Author: admin

Soaking in a hot tub has many health benefits, but the American Red Cross warns that there is a higher risk of nausea, dizziness, and fainting if you spend more than 15 minutes in a hot tub. This is because it takes a while for your body to acclimate to the heat generated by a hot tub, as you can absorb a lot of heat during that time.

When you soak in a hot tub for longer than 15 minutes, you risk dehydration, exhaustion, electrolyte imbalances, and even distress to your cardiovascular system.

What Affects How Long You Can Soak in the Hot Tub?

There’s no strict rule on how long you can spend in the hot tub, but there are guidelines that include knowing factors that may increase your risk of harm. Let’s look at some of these factors outlined below.

The Temperature of the Hot Tub

The hot tub’s temperature can have the most influence on how long you can safely soak. Sitting in 98-degree water probably won’t bother you since that’s about the same as your average body temperature. However, the difference will be felt if you raise the temperature by two to four degrees.

It’s common knowledge that sweat is the body’s natural way of cooling down. However, perspiration becomes increasingly difficult and requires more water intake as external temperatures hit triple digits. 

When this happens, the body’s internal temperature rises because the heat is trapped inside and cannot escape. Avoid this by always having a bottle of water nearby when you soak. Dehydration follows shortly after.

Overall Health

Another determinant of how long you can sit in the hot tub is your current physical fitness and overall health.

For instance, pregnant women shouldn’t soak in hot tubs longer than 10 minutes and should avoid those hotter than 102 degrees. Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or circulatory difficulties should consult their doctors before using a hot tub. 

Anyone on prescription medicine, especially sleep aids or blood thinners, must check with their doctor before getting in a hot tub.

Your Age

You can safely soak in water heated to 102 degrees for however long, provided you are healthy and not pregnant, as long as you are comfortable. 

Children under 12 should only soak for a maximum of five minutes at 104 degrees. Longer soaks of up to 15 minutes are acceptable when the water temperature is between 98 to 104 degrees. However, these rules do not apply to healthy kids.

One effective safety measure to prevent children from getting their entire bodies wet in the hot tub is by having them use elevated “jump seats” to keep most of their upper bodies out of the water.

Sitting Level 

Hot tub seats are positioned at different heights so that you can move around and cool other body parts. Sitting at the lowest level for at least 15 minutes causes your body temperature to rise far quicker than if you went to a seat where your upper body was out of the water. You can extend the hot tub time limit by moving around and switching to different seat depths.

Dangers of a Prolonged Soak

Observing your physical responses is the most reliable way to know when you’ve spent too much time in the hot tub. Look out for these potential warning signs:

Lightheadedness or Dizziness

A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness during a bath could indicate that your body temperature is higher than you think. Take a few minutes to cool off outside.

Overheating

Most people don’t realize they’re overheating until it’s too late and they’re physically ill. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid letting your body get to that stage. The following are some warning signs of overheating:

• Tingling skin sensation
• Headache
• Weakness or fatigue
• A higher or lower heart rate
• Dizziness
• Sweating heavily or not at all

If you experience these symptoms, get out of the water and into a cool, dry place. Stay hydrated and aware of your physical state. Call emergency services if your condition worsens.

Vomiting and Nausea

Extreme heat can trigger nausea and vomiting. Nausea is another indicator that you should get out of the tub and drink lots of cool fluids, even if you don’t think the symptoms are related to heatstroke.

Skin Burns

While redness and burning may indicate that you have sensitive skin, they are also warning signs that it’s time to leave the hot tub. Even if it’s just a heat rash, it indicates your body is overheating and needs cooling.

Blood Pressure Drops

If you don’t have a blood pressure monitor with you, it can be hard to tell if your blood pressure is dropping. If your blood pressure drops too low, though, your body begins to send out warning signals. Most of the signs are identical to those of overheating:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Having trouble focusing
• Nausea
• Fainting

In severe cases of hypotension, the patient may experience confusion, quick and shallow breathing, and a rapid or weak pulse. Leave the hot tub right away if you feel like your blood pressure is dropping.

What Is the Recommended Soak Time?

This information helps to decide what to do in most “if-then” scenarios. For instance, what if you’re perfectly healthy and can soak for 30 minutes without any effects? Can you stay in the tub as long as you like? Basically, yes. However, it is wise to take precautions and establish rules for yourself.

