Soaking in a hot tub is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable things you can do, but hot tubs do require a bit of maintenance on occasion. From chemicals that keep the water safe to accessories that enhance your experience, there are a few things you’ll need to get the most out of your hot tub, and that’s what we’ll be looking at in this guide.
Hot Tub Chemicals
Hot tub chemicals are perhaps the most important thing to have when you want to enjoy your spa. Hot tubs are the perfect breeding ground for harmful organisms such as E.Coli, algae, and other bacteria, which can contaminate the water in your hot tub rendering it unsafe for use. The following chemicals do a great job at killing these contaminants so that you can enjoy your hot tub without getting sick.
Sanitizer
There are all sorts of different sanitizers on the market, including chlorine, bromine, biguanide, mineral compounds, and salt system. Each of these sanitizing chemicals does a great job at neutralizing the harmful contaminants in your hot tub so that the water is safe for you to enjoy.
pH up and pH down
The pH level of the water is important to be aware of at all times. pH is the measure of how acidic the water is. The scale ranges from zero to fourteen, with seven being considered neutral. pH levels below seven indicate high levels of acidity, whereas pH levels above seven demonstrate that the water is basic or “dry.”
As such, two chemicals you should always have on hand are pH up, which raises the pH level, and pH down, which lowers it. Ideally, you always want the water in your hot tub to have a pH level of somewhere between 7.4 and 7.6.
Alkalinity
Alkalinity is a chemical that keeps the pH level in your hot tub from fluctuating frequently, so by adding a little alkalinity solution once in a while, you can make your pH chemicals last longer.
Hot Tub Equipment and Supplies
The next subset of items to check off your list is hot tub equipment and supplies. These are the non-chemical items needed to clean and maintain your hot tub. Let’s go over some of the essential supplies that you should always purchase if you have a hot tub.
A handheld skimmer
A skimmer is essentially a net that you use to clean leaves and debris out of your hot tub. Generally, this net will be attached to a handheld pole, and you just gently work the net through the water while it collects any dirt and debris that’s built up in the water since the last time you used your hot tub.
A water test kit
A water test kit is an absolutely essential item that any pool or hot tub owner needs to have. This is a device that allows you to check the pH level of the water, as discussed above, and without having a water test kit, you’ll have no idea whether or not the water in your hot tub is safe to use. These kits are generally very inexpensive and are an absolute necessity.
A thermometer
Of course, you’ll want to have a thermometer to ensure that the water in your hot tub is actually hot. That said, you also don’t want the water to be too hot either, so by using a thermometer, you can ensure that the water temperature is always just the way you like it.
A draining pump
From time to time, you will need to drain the water out of your hot tub so that you can change the water or perform maintenance and repairs on your spa. In order to drain the water out of your hot tub quickly and easily, you’ll want to have a submersible water pump, also known as a drain pump.
Hot Tub Accessories
The last category we’ll be looking at is hot tub accessories which help you keep your hot tub in great shape while also noticeably enhancing your spa experience. Let’s go over some of the most popular hot tub accessories now.
Hot tub steps
Hot tubs are generally quite tall, and as such, they can be tricky to get in and out of, especially for seniors and people with limited mobility. Hot tub steps are the perfect solution. Not only do hot tub steps increase the safety of your hot tub, but they also enhance the look of your spa.
Hot tub covers
A hot tub cover is really a must-have as, without one, your spa will get dirty quickly, requiring you to go through your chemicals rapidly, which will cost a ton of money. In addition to keeping dirt and debris out of your spa, a hot tub cover can also keep the water warm for much longer so that you won’t need to spend as much money heating your spa as you would without a cover.
Hot tub cover lifters
Hot tub covers, although necessary, can be quite heavy; this is where hot tub cover lifters come in handy. These devices attach to your hot tub and cover and make it so that you can quickly and easily detach and re-attach your hot tub cover. There are both automatic and manual hot tub cover lifters, but both do a great job and make the task of removing your hot tub cover much easier.
Shop Hot Tub Supplies Today
Hot tubs are one of the luxuries in life, and there are very few things better than going for a hot soak at the end of a long day. But hot tubs do require a little bit of maintenance on occasion, and you’ll also need a couple of accessories in order to get the most out of them. By following this guide and checking each item off your list, you’ll be able to keep your hot tub clean, safe, and looking its best.
