too low (acidic), the water can be corrosive to the hot tub’s components, like the heater and the pump seals, and it can be irritating to the skin. If the pH is too high (basic), it will cause the sanitizer to become sluggish and ineffective, lead to cloudy water, and promote the formation of scale on the shell and in the plumbing. You can raise the pH with a “pH Increaser” (sodium carbonate) and lower it with a “pH Decreaser” (sodium bisulfate).
Only after both the alkalinity and pH are properly balanced can you effectively manage the sanitizer. The sanitizer is the chemical that actively kills bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in the water. The two most common types of sanitizer are chlorine and bromine. Chlorine is fast-acting and a powerful oxidizer, but it can have a stronger chemical smell and is less stable in the hot, high-pH environment of a spa. Bromine is more stable at higher temperatures and has a less noticeable odor, making it a very popular choice for hot tubs. It also has the unique ability to be reactivated by “shocking” the water. The ideal level for chlorine is between 1 and 3 ppm, and for bromine, it is between 3 and 5 ppm. You must maintain these levels at all times to ensure the water is safe for bathing.
Hot Tub Filters
Even with a perfectly maintained sanitizer level, the water will accumulate other unwanted waste products over time. Soaps, lotions, deodorants, and organic matter from bathers build up in the water, creating a food source for bacteria and making the water cloudy and unpleasant. To combat this, you need to “shock” your hot tub on a regular basis, typically once a week. Shocking is the practice of adding a large dose of an oxidizer to the water. This does several things: it breaks down all the organic waste, it kills any resistant bacteria, and in a bromine spa, it reactivates the used bromine ions, turning them back into effective sanitizer. Always shock the spa with the cover off and the jets running to allow it to circulate properly and to let the gasses vent.
Beyond the daily and weekly chemical maintenance, the hot tub has other physical components that require regular attention. The most important of these is the filter. The filter is the kidney of your hot tub, constantly working to remove small particles, hair, and debris from the water. A dirty, clogged filter cannot do its job, which will result in cloudy water and will put a strain on your pump. The filter cartridges should be removed and rinsed with a garden hose at least once a week. The goal is to spray the debris out from between the pleats of the filter. Every few months, the filter needs a deep clean. This involves soaking it overnight in a specialized filter cleaning solution to break down the oils and lotions that a simple rinse cannot remove. A filter will typically last for about a year before it needs to be replaced entirely.
Hot Tub Cover
The hot tub cover is another crucial component. It is not just a lid; it is an insulated barrier that traps heat, saving a significant amount of energy. It also keeps out debris and sunlight, which can degrade your sanitizer. To maintain your cover, you should clean it regularly with a mild soap solution and then treat it with a vinyl conditioner that offers UV protection. This will prevent it from becoming brittle and cracking from sun exposure. It is also important to let the cover “breathe” after shocking the spa, as the concentrated chemical gasses can become trapped and degrade the underside of the cover over time.
Even with the most diligent maintenance, the water in a hot tub will eventually become saturated with dissolved solids and chemicals, making it difficult to balance. This is why you must drain and refill your hot tub on a regular basis, typically every three to four months. This is your opportunity to perform a full system reset and a deep clean of the shell itself.
Before you drain the tub, it is a good idea to use a “pipe flush” or “biofilm remover” product. This is a chemical that you add to the water and circulate through the system for several hours before draining. It is designed to break down and dislodge the unseen gunk and biofilm that builds up inside the plumbing lines of the spa.
After you have flushed the plumbing, turn off the power to the hot tub at the circuit breaker. This is a critical safety step. Drain the tub using a submersible pump or the built-in drain. Once it is empty, you can clean the shell. Never use abrasive cleaners or sponges, as this will scratch the acrylic surface. A soft cloth and a simple solution of white vinegar and water is often all that is needed to remove any minor scale or residue. For more stubborn stains, there are specialized spa shell cleaners available. Be sure to rinse the shell thoroughly after cleaning to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.
Refueling
After cleaning, you can begin the refilling process. It is a good practice to place the hose inside the filter compartment while filling. This helps to push air out of the plumbing lines and prevent an “air lock,” a situation where a trapped air bubble prevents the pump from circulating water. Once the tub is filled to the correct level, you can restore power and begin the process of heating and re-balancing the water chemistry from scratch, starting with the alkalinity, then the pH, and finally adding your sanitizer.
Owning a hot tub is a commitment, but it does not have to be a complicated one. The routine of testing, balancing, and cleaning quickly becomes a simple, second-nature ritual. The reward for this small investment of time is a consistently clean, safe, and inviting oasis of warm water, always ready to provide a moment of peace and relaxation.
A clean hot tub is a sanctuary of relaxation, maintained through a consistent routine of balancing and sanitation. This same principle of regular, detailed maintenance is the key to a healthy and inviting home. For the deep cleaning that goes beyond the daily routine, Toronto Shine Cleaning provides the professional expertise to ensure every part of your home, from the bathroom to the living room, is impeccably clean and ready for you to enjoy.
