The First Days of Hot Tub Ownership

So, you’re thinking about purchasing a new hot tub. That’s great news!

In this article, we look at the first days of hot tub ownership and break it down for you so it doesn’t seem quite so overwhelming.At Townley Pool and Spa, we don’t want taking care of your spa to be intimidating. We want you know first, that we are here for you every step of the way. And, second, if you run into any problems, our expert service team can help!

Let’s get to it. Here is some basic information to get you started in the early days of spa ownership.

Have a Chemical Schedule

This will depend on how much you spend in your hot tub. It also changes depending on the number of people using your spa at any given time. The schedule is also dependent on what type of system you have.

For example, if you use your hot tub every day, consider three-day or weekly chemicals schedules.

Your best bet is to talk with us about your recommended water care and chemical schedule.

 

Starting Your Hot Tub

Here are the steps you take to get your hot tub ready for that first incredible soak!

1. Fill your hot tub with water to the specified level.
2. Test the water for the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and stain producing metals while the tub is filling.
3. Add a sequestering agent once the water has been tested, but don’t make any other adjustments right now.
4. When your spa is full of water, start the pump and filtration system.
5. Allow the water to circulate for 24 hours
6. Test the pH and total alkalinity levels again. Balance the water so they are within normal range.
7. Shock treat the water using the shock we recommend.
8. Add sanitizer to your hot tub according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
9. Test pH, total alkalinity and sanitizer levels and maintain them at proper levels.
10. Drain and refill your tub every three months or as needed to ensure quality water.
11. If you use your hot tub daily, test the water frequently to ensure a proper chemical balance. You can always bring us a sample, and we’ll tell you just what you need!
12. You may also want to shock your water once a week for preventative maintenance.

Problems You May Encounter

If you run into any of these issues, please give us a call and schedule a service appointment.

Most sanitation and filtration systems do quite well maintaining water quality, but on rare occasions, you may encounter issues. Let’s look at a few of these:

• Normal Water: Continue to test your water and follow normal chemical schedule.
• Clear Green Water  means you have a high copper or iron content. Add a solution that decreases minerals in the water.
• Cloudy Water means you have a lack of sanitizer. Shock-treat and check and adjust sanitizer levels.
• Chemical solids dissolved in water: Use a clarifying agent to help remove build-up of particles.
• Imbalance of pH or total alkalinity levels: Test levels and adjust as needed using appropriate solutions.
• Hard water: Use weekly treatment and replace some of the water.
• Dirty filter: Clean and/or replace filter.
• Cloudy Green Water means you have a low alkalinity level. Raise the alkaline level in your spa with the appropriate chemicals.
• Low sanitizer level: Shock-treat, then check and adjust sanitizer levels.
• Brown Water means you have a high iron or manganese content. Add a solution that decreases minerals in the water.
• Scale Deposits can mean a high mineral content. Add a solution that decreases minerals in the water.
• Imbalanced water: Test water balance and make adjustments.
• Waterline Deposits caused by a natural build-up of oils and dirt from bathers: Clean spa surfaces with a cleaning solution and use a scum reducing agent.
• Odor means you have large amounts of organic contaminants: Shock treat and check and adjust sanitizer levels.
• Foaming means you have a natural build-up of oils and dirt from bathers: Add a solution that lowers foam levels, then shock-treat.
• Soft water: Test the calcium level and add a calcium-enhancing product to the spa.
• Excessive amount of dissolved solids: Drain hot tub and fill with fresh water.
• Eye/Skin Irritants Chloramines or large amounts of organic contaminants: Shock-treat and check and adjust sanitizer levels.Imbalance of pH or total alkalinity levels: Test levels and adjust as needed using appropriate solutions.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve taken care of the first few steps, and you know what to look for in the case of issues, you are ready for that first soak! Grab a towel, some music, some lights for ambiance, and your favorite book. Then, head on out the back door for  the best moments of your day!