Hot Tub Maintenance

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Mile High Hot Tubs is an established and respected hot tub and swim spa business serving the Greater Metro Denver area for over two decades. In addition to selling hot tubs, spas and saunas, we specialize in hot tub maintenance, offering a wide range of services to help keep your deck spa or backyard oasis looking perfect. From providing the chemicals and information you need to clean the hot tub yourself, to regular hot tub cleaning and water chemistry monitoring to full-service spa service, the experts at Mile High Hot Tubs can make sure that your water is always clean and crystal clear.

The team at Mile High Hot Tubs will work with you to customize an individualized plan suited for your needs, so you can count on us to keep your hot tub or swim spa in optimal condition all year round. Whether it’s preventative care or emergency repairs, we have the expertise to ensure long life for your hot tub or spa. By investing in our services, both time and money can be saved down the line, as proper maintenance helps reduce wear and tear on equipment over time. Contact us today for more info about how we can help make your dream backyard paradise stay clean and beautiful!

The Basics of Hot Tub Maintenance

If you ever need maintenance on your hot tub or spa, we are always here to help.  If you purchased your hot tub from Mile High Hot Tubs, we will already have all of the information we need to help you.  However, if you need assistance with an older hot tub or one that you purchased from another dealer we are still happy to assist.  To do so we will need information about the make and model of your hot tub. This can facilitate the process of obtaining parts or services whenever necessary.

In addition we will need the following information:

  • Age of your spa
  • Water capacity of the hot tub
  • Issues you are having with your hot tub or swim spa water
  • Any other issues affecting how your hot tub or swim spa is working (clogged jets, calcium deposits, etc.)

The Three Cs of Hot Tub Maintenance

The first C of hot tub maintenance is Chemistry. Keeping your water balance is much like balancing the water in a swimming pool. However, the smaller size can make it quite a bit harder to do.

Regular cleaning of the hot tub is important to prevent bacteria buildup, as well as keeping it looking nice. Taking a few minutes each week to clean the hot tub will save you time and money in the long run.   A significant part of keeping a hot tub clean and in working order is maintaining the proper water chemistry.

To start with you will need to get a baseline reading of the pH and alkalinity levels.

Measuring the pH of water provides information about its current level of acidity or alkalinity. The pH level of pure, unpolluted water is typically 7, indicating a neutral state between acidity and basicity. The pH level of water is an indicator of possible contamination and can be a crucial safeguard for human health.

The recommended pH range for a hot tub is 7.2 to 7.8. Maintaining this level is crucial as low pH can lead to skin irritation and damage to the hot tub’s parts. When the pH level is too high, it can lead to skin irritation and result in reduced effectiveness of the sanitizer.

Alkalinity serves as a buffer to maintain pH stability, making it a critical factor. Fluctuations in alkalinity can cause rapid shifts in pH levels that may prove challenging to manage. The recommended alkalinity range for a hot tub is typically 80-140 ppm.

To keep your pH and alkalinity stable you will need a variety of chemicals including:

  • Hot tub sanitizer, usually bromine or chlorine
  • Hot tub shock, usually non-chlorine or di-chlor
  • Alkalinity increaser
  • pH increaser
  • pH decreaser
  • Calcium hardness increaser
  • Line flush cleaner
  • Other optional chemicals to keep your water clear

In addition to having the chemicals you need to use them in the right order.  If this all seems like a lot, don’t worry! Mile High Hot Tubs are experts at using these chemicals to maintain your hot tub at the ideal pH and alkalinity. We are happy to provide you with the chemicals and instructions to do it yourself.  Or, instead of learning chemistry, let us do it for you. Call us today for a quote on keeping your spa perfect.

Proper circulation is crucial for maintaining a clean hot tub. Regular use should facilitate adequate water circulation.

Certain hot tub models come equipped with an automatic circulation schedule to maintain water flow. The cycles can vary in duration, ranging from 15 to 20 minutes or longer.

If your hot tub or swim spa doesn’t have an automatic circulation feature you will want to try to circulate the water in your hot tub once or twice a day.  Circulating the water runs the water through the filters which helps the water stay clean.

If you own one of Mile High Hot Tubs Eco Spas, Coast Hot Tubs or Swim Spas you won’t have to worry about proper circulation as most of our models come with automatic pumps.

Cleaning is an essential aspect of maintaining a hot tub. Hot tubs, whether indoor or outdoor, require regular cleaning to prevent scum buildup. It is common for outdoor hot tubs to accumulate leaves and debris.

Regularly cleaning the hot tub with white vinegar is a recommended maintenance practice. The easiest way to do this is to dip a sponge into white vinegar and wipe down the shell and the jets.  The vinegar-soaked sponge can also be used to clean at the waterline since that is where scum is typically found.

In addition to weekly cleaning, you will need to drain and thoroughly clean your hot tub every three to four months.  The hot tub filters also will need cleaning both by rinsing with warm water and by spraying them every couple of weeks with a filter cleaning solution.  When you drain the hot tub and refill it you can also soak the filters for a more thorough clean.

