Crystal-clear water sparkling in the sun – who wouldn't fancy a little time out in the hot tub? To keep the water paradise in your home or garden a place of carefree relaxation for years to come, proper hot tub water care is essential.
In this blog post, we give you all the information you need, step by step, to care for your hot tub water properly. From the pH value to choosing the right water care products – we show you how to keep the water in your hot tub crystal clear and hygienically clean.
Why is proper hot tub water care so important?
The importance of caring for your hot tub water should never be underestimated. Neglecting it can not only shorten the life of your wellness oasis but also pose health risks such as skin irritation, eye inflammation and, in the worst case, even infections.
The reason: the high water temperatures in a hot tub create an ideal climate for bacteria, algae and other microorganisms. Without proper care, the water can quickly turn cloudy and start to smell unpleasant.
Looking to buy a hot tub? To enjoy the experience to the full while protecting your health, thorough hot tub water care is essential. In the following sections, we show you how to care for your hot tub water efficiently.
Download the handy hot tub water care checklist here
The hot tub water care basics you should know
Understanding two factors is crucial for proper care:
- the pH value and
- the chlorine level in the water.
The pH value determines whether the water is acidic or alkaline and has a major impact on how well disinfectants work and how comfortable bathing feels. The optimum pH of the water is on average between 7.0 and 7.6 – in our experience, a value of 7.0 works best. A pH outside this range can cause skin irritation and reduce the effectiveness of disinfectants.
The chlorine level is a key factor in effectively killing bacteria, viruses, algae and other microorganisms in hot tub water. To maintain optimum water quality at all times, it's important to keep the chlorine level within a suitable range. The ideal chlorine level in hot tub water depends on various factors – including the water temperature, the number of bathers and how often the hot tub is used. We recommend a chlorine level of 2 ppm and 5 to 8 ppm of active oxygen.
Good to know: because of the high water temperatures in a hot tub and frequent use, the chlorine level can drop faster than in a much colder swimming pool. That's why you need to check the chlorine level regularly and adjust it when necessary. You can do this by adding (multifunction) chlorine tablets, chlorine granules or other suitable disinfectants.
Chlorine-free water care is also possible in hot tubs. It has grown in popularity in recent years, as many people are looking for alternative disinfection methods that cause less skin irritation and smell more pleasant. The best method for chlorine-free water care depends on your personal preferences, local regulations and the specific requirements of your hot tub. Our team will be happy to advise you.
Step by step to efficient hot tub water care
Efficient hot tub water care involves weekly, monthly and six-monthly tasks.
Weekly tasks:
- For the first two months, you should check the pH every 1-2 weeks – after that, every 3-4 weeks. Test kits and test strips are useful for measuring the values and making adjustments where needed.
- Once a week, you should use chlorine tabs, a full measuring cup of active oxygen and 2-3 capfuls of water clarifier.
Monthly tasks:
- When filling the hot tub for the first time, you should use 4-5 capfuls of anti-limescale, then 1-2 capfuls once a month.
- Once a month, you should give your hot tub a thorough inspection and clean. This includes checking the jets, the pump and other components for wear or blockages.
Six-monthly tasks:
- You should replace the filter after 6 months at the latest – otherwise warranty cover may be void. Good filter care is crucial, as the filter is responsible for removing dirt, particles and impurities from the water.
- At the same time, we recommend draining your hot tub completely, cleaning it and refilling it with fresh water to prevent minerals and other deposits from building up. It's best to use a pipe cleaner before draining.
The right water care products for your hot tub
Choosing the right water care products is just as important. We recommend our pool chemicals starter kit, which contains all the products you need for your hot tub, such as pH increaser, pH reducer and chlorine tablets. To help you use them correctly, we've put together a hot tub water care guide for you.
Always follow the safety instructions and dosage recommendations on the products to avoid overdosing or underdosing. This is the only way to keep the water quality in your hot tub at its best – and it extends the life of your hot tub at the same time.
How to solve occasional water problems
Problems with hot tub water care can crop up from time to time. We explain what to do if they happen.
Occasional water problems include:
- cloudy water
- green water
- unpleasant odours
Cloudy water can indicate poor filtration or inadequate water chemistry. Make sure your pH is in the right range by checking, cleaning or replacing your filter.
Green water is often caused by algae growing in the hot tub. To get crystal-clear water again, you should carry out a shock chlorination. After that, you should stay out of the water for 24 hours. Then check that the chlorine level in your hot tub is within the recommended range.
Unpleasant odours can indicate a heavy load of organic contaminants such as skin oils, cosmetic residues or urine. A shock chlorination and adding enzymes to your water care routine can help break down these contaminants. After that, you should stay out of the water for 24 hours. Then check that the chlorine level in your hot tub is within the recommended range.
Conclusion
Thorough hot tub water care is important to protect your health, maintain water quality and extend the life of your hot tub. From regularly checking the pH and chlorine levels to choosing and dosing hot tub water care products correctly – regular care of your hot tub water is essential.
If you're looking for a high-quality hot tub and professional advice, Spa Solutions is the right partner. Our company offers a wide selection of durable hot tubs that are high in quality and easy to use.
With Spa Solutions, you can look forward to an unparalleled bathing experience. Discover our range today and see our expertise for yourself!