We don’t want to ruin your good time, but we advise you to take a break from your hot tub every 15 to 30 minutes. These are only some general suggestions, and they may change depending on the weather, your current state of health, among other variables.

You should soak for as long as you feel you need to relax. You’re alright if you feel fine. If, however, you start to experience symptoms such as lightheadedness, nausea, or any other change in state that is not normal, you should get out of the tub and drink some water.

Reach Us

As you consider the appropriate hot tub temperature, know that Ajax Pool and Spa products are the best way to take care of your hot tub and ensure a serene body, mind, and environment. Browse our high-quality hot tubs, accessories, genuine replacement parts, user-friendly hot tub water maintenance chemicals, and more!

Please call us at 970-279-5253 or text us at 239-225-8626 to share your details and preferences. We’ll prepare a price quote and model recommendations for you!

It would be best to keep up with the chemical treatments to enjoy the occasional soak while relaxing and unwinding in your hot tub. Some pool and spa companies add a mineral filtration system to the hot tub installation cost. However, you’ll still need to keep up with the regular hot but maintenance and add the necessary chemical products to your tub.

Experts recommend regularly treating your tub with chemicals and checking on the water at least twice a week. How often you maintain your tub depends on several factors. Such as:

• Your hot tub usage
• The local water supply
• Your maintenance schedule

Hot Tub Chemicals and How to Use Them

Unlike a bathtub where you fill it with water, use it, and drain it, hot tub water can stay undrained for weeks or even longer. Stagnant water acts as an incubator for multiple microorganisms, and you will get infected if you soak in such water. To avoid all that, it is best that you keep up with the chemicals.

The first step is to test your water before adding any chemicals. With the results, you’ll know what chemical you need to add and the amount. Keep test strips or a liquid test kit around for accurate results. 

How frequently you’ll need to put chemicals in your spa depends on how often you use it. Refilling your tub every 3-6 months would be best. However, having a good hot tub cover can stretch the water for 5-8 months. Watch out for signs of discomfort like itchy eyes, rashes, and skin irritations, which indicate poor tub chemical upkeep, and it’s time for a refill. 

Below is a list of hot tub chemicals and their application:

Sanitizer 

Sanitizer is an essential chemical as it helps sterilize the tub. There are several types of sanitizers available on the market. They are:

• Chlorine sanitizer effectively kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses in your tub. It is affordable and easy to add. However, it gives off a smell as its chemical components break down. The average levels are 1-3 parts per million (ppm).
• Bromine is another choice with a lower pH than chlorine, is gentler on the skin, lasts longer, and doesn’t give off any pungent smell. It works slowly, meaning you’ll have to give it more time to kill the contaminants in the hot tub. Correct bromine levels are 3-5 ppm.
• Minerals like silver and copper. Silver is an excellent bactericide, as copper is an algaecide. The minerals are used alongside small amounts of chlorine.
• Biguanide is an odorless, gentle, and effective sanitizer with a delicate feel on your skin. It is more costly and can deteriorate rubber gaskets and some plastics in your hot tub. The proper levels are 30-50 ppm.
• Salt systems have a device known as a salt chlorine generator. Saltwater tubs have a generator that converts salt into chlorine. Instead of buying chlorine, you buy salt, which is cheaper, and the water is gentler on your skin and eyes.

Shock                                                                                                                                The purpose of a shocking agent is to release oxygen into the water by momentarily increasing the total chlorine above the recommended levels. The shocking process helps get rid of bacteria and chloramines.

Shocking is a super sanitizer and an effective method to clear your tub. If you are keen on keeping up with your sanitizer levels, an occasional shock will do your tub good. You can use chlorine or a non-chlorine shock depending on your spa and preference.

pH Adjusting Products

You must check the tub’s pH levels often. pH indicates how basic or acidic the water is. You should have a pH increaser and decreaser and add accordingly. You want your water to be neutral because when it’s acidic, it irritates your skin and damages your spa. While alkaline, it’s uncomfortable for your eyes and skin, making the sanitizer less effective. 

Defoamer 

The foam in your spa comes from body lotions, oils, and other cosmetics. An effective way to reduce foam is by taking a shower before soaking. It is easy to manage the foam if you are alone. A defoamer will be handy, especially if you are hosting a party. However, you’ll need a defoamer when working with a group.

Sequestering Agents

If your hot tub water turns brown, red, green, and orange, it’s time to add the sequestering