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Month: December 2021

Tips to Maintaining a Hot Tub in the Summer

Ajax Pool & Spa Team |

The importance of maintaining a hot tub in the summer cannot be understated. Without proper maintenance, the system will not have the lifespan it deserves. The same goes for the system’s level of energy efficiency. Weekly, daily, and sporadic maintenance are required as well. While everyone enjoys the relaxation and comfort that a hot tub has to offer, this peace of mind is destroyed when the hot tub is not running in the manner that’s expected.

Fortunately, an owner can avoid these types of problems if they are willing to keep up with their maintenance on a regular basis. With the necessary care, the system will always run in the manner that it needs to. Aspen homeowners would do well to read on and learn more about the following tips and tricks on how to care for a hot tub in the summer as well:

Tennis, Anyone?

Anyone who has ever seen tennis balls in and around a hot tub has probably wondered why they are there. As it turns out, they can play a key role in the long and short-term maintenance of the hot tub. Place some in the skimmer or the water itself for best results. The tennis balls soak up the lotions and oils that have made their way to the water’s surface. Even if the hot tub is getting heavier usage, the water will still remain fresh. Tennis balls should be a part of any regular maintenance routine.

Drain The Water Regularly

As a rule of thumb, the water in the hot tub needs to be drained on a consistent basis. The experts will recommend doing so every couple of months. At a bare minimum, the tub should be drained every four months. Once the water has been drained, it is time for the homeowner to thoroughly inspect their hot tub and clean it. In these instances, an all-purpose cleaner works best.

Maintaining The Chemical Balance

Once the cleaning and inspection have been taken care of, it is time to check the chemical balance. Test strips can be used to check the water’s level. In a best-case scenario, the alkaline and acid levels should be even. If they are not? This means that it is time to fix it. Add the necessary chemicals on a regular basis, so that these types of issues do not have the chance to fester. The level of frequency will depend on the frequency at which the hot tub is being used.

Quality Water Circulation

In some instances, the Aspen homeowner may own a model that circulates the water for them. If not, this is a task that will need to take place on a consistent basis. If the water does not get a chance to pass through the hot tub’s cartridge filters, this can spell problems down the road. A model that does not automatically circulate the water will need to be turned on for about 15 to 20 minutes per day to ensure that the water is given the chance to pass through the filters. Some hot tub owners may even decide that the process needs to take place twice a day.

Proactive Inspections

When it comes time to inspect a hot tub, no sane homeowner should be waiting until a problem has a chance to take place. It is always better to be proactive instead of reactive in these instances. When cracks, leaks, and various damages occur, it can be hard to spot them before it is too late. By catching these problems early, they can be addressed and fixed in a timely manner.

The filters in the hot tub also need to be examined consistently. When the filters are allowed to get dirty, the hot tub is never going to function as efficiently as it should. Any hot tub owner that sits back and waits for problems to pop up is going to spend far more to fix them on the back end.

When maintenance services are required, it is time to contact the professionals. Ajax Pool and Spa is here to help all of our clients with their hot tub-related needs, including access to the necessary chemicals and supplies. That’s why any Aspen homeowner who is looking to address these types of potential problems is urged to contact Ajax Pool and Spa as soon as possible.

How to Drain a Hot Tub

Ajax Pool & Spa Team |

Knowing how to drain a hot tub fast is not nearly as important as knowing how to drain a hot tub properly. While draining the water is important for keeping the water clean, it is also crucial when it comes to preventing damages. By taking the time to drain the water and change it, an Aspen homeowner can avoid a number of long-term issues.

Corrosion is common when hot tubs are not drained on a consistent basis. The balance will be lost and no one wants to soak in dirty water that has not been taken care of properly. To learn about how to drain a hot tub, be sure to check out the following tips and pointers:

When To Drain Your Hot Tub

A hot tub has amazing self-cleaning properties but that does not mean that the owner will not need to change the water from time to time. The frequency at which the tub should be drained depends on the type of system that is being used. Traditional systems that rely on bromine or chlorine will need to have their water changed every three to four months.

Meanwhile, those who have a saltwater system can get away with less frequent hot tub draining. These systems can be drained on a yearly basis. To remain free of contamination, the Aspen homeowner must remain cognizant of the requirements for their specific system.

Draining Your Hot Tub

The process is simple, especially for those who have thought to place their hot tub adjacent to the drain where it was installed. Once the homeowner has decided to get started, there are a few steps that need to be taken, as it is time to gather the necessary equipment. A submersible pump is the best bet for any tub owner that does not want to go through the hassle of finding a garden hose long enough to reach the hot tub from the drain.

A spa shell cleaner and some clean rags are also required. It will take roughly an hour to drain the hot tub if the owner is using a drainage spigot. Those who want to drain a hot tub fast will want to obtain a submersible pump, which allows the tub to drain within ten minutes.

Does The Water Absolutely Have To Be Drained?

In a word, yes. Summer maintenance is absolutely essential to the long-term sustainability of the tub. Experts will recommend that the spa water be changed every three to four months. As chemicals are added to the water, they are going to start to dissolve more and more slowly. When this happens, the water becomes overly saturated, and the hot tub is not nearly as clean as it once was.

The chemistry of the water becomes imbalanced, and the hot tub can even begin to develop a scent. Since the hot tub is smaller than a pool, the more deodorant, lotion, sweat, and oil that gets left behind. None of this is going to be diluted very well, which causes the water to become cloudy and foamy. Added solids are also left behind as the water continues to evaporate, causing more long-term issues.

If the water is not drained during the summer months on a regular basis, the hot tub is not going to be clean or safe. Aspen homeowners must take the time to remove old and dirty water before it has the chance to start corroding the tub itself.

When Is It Time For a Change?

The water needs to be tested on a regular basis so that the proper balance can be maintained. Once the water has become consistently gritty or funky, this is a sure sign that it is time for a change. The frequency at which the spa is used also plays a key role. Divide the total number of gallons in the tub by three. From there, divide this number by the number of daily users. The answer to this formula tells homeowners how often to change the water, taking all of the guesswork out of the equation.

Aspen homeowners who have any further questions about the cleanliness of their hot tub and how regular draining can enhance their enjoyment are more than welcome to contact the good folks at Ajax Pool and Spa. These trained professionals are always on hand, ready to answer any questions or address any concerns that a tub owner may have!