Of course, if you don’t want to deal with the cleaning and maintenance of your hot tub or swim spa, feel free to call Mile High Hot Tubs and let us help you.   We can set up a maintenance schedule to fit your schedule and usage.

Tips for a more effective and enjoyable hot tub experience

Use a tennis ball to get rid of oil

The addition of tennis balls to a hot tub can aid in the extraction of oils. When you get into a hot tub, the hot water causes any oils, soaps or lotions on your skin will melt and float on the surface of the water. Your water filter will probably not remove these oils and emollients. On the other hand, a tennis balls can effectively absorb oils as it floats and remove them from the surface of your water.

The most energy that a hot tub or swim spa consumes is when it is actually in use.  To get the most from your hot tub, alternate using it during both peak and off-peak electricity hours.  This will both save you money and keep the water in the hot tub circulating more effectively, keeping the water cleaner.

If you are doing your own cleaning, you will be emptying and refilling your hot tub 3-4 times a year or more depending on how often you are using it.  You probably don’t want to stand around and watch it fill, especially in the colder months.  You also don’t want it to overflow!  So, when it is time to refill it, set a timer and go back inside the house.  When the timer goes off you can check on the water level and reset the timer as needed.

Of course, if you have Mile High Hot Tubs doing your maintenance, you won’t have to worry because we do it right every time!  Contact Mile High Hot Tubs to find out if it is worth your time to have us do the work for you!

A maintenance schedule

So what do you actually need to do to maintain a hot tub or swim spa properly?

Daily

When your hot tub is in use you will want to do the following each day, if possible, especially if there has been a lot of wind, rain or snow:

  • check that the cover is still on securely
  • Check the whole cover for any damage, cracks or tears
  • check that the water temperature is correct, a substantial change in the water temperature, if you have not actually adjusted it, could be an indication of a more serious problem.

Weekly

These tasks should be done weekly if you have the time:

  • Check the alkalinity and the pH of the water and adjust if needed
  • Check the level of your sanitizer
  • Clean at and above the waterline to remove any calcium deposits or scum that may have accumulated
  • Shock and sanitize the water
  • Rinse the filter
  • Clean the cover

If you would prefer, Mile High Hot Tubs can provide this service. Call us to see if a regular maintenance package is right for you.

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A maintenance schedule

Monthly

While not done as frequently, monthly maintenance is very important:

  • Examine the jets for any damage or clogs
  • Remove and do a chemical rinse on the filter
  • Have the water pH and alkaline tested by a professional

This whole process should probably take about 15-20 minutes.

Quarterly

To keep your swim spa or hot tub in optimal condition, the following should be done at least quarterly:

  • Drain your hot tub or swim spa.
  • Check the surface of the hot tub for damage or wear.
  • Remove and do a chemical soak of the filters.
  • Check for any needed repairs while the tub is empty.
  • Do a thorough cleaning of the whole tub.
  • Clean the hot tub cabinet.
  • Refill the tub.

This cleaning can be a fairly involved process.  If you would rather have someone else spend the time, contact Mile High Hot Tubs and we can give you an honest quote on how much a maintenance package will cost.

Yearly

Finally, there is the annual maintenance:

  • Flush the plumbing lines.
  • Inspect the wiring and hardware for any wear or damage from weather or pests.
  • Have a professional check all of the parts for any needed repairs or adjustments.
  • Look closely at the cover for any crack, mold or damage.

If you hire Mile High Hot Tubs for your quarterly maintenance the annual refresh can be part of your package.  Contact us today to discuss the best schedule for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Although it may appear to be a busy schedule, it is not as strenuous as it seems. The level of maintenance required is relatively minimal. The necessary testing supplies and chemicals will cost around $20 per month.

The majority of the tasks can be completed in a reasonable amount of time. Certain models may have automatic features that can assist with certain tasks.  You can also have Mile High Hot Tubs do the maintenance for you for a reasonable fee.

Baking soda is one method that can be used to raise the alkalinity of water if needed. To maintain a proper chemical balance in your hot tub, it is recommended to add one tablespoon of treatment for every 100 gallons of water.

White vinegar is a safe and recommended cleaning solution for hot tubs. White vinegar is recommended for cleaning purposes as it is versatile and safe for hot tub use. However, it is not recommended to use vinegar for pH adjustment. For this task, a pH decreaser should be used.

Yes.  It is recommended to add a small amount of chlorine after each use. This can assist in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation. One option is to use a chlorine tablet with a floating dispenser.

Yes, but a saltwater system is necessary for it to function correctly. By installing a saltwater system in your hot tub, it is possible to substitute salt for chlorine. The system has the ability to convert saltwater into chlorine.

We do, but only on the hot tubs we sell.  If you have an issue with a hot tub you purchased elsewhere, please contact that vendor for repair services or contact a hot tub repair specialist.

Maintaining a hot tub is essential for keeping it functioning effectively for years to come. Hot tub maintenance includes regular cleaning, periodic testing and balancing of water chemistry, proper filtration, and routine replacement parts. Taking the time to care for your hot tub properly will help ensure that it remains safe and healthy for you to use with family and friends.  We are happy to make this process simple for you.  Contact Mile High Hot Tubs to create your personalized maintenance plan today.