How to Maintain a Spa or Hot Tub

 Most people love the luxury of owning their own spa or hot tub, but like swimming pools, these soaking spots require regular maintenance to keep them clean and sanitary. No one wants to get ready for a long soak and remove the cover to find discolored or foamy water. To prevent this unpleasant surprise from ruining your down time, follow these steps.

• Test the waters. This is the first and most important step in maintaining a spa or hot tub even if the water looks crystal clear. You need to test the water at least once each week and following heavy use for the proper balance of pH (between 7.2 and 7.8), chlorine (1 to 3 parts per million), and calcium (150 to 250 parts per million).

• Sanitize your spa or hot tub. Bacteria grows in warm moist areas, so it's essential to sanitize the water to keep bathers healthy. Using the right levels of chlorine, bromine, biguanide or mineral systems should prevent any problems.

• Learn the correct balance of chemicals. Keep a guide handy when you test your water for the safe levels to maintain balanced spa or hot tub water. The levels of the pH, calcium and total dissolved solids need to stay within a certain range.

• Keep the water clear. By using a clarifier or a stain and scale preventer in your spa or hot tub, you can maintain clear water that controls bacteria and water discoloration.

• Drain the water. This sounds odd, especially when you've taken all the previous steps to maintaining a clean hot tub, but you need to do this step at least 4 times a year. If your spa or hot tub sees heavy use by more than 1 adult, then drain it more than once every 3 months.