Owning a hot tub in Ontario is a luxurious comfort that comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to maintenance.
With fluctuating temperatures and harsh winters, hot tub care becomes not just a routine but a necessity to ensure your spa remains a sanctuary of relaxation and not a source of stress.
This guide is designed to demystify hot tub care for spa owners, offering actionable advice to keep your hot tub running smoothly, no matter the season.
Understanding Your Outdoor Hot Tub’s Needs in Ontario
Outdoor hot tubs are not just luxurious additions to your home; they are also significant investments that require thoughtful care to maintain their value and functionality.
However, your hot tub’s needs will change based on various factors, such as how frequently it’s used or the changing climate.
Usage Considerations
Usage plays a crucial role in maintenance needs. A hot tub that sees daily use will need more frequent water testing, balancing, and filtering compared to one used less often.
Recognizing these factors helps in devising a hot tub care schedule that aligns with how your hot tub is used and the environmental stresses it faces.
Battling the Elements: Summer and Winter Care
Summer Challenges:
Ontario summers bring about the challenge of UV exposure, which can fade hot tub covers and impact water chemistry.
High temperatures encourage bacterial, fungal and algae growth in the environment, which eventually gets into the hot tub water. Summer usually requires both more sanitizer and more monitoring of your water.
To combat these issues, use a UV-inhibitor on your cover and cabinet (for vinyl covers use Jacuzzi®️ Restore and for fabric style covers use Enhance-It) and regularly adjust your water chemistry to prevent algae and bacteria growth.
Winter Preparations:
Canadian winters can also pose a challenge for outdoor hot tub owners in Ontario. Freeze damage can be expensive, so winterizing your spa or ensuring it is properly maintained throughout winter is crucial.
Be sure to keep the water circulating and hot to prevent freezing, ensure the cover is secure to retain heat, and frequently check the water level and temperature to avoid freeze damage.
Water Chemistry Made Easy
Balancing your hot tub’s water chemistry might seem daunting, but it’s a cornerstone of hot tub care. Keeping the water balanced ensures a safe and pleasant spa environment, preventing irritation to the skin and eyes and protecting the hot tub components from damage.
- Maintaining pH levels between 7.2 and 7.5 is crucial for comfort and equipment protection.
- Alkalinity, acting as a pH buffer, should be kept between 100 and 120 parts per million.
- Sanitizer levels must be regularly checked and adjusted to keep the water clear and free of harmful microorganisms. Chlorine should be maintained at 3 to 5 ppm, while bromine requires a level of 4 to 6 ppm.
Regular Hot Tub Care Schedule for Outdoor Hot Tubs
Maintaining an outdoor hot tub requires diligence and a structured approach to prevent issues before they arise.
A consistent hot tub care routine is essential to ensure the health and longevity of your spa, especially in a climate like Ontario’s with its seasonal extremes.
Weekly Maintenance
- Water Chemistry: Ideally, you should be checking your water chemistry a few times a week. This involves using test strips to verify the pH, alkalinity, sanitizer and stabilizer levels are within the recommended ranges. Adjustments should be made as needed to maintain balance.
- Filter Rinsing: Filters should be rinsed weekly to remove to remove any built-up debris and oils. This maintains optimal water flow and filtration efficiency.
Monthly Maintenance
- Filter Cleaning: In addition to the weekly rinse, perform a deep clean of your hot tub filters. This involves spraying the filters with a spray-on, rinse-off filter cleaner to break down accumulated lotions, oils, and other substances that a simple rinse won’t remove. After letting it soak for 5 minutes, rinse the filters thoroughly to ensure all cleaning agents are removed.
- Hot Tub Cover Care: Examine your hot tub cover for signs of wear, damage, or water absorption. A damaged cover can lead to heat loss, increased energy consumption, broken lifters, and unwanted debris entering the spa. Consider applying a UV protectant. You’ll also want to wipe down the interior and exterior of the cover.
Quarterly Maintenance
- Draining and Cleaning Your Spa: It’s recommended that you completely drain your hot tub every three to four months, depending on usage. This provides an opportunity to thoroughly clean the interior, removing any biofilm, scale, or debris that has accumulated on the surfaces and in hard-to-reach areas. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the shell. Pay special attention to jet nozzles and other fittings, as these can harbour buildup that affects their operation.
- Component Inspection: Conduct a detailed inspection of all hot tub components, including jets, pumps, heaters, and lighting. Look for signs of wear, leaks, or corrosion. Early detection of issues can prevent more significant problems and costly repairs down the line.
- Refill and Rebalance: After cleaning, refill your hot tub with fresh water using a pre-filter hose attachment to ensure the cleanest water is being added. Carefully balance the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A fresh start every few months ensures the water remains safe and enjoyable for users.
Adapting your hot tub care schedule to include these weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks will ensure your outdoor hot tub remains a healthy, clean, and inviting space throughout the year.
Make Hot Tub Care Easy with Fix My Hot Tub
Maintaining a hot tub in Ontario doesn’t have to be complicated. With a solid understanding of your hot tub’s needs and a regular maintenance schedule, you can enjoy your spa year-round.
Remember, when issues arise that are beyond your expertise, contacting professional hot tub service technicians can save time, money, and ensure your hot tub is cared for properly.
For all your hot tub care needs, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Fix My Hot Tub, or book a service appointment online.
Our team is ready to assist you in keeping your spa in prime condition, letting you relax in the comfort of your backyard oasis.
