Keeping your spa water balanced and clean is essential to the experience. This guide has everything you need from test strips and chlorine to bromine and sanitizing tablets!
Slowly heating your hot tub can be frustrating, but there are some things you can do to speed up the process.
Temperature Control
A hot tub needs a heater to maintain the water temperature at a comfortable, relaxing level. Upgrading to a new spa heater can result in the water heating faster, using less energy, and costing you less money in running costs.
Most modern hot tubs and portable spas are powered by an electric heater that is tucked away within the frame of the hot tub cabinet or can be mounted outside the hot tub and connected via a gas line for inground spas and freestanding wooden hot tubs. These electric heaters use a heater element that is protected by protective housing and are connected to the jet pumps via a high-limit cradle, pressure switch, and sensor.
Electric heaters typically run off 240-volt electricity and can be operated inside or outside the hot tub, depending on climate conditions and local electrical rates. The amount of time the heater runs can also affect your electricity costs, particularly in higher-interest areas. To reduce these costs, a cover can help retain heat and save on the number of hours that your spa needs to run its heater.
The lifespan of a hot tub heater can vary from manufacturer to brand, with some models offering longer lifespans than others. You must regularly check the condition of your heater, especially the connectors, to ensure that they are not loose and that the gaskets are in good shape. If you notice any cracking or melting, then it is a sign that you need to replace them.
If you want to take things one step further in reducing your spa’s power consumption, it may be worth upgrading to an air-sourced heat pump. These plug-in options override your existing built-in conventional electric element and can slash electricity usage by up to 75%. They are easy to install and, with inverter technology, will continue optimizing performance to keep your spa at the right temperature while in the pool. It is worth noting that these options require a different type of power circuit and cable, so if you are considering this option, then it would be best to consult with your spa technician before purchasing.
Safety
Spa heaters are electric, and water and electricity don’t mix. Fortunately, your heater is protected by GFCI and several other safety components to prevent overheating and shocks. However, if you notice that your spa is slow to heat or your heater is blowing fuses, there could be an electrical problem. Check the wiring and make sure it is not oxidized, loose, or chewed by rats. If possible, have a qualified electrician inspect the heater and wiring.
An electric resistance spa heater uses a metal resistor that extends throughout the assembly housing. When current flows through it, the resistor heats up. The warm water then washes over the element and exits the assembly housing. Electric resistance heaters are typically less expensive than other types of spa heaters, but they do not reach a temperature as quickly as gas-powered heaters.
Most modern spas have electric heaters connected to the spa control panel and automatically activate when you set your desired temperature. Older spas may require that you manually turn the heater on and off.
If you are replacing your spa heater, make sure that the new replacement matches your existing one in terms of watts, volts, and dimensional size. An incorrectly sized heater may not work, or, in the worst case, it can cause damage to the circuit boards of your spa control panel.
The lifespan of your spa heater element will depend on your water chemistry, the amount of use, and the environment. High mineral content can lead to scale build-up on the heater element, while low pH levels will corrode it. Ensure that you use the proper chemicals and regularly check your water chemistry to avoid damage to your spa heater and equipment.
It is important to measure the temperature of your spa water before entering it. Extremely hot spa water temperatures can cause a variety of health issues, including drowsiness, hypothermia, heart and circulatory problems, and even unconsciousness. Before you get into the spa, it is recommended that you wear a swimsuit and remove any medications or supplements that might affect your reaction to the water temperature. You should also consider whether you are pregnant or have any preexisting medical conditions before using a spa, as it is advisable to seek medical advice if necessary.
Maintaining Your Spa
Your hot tub has a lot going for it: A heater to warm the water, a pump to circulate it, jets to massage your muscles, and a filtration system to keep everything clean. Each of these components requires specific care to ensure they function properly, preventing breakdowns and increasing your spa’s lifespan.
Having an understanding of your hot tub’s basic anatomy will help you to quickly troubleshoot problems and get them resolved. You’ll also be able to optimize your energy usage and save money on utilities. Plus, embracing energy efficiency is always good for the environment.
The best way to care for your spa is to keep a regular maintenance schedule. Start by cleaning the filter thoroughly once a month, and twice a year, scrub and drain your spa. Make sure to also change your spa cover at least twice a year.
If your spa’s water begins to cool down after it’s heated, the issue could be as simple as clogged plumbing. Run a line flush product, such as Natural Chemistry Spa Purge, through your pipe system before draining to remove the gunk that can build up in your pipes and hinder proper circulation.
Keeping your sanitizer levels in balance is also important. You can use chlorine, bromine, or ozone as your sanitizer of choice, but it’s important to maintain the proper levels to prevent damage to your equipment and keep the water safe for soakers.
Another common issue is hard water, which can be difficult on your hot tub equipment and can irritate the skin. Vanishing Act Calcium Remover is an effective solution that eliminates hard water build-up without chemical additives.
A spa startup kit can also be a great tool for getting your spa water in shape. The kit includes concentrated chlorinating granules, MPS (Monopersulfate) oxidizer, pH up/alkalinity up, pH down/alkalinity down, instant filter cleaner, and 5-way test strips, so you can get your water in tip-top shape right away. The kit will also help you understand the basics of your spa, so you can care for it more effectively day to day.
Cleaning
A hot tub is a wonderful place to soak and relax but can also be the breeding ground for bacteria. Keeping the water clean and chemicals balanced is essential to maintain health and wellness. It is also important to keep an eye on your spa heater to ensure it is working properly. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.
If your heater is not heating the water, or your water is cloudy despite regular cleanings and chemical balancing, it could be time to call in a professional. Ignoring these problems could lead to more serious damage to your hot tub or even put you and your family at risk.
A common cause of a non-heating spa is that the heater element has burned out. Often, this happens when repair techs try to save money by placing a high-flow heater into a low-flow circulation plumbing system. It works for a while, but the excessive heat damages the element and your hot tub’s plastic parts and piping.
Another common issue is that the thermostat or temperature sensor is not functioning correctly. Most modern spas use a solid-state thermostat connected to the circuit board, but older spas use pneumatic thermostats with a capillary sensor bulb. A simple test with a thermometer will tell you if the problem is the thermostat itself or a corroded sensor bulb.
Other common causes of a non-heating spa are clogged filters and/or a faulty or dirty high-limit switch. Clogged filters can impact the flow of water through the heater, which can cause it to overheat. A faulty or dirty high-limit switch will trip before the water gets hot and can be caused by loose wire connections, a broken element, or a bad control panel.
In addition, a hot tub cover that has seen better days can reduce the thermal efficiency of your spa. Using a marine vinyl cleaner can help extend the life of your cover and prevent it from harboring bacteria, mold, and other unpleasant debris.