Common Maintenance Myths with Hot Tubs

Hot tubs are an excellent investment if you want to relax and soothe your muscles after a long day at work, or to enjoy some quality time with your family and friends. However, owning a hot tub means you have to maintain it correctly to keep it working efficiently and to extend its lifespan. Unfortunately, some myths floating around online can give you incorrect information about maintaining a hot tub. Therefore, in this article, we’re going to bust some of the most popular maintenance myths about hot tubs.

Myth 1: Adding sanitizer daily to a hot tub is necessary to keep the water clean and safe.

Fact: Adding sanitizer daily to your hot tub is recommended, but it’s not necessary. The amount of sanitizer you need depends on the usage and size of your hot tub. Instead of adding sanitizer every day, measure your hot tub water’s pH and chlorine levels regularly and only add more when necessary. Over-sanitizing your hot tub can cause skin and eye irritation, so it’s essential to follow recommended levels.

Myth 2: Drain and refill your hot tub every three months.

Fact: Draining and refilling your hot tub every three months might sound like a good idea, but it’s not necessary. Doing so frequently can significantly increase your water bill and require more chemicals to keep your hot tub clean. Instead, you can replace about one-third of your hot tub water every three to four months and replace your filter every 12-18 months.

Myth 3: Adding baking soda to hot tub water can balance the pH.

Fact: Adding baking soda to your hot tub water won’t balance the pH but can increase the alkalinity.  Balancing the pH requires a pH balancer or a pH increaser or decreaser. If you add baking soda to your hot tub water, it can cause cloudy water and affect your chlorine or bromine levels. Instead, test the pH levels of your hot tub water regularly, and use a pH balancer or increaser/decreaser to balance the water levels.

Myth 4: Hot tubs don’t require maintenance in the winter.

Fact: You might think that since you’re not using your hot tub in the winter, it doesn’t require ongoing maintenance. However, hot tubs still require maintenance all year round. In winter, you need to be more watchful of freezing temperatures. If the temperature is below freezing, you can turn up the heat in the hot tub to keep it above freezing. Additionally, you should check on your hot tub regularly to ensure everything is working correctly.

Myth 5: Showering before entering a hot tub is unnecessary.

Fact: Showering before entering a hot tub is necessary to keep the water clean and safe. When you enter a hot tub, you bring along with you dirt, body oils, sweat, and bacteria on your skin. These can contaminate the hot tub water and make it unpleasant to soak in. Therefore, it’s essential to shower with soap and warm water before entering a hot tub.

Now that we’ve debunked some common myths about hot tub maintenance, it’s essential to remember that owning a hot tub requires consistent care and attention. It’s important to follow the hot tub manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and establish a regular maintenance routine that works best for you. By doing so, you can ensure that your hot tub stays clean, safe, and functioning efficiently for many years. Ask the pros at The Sauna Shop about owning a hot tub, they are more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

If you’re thinking about adding a hot tub to your space, call The Sauna Shop at (905) 519-3396!