Spas and Hot Tubs - Tips and Tricks
Written by - Rob "Dr. Duck" Coxworth
Spas and Hot tubs have enjoyed huge popularity of the last few years. If
you’re a lucky owner you know how relaxing, therapeutic and fun they can be.
Better than a pool because in most areas the spa season is 9 months long! Great
as they are, spas can be troublesome at times. Unlike a pool, a spa usually
holds 3-500 gallons of water. This means they are not as forgiving of neglect or
haphazard maintenance. Spas also carry hot water that affects sanitizers and the
kind of water problems that can develop. A few simple tricks and precautions can
avoid trouble. Rough gritty spas surfaces are not uncommon. This is caused by dissolved
minerals adhering to the walls and accumulating. Use of a rust and scale remover
can cure this in short order. Another tip to keep the inside of your spa nice
and slick is to apply a coat of a good quality liquid car wax. The wax helps
prevent build up and stains and provides additional protection from chemicals,
sunlight and environmental conditions. A spa or hot tub should be shocked with the appropriate sanitizer after use.
What happens to the waste products while the shock does its job? Easy, the gunk
collects on the under side of the spa cover and causes unpleasant odors and will
ultimately shorten the life of your cover. The solution is to leave your spa
cover partially open for 15-20 minutes after shocking to let the contaminated
by-products dissipate in the air. Then replace the cover until next time. The higher temperature of spa water affects the sanitizing chemicals used.
Bromine is the more popular choice because it retains it potency in hot water
while chlorine’s performance begins to degrade after about 85 dgs. F. Bromine
tablets are about 40-50 % chlorine so the two products are completely
compatible. Even though ozonators are great remember that ozone leaves no
residual. Within twenty minutes after shutting off your spa all the ozone is
gone! Even with an ozone generator use bromine or chlorine tablets to keep a
sanitizing residual.
Need More Tips?
- Refill your hot tub by a third every 2 weeks or so.
- Always have two filters - one which is in use and one to clean.
- Change your filter every 4 months along with your water.
- Stay on top of your chemicals, don't play catch-up, it's expensive.
- Start with a good test kit, such as test strips which are easy to use.
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Now for the fun stuff. Many spa lovers use the tub during the winter. I know
from personal experience how great that can be. There is always, however,
getting to and from the spa in cold weather. Try this: Take the towels you plan
to use for the spa and put them in the dryer on high for about 15-20 minutes.
Take the towels out immediately and place them in a large soft drink/beer
cooler. Take the cooler out to the spa and when you’re ready to get out there
are nice warm towels ready to use. Sound goofy? It works! The insulated cooler
keeps the towels warm and ready to keep out the chill on that FAST trip back
inside.
Hope this proves useful. Spa on!
About The Author Rob 'Dr. Duck' Coxworth: Mr. Coxworth is a long time veteran of the pool and spa industry. He founded and operates WebfootLeisure.com, an on-line retailer of swimming pools, supplies and equipment. In his Dr. Duck persona, Rob answers questions and helps solve problems for visitors to his site.
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