The weather has cooled off, and there’s nothing like a soak in the hot tub to shake off the autumn chill. But to make sure your spa is ready to go, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind.

Water Care

Because of the heat and the heavy water re-circulation, hard and scaly water can artificially shorten the life of key components like pumps, fittings, and filters. Have your silver ion cartridge ready to go, and keep some replacements on hand to switch it out every 3-4 months. You should be checking your water quality periodically, but when the tub is in active use, it should be checked daily. The bromine or chlorine levels should be 1-5pp of free bromine of chlorine, with a pH of 7.2-7.8, a calcium hardness of 124-400ppm, and a total alkalinity level of 120-180ppm. Every 3-4 months, it is a good idea to change the water in your hot tub altogether. Make sure to add a spa system flushing product before you drain so you can clean out the biofilms that ave built up in your tub’s inner workings.

Filtration

Keeping your water clear means keeping your filters clean. Are your hot tub filters up to snuff? These filters work hard, but to keep them in shape you need to clean them monthly. Pool filters can usually be rinsed out with a garden hose, but hot tubs are different. They need to be cleaned and sanitized to keep your hot tub healthy and functional. To scrub and sanitize your hot tub filters, try SpaGuard Filter & Degreaser. SpaGuard will keep your filter clean and your water clear. Make sure to change your filters every two years.

Coverage

Make sure your hot tub cover is up to snuff. If the cover is heavy, water-logged, or smelly, it’s time to get a new one. Most hot tub covers last 5 years; 6-7 if the hot tub is indoors and protected from the elements. Every so often, it’s a good idea to clean and condition your cover to remedy the damage caused by the spa’s heat and humidity. A vinyl spa cover cap can extend the life of your spa cover. You could also try the Smartop cover, an all-in-one hardtop solution that keeps the elements and debris out, and your crystal-clear spa water in.