Intro

So you just got a hot tub, huh? Congratulations are in order. But first, you have to learn how to set it up, manage it, clean it and maintain it over the long haul. Whether you bought your hot tub to relax with a good soak after work, to entertain friends, or to exercise, you’re about to enjoy one of life’s greatest luxuries.

We wrote this guide so that you have an easy time of managing your hot tub. So many guidelines out there aren’t very clear or are difficult to implement. We wanted to put everything in one place so you can refer to it whenever you need to.

Our guide will be presented in distinct sections, including:  

1. Starting up your hot tub for the first time
2. The chemicals you need to add and when
3. How you can reduce chemical and operating costs
4. Keeping your hot tub clean, from the water to the tub itself
5. How to care for your cover so it doesn’t get water logged
6. When and why should you drain, clean and refill the tub
7. How to close it down for the winter

We will answer all these questions and more within our handy spa guide. Got more questions about your hot tub that we didn’t address? Call Central Jersey Pools at 732-462-5005.

What to Know About Your Tub

 

First off, you should know what kind of hot tub you own and how many gallons of water it holds. You can find this information in your owner’s manual. But if you can’t find it, call the store where you purchased it. place where you bought it. They would have all the details on the model you purchased. If that doesn’t work, go online to search for it. You’ll need to remove the front panel of the tub, where you will find a serial or model number. Write down these numbers or snap a picture. Enter the numbers into Google to get the brand name and model. Call the manufacturer if you’re still stuck.

Starting Up Your Hot Tub

Your 10-Step Guide:

1. Turn off the power with the main GFCI circuit breaker.
2. Attach hose to filter area and begin filling. This allows the water to flow through the plumbing system while removing air. Use a hose filter if you have well water.
3. Fill the tub an inch under the head rests so all jets are under the water.
4. Switch the power back on and run the pump. Turn off all air valves to clear out debris.
5. Add chlorine or bromine. The amount will vary with how many gallons your hot tub can hold.
6. Test the water’s pH and alkalinity levels, adding chemicals to achieve the proper levels.
7. Allow the pump to run for least 10 minutes so the chemicals can circulate and the plumbing system can clear out.
8. Adjust the temperature to your desired setting, usually somewhere between 98 F and 102 F).
9. Put the cover on after 10 minutes, which helps the temperature get hotter quicker.
10. Test the water again to ensure proper chemical levels. Now you can use your tub!

TIPS

• When filling your hot tub, set a timer to remind yourself to check it. This will avoid the possibility of overflow.
• Program your hot tub to kick on when energy costs are at their lowest. Ask your utility provider to tell you what that time is.
• Recommended products include: hose filter, granular chlorine, test strips

Water Care

Knowing proper treatments for your water is half the battle. You will need five main chemicals on hand at all times.

The Sanitizer

There are many types of sanitizers out there, but the most popular are chlorine or bromine. We recommend chlorine because it’s affordable and will kill bacteria in the water effectively.

Chlorine: Granular

Be sure to keep the chlorine reading between 3 ppm and 5 ppm (which stands for parts per million). Sprinkle it right into the water. Here’s a look at how much to add:

Chlorine with a Mineral Sanitizer

A mineral sanitizer comes in stick form and you add it to the filter area so it can dispense minerals that kill bacteria. Use chlorine as a back-up so you can kill anything that the minerals don’t. If you use this system, keep chlorine levels between 0.5 ppm and 1 ppm.

It will cost you about $30 for mineral purifier and you will have to replace it every three to four months.

Salt Chlorine Generator

This system turns salt into chlorine, so you don’t have to add granular chlorine to the hot tub. Keep it between 3 ppm and 5 ppm. Be sure to keep the proper level of salt in the water. Benefits to this system include:

• Smoother, softer-feeling water
• Less odor
• Gentler to hair
• Reduces eye irritation
• Eco-friendly

Non-Chlorine Shock

When chlorine gets added to water, it kills bacteria because it binds itself to the particle and creates a chloramine. You have to get those particles out somehow, and that’s by using shock (oxidizer).

Here’s a look at how much shock to add to your water weekly. The active ingredient you should look for is potassium monopersulfate (MPS).

What is Shock?

This is the process of oxidizing chloramines into the air by converting them into a gas. That gas is what gives off that chlorine odor. Use test strips to tell the difference between active chlorine and chlormines. the Free Chlorine reading is the chlorine that hasn’t attacked and it’s available to get the job done.

The Total Chlorine or Combined Chlorine reading are the active chlorine and chloramines.

Add shock when the Total Chlorine reading is higher than the Free Chlorine reading. When you add Non-Chlorine Shock, all those readings will come closer together, giving you the green light. As a general guide, you’ll want to shock your water at least once weekly or after every use.

What is an Ozonator?

When you see bubbles emanating from the bottom of your hot tub, you have an ozonator. These are standard in newer hot tubs. They produce ozone through the splitting of oxygen molecules into
two free oxygen atoms. This happens with the use of UV light, or by corona discharge (CD), within the unit. The freed oxygen atoms and the oxygen molecule merge and form ozone to break down contaminants, giving you clearer, cleaner water.

Don’t have an ozonator? It’s OK, they’re not really necessary.