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Warm weather is on the way! Some of you will have made great use of your hot tub or softub over the winter, while others are still waiting for things to warm up a little more. Either way, with the onset of warmer weather, there are a few things you want to take care of with respect to the hot tub.
Water Change
Many of you waited through the cold months to do a water change. By all means, bring a sample to the store for a free water test to confirm your water condition, but if it’s been 4 months or more since the last water change, it is probably time! At this time of year, we commonly see high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). With a high TDS, it becomes harder to maintain clear water, a situation often accompanied by off odours and high chemical demand. The easiest and cheapest fix is a water change.
Spa Purge
Before you drain the spa, run a cycle with spa purge or line flush. These are products that strip the “goo” you don’t see out of the plumbing lines. Running the hot tub through a few pump cycles before you drain helps make sure you are off to the freshest and cleanest start possible.
Rinse & Clean
Always rinse the spa and clean the interior after you drain. Pop out all the pillows and cushions and give them a good cleanup, as well as the areas behind your pillows that don’t always get the best circulation. Check for any damage; if a cushion has started to break down, replace it.
Clean or Replace Your Filters
Use this as an opportunity to clean or replace your filters. Give reusable filters a good soak overnight in cartridge cleaning solution. If your disposable filters are looking nasty, replace them. It is always a good idea to cycle two sets of filters, allowing your freshly cleaned filters to dry completely before bringing them into use. As they dry, the pleats contract, providing better filtration and cleaner water!
Start-Up
If you use a Nature-2 cartridge, drop in a new one. If you have a “fresh fill” instruction sheet, follow it. If not, bring a sample by the store for a free test (and pick up your personalized instructions). It takes a day or two to get the water balanced, but once your mineral balances are in-line, every other aspect of spa care becomes easier. With clean, fresh water and the right maintenance regimen, you can go back to enjoying your hot tub rather than working on it!
Check the Cover
It’s a good idea to check the condition of your hot tub cover. Since it’s exposed to the elements 24/7 – 365, it can get damaged and torn over time. Inspect both the top and underside for any signs of cracks or tears. Look at the level / straightness of the cover; if it has started to sag or dip, or worse yet, looks like the foam has cracked, it’s time to replace. Also, make sure that the clips and locks are still able to fasten tightly to maintain a tight seal. Test the weight of the cover as well; if it has started to take on a lot of extra water weight it may not be doing a good job of insulating anymore, not to mention a saturated cover can damage the cover lift and the skirt of the spa if attached. If your cover needs to be cleaned, use an approved spa cover cleaning solution. We also recommend treating it with a UV protectant such as Formula 303.
Set Up Your Accessories
Elevate your spa time by creating a cozy and luxurious patio space around your hot tub. String up some lights, place lanterns to illuminate the pathway, and set up speakers so you can play your favourite tunes while you soak. Add some potted plants and any other fine touches that will make you feel like you stepped into a luxurious oasis each time you go out for a dip.
Give Us a Call!
If you’d rather let someone else take over the prep and maintenance of your hot tub, give our team a call! We’ll come and take care of the setup, repairs, and cleaning to ensure it’s safe and ready for you to enjoy.
