A hot tub from The Hot Tub Store is a great addition to any backyard, providing relaxation and therapeutic benefits. However, proper maintenance and care are essential to keep your hot tub functioning at its best. In this Hot Tub Water Care Academy lesson, we will cover the basics of water care so that you can master it and enjoy your hot tub worry-free.

Understanding Your Hot Tub’s Water Chemistry

The first step in mastering hot tub water care is understanding the basics of water chemistry. Like a swimming pool, your hot tub’s water requires specific pH and alkalinity levels to stay clean and balanced.

pH Level: The pH level measures how acidic or basic the water is on a scale from 0-14, with 7 being neutral. On this scale, a pH level below 7 is considered acidic, while a pH level above 7 is considered basic. For hot tubs, the ideal pH level should be between 7.2-7.8.

Alkalinity Level:  Alkalinity acts as a buffer for your hot tub’s water, helping to keep the pH level stable. The ideal alkalinity level for a hot tub is between 80-120 parts per million (ppm).

Testing and Adjusting Your Hot Tub’s Water Chemistry

To ensure your hot tub’s water chemistry stays balanced, it’s essential to regularly test and adjust the pH and alkalinity levels. Most hot tubs come with testing strips that can quickly determine these levels.

Testing: Dip a test strip into your hot tub’s water for a few seconds and then compare the color of the strip to the provided chart. This will give you readings for both pH and alkalinity levels.

Adjusting: Depending on the results of your test, you may need to adjust the pH or alkalinity levels. To raise these levels, you can add products specifically designed for this purpose, such as pH increasers or alkalinity boosters. To lower these levels, you can add products such as pH decreasers or acidifiers.

Sanitizing Your Hot Tub’s Water

Aside from balancing pH and alkalinity levels, sanitizing your hot tub’s water is also crucial for keeping it clean and safe for use. There are several different methods of sanitization to choose from, including chlorine, bromine, and saltwater systems.

Chlorine: Chlorine is a common and effective sanitizer for hot tubs. It comes in granule or tablet form and can be added directly to the water or through an automatic feeder system. The ideal chlorine level for a hot tub is between 3-5 parts per million (ppm). It’s important to regularly test and adjust the chlorine levels to maintain proper sanitation.

Bromine: Bromine is a popular alternative to chlorine, as it can remain active in hot water at higher temperatures. It also comes in granule or tablet form and can be added directly to the water or through an automatic feeder system. The ideal bromine level for a hot tub is between 3-5 parts per million (ppm). Like chlorine, it’s important to regularly test and adjust the bromine levels.

Saltwater Systems: Saltwater systems use salt to generate chlorine, eliminating the need for adding chemicals manually. These systems are more expensive upfront but can save money in the long run on chemical costs. It’s essential to regularly test and adjust the salt levels to ensure proper sanitation.

Caring for your hot tub may seem complex at first, but with a solid understanding of water chemistry, regular testing and adjustments, and proper sanitization, it becomes a manageable and rewarding part of owning a hot tub. 

By mastering the basics of hot tub water care, you not only ensure a safe and enjoyable soaking experience but also prolong the life of your hot tub. Remember, consistency in maintenance is key to maintaining crystal-clear water and ensuring your hot tub is always ready for a relaxing dip.If you need advice on navigating the world of hot tub water care, we invite you to stop into our hot tub showroom to speak with our experts!