How to Keep Your Hot Tub Water Clean

It is vital to know the best water care options for your hot tub. Educating yourself is the key to develop a cache of tools that alleviate any water related challenges. You will build confidence in your routine as you achieve and maintain proper water chemistry. Keeping your hot tub ready to serve you and your family is the goal. Sparkling, clean, clear water will propel you past the goal line. Let’s plunge into the knowledge.

4 Best Tools & Resources to Test your Hot Tub Water

1. Hot Tub Water Test Kit

   Do-it-yourself water testing kits are simple to use and provide an on-the-spot evaluation. Water chemistry kits are available online or from spa and pool supply retailers. They include a plastic device used to gather a water sample, and small bottles of chemicals designed to test your water. Most kits provide the ability to test your water’s chlorine levels and the pH (alkalinity / acidity) of your water. There are easy to follow directions. Start by filling one or two plastic tubes with spa water. A few drops of chemical added to the water activate a response that changes the color of the water. For example, chlorine may be shown in shades of yellow, and acidity / alkalinity in varied shades of red or green. The plastic tubes have a range of numbers and colors on them to match the color of the water sample. Use this information and refer to the directions to determine a course of action. You may need to add a treatment chemical or you may not. Remember, it is important to replace your chemicals if they reach an expiration date.

2. Hot Tub Water Quality Test Strips

   This is an option that is quick, easy to use and understand. The strips are designed to activate once you dip them in your hot tub water. Most will give you an indication of chlorine, water harness, alkalinity, and even calcium. Directions are easy to follow. Use the results to determine a course of action to achieve optimal water quality.

3. Local Hot Tub Retailer

   Your local Caldera® Spas retailer can help you with any issue related to your hot tub or pool. They can provide you with a bottle to bring in a sample for spa water testing. Do this as often as needed. They are happy to serve. Their equipment is sensitive and provides a thorough evaluation of the water. A written form of test results will usually be provided. They can direct you to the water care items you need to correct any water imbalances you may have. Be mindful that all recommendations may not be required. The more educated you are about your water chemistry the more likely you are to purchase only the essential items you need.

4. Hot Tub Service Professional

   Whether it comes down to know how or simply time availability, you always have the option to hire a professional to manage your hot tub water chemistry. Sometimes it is just the most practical option. Your service provider should be reliable, fair about their fees, and arrive for their visits on a consistent basis. The last thing you want to do is spend more time managing a service provider than you would managing your own hot tub water chemistry. A great service provider can be a welcome member of the team that takes care of your home. Do your research and you’ll be happy with your decision.

FROG® @easeTM In-Line System with SmartChlor® Technology

• Pre-filled mineral and chlorine cartridges eliminate the guesswork and provide carefree sanitation.
• In-line cartridges are smart and convenient. They fit inside your filtration system and automatically maintain consistent levels of sanitization.

Monarch® CD Ozone System

• Concentrated ozone bubbles neutralize contaminants in your hot tub water.
• The most effective hot tub water care system can be yours by using the ozone system with the @ease SmartChlor cartridge.
• If an almost chlorine-free experience is what you want combine the ozone system with Monarch Silver Cartridges, which uses silver ions to inhibit bacteria growth.

Clean Screen® Pre-Filter

•  Fill your hot tub with the cleanest, most balanced water possible; attach Clean Screen to your garden hose as a pre-filter to remove organic contaminants, tannins, copper, iron and other metals as you fill your spa.

Common Hot Tub Sanitizers Chart

Essential Hot Tub Water Care Products

pH Up and pH Down. The pH balance of a liquid refers to the acid / alkaline balance. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. Any measure below 7.0 is considered acidic, which can cause deterioration of the fittings and surfaces of your hot tub. Any measure above 7.0 is considered alkaline. The optimal pH for hot tub water is 7.4, which happens to be the same pH level as the human eye.

Defoamer. A defoamer eliminates foaming caused by soap, shampoo, cleaners and other residues. While it is recommended that you shower before going in a hot tub, it isn’t always practiced. It can also be used to manage foam caused by soft water.

Conditioners and stabilizers. Water harshness can be lessened by using water conditioners. For example, use Vanishing Act which removes calcium buildup for softer-feeling water that is silkier on your skin. It helps protect your spa from the damaging effects of hard water. Stabilizers help keep water chemicals balanced.

Chlorine-free alternatives. An option for virtually chlorine-free water care combines the CD Ozone System and Monarch Silver Cartridges. Enzyme based sanitizers are also a chlorine-free option.

Stain and Scale Defense. You want crystal clear water and you want your hot tub’s surface to look its best too. Stain and Scale Defense prevents calcium build up on spa surfaces and controls stain and scale formation.

Calcium Hardness Increaser. Extremely soft water can corrode the shiny and soft surfaces of your hot tub. Calcium Hardness Increaser raises calcium levels in spa water to protect against this type of soft water related damage.

Maintaining a water care routine with effective treatment options is essential

Quick Troubleshooting for Common Hot Tub Water Problems

How to Maintain Your Hot Tub Filter System

Check the filter regularly for debris, dirt, oils and sludge. Think of the grates in your filter as the gills on a fish. They need to be clean to keep the fish alive. Remove and rinse the filter using a hose with a nozzle to get it clean. Soak the filter in a bucket with an appropriate filter cleaning solution prior to rinsing it if there are excessive impurities. Any rips or tears in the filter fibers is an indication that replacement is required. Replacing your filter is an easy fix that will bring back your hot tub’s ability to play its part in creating sparkling, clean, clear water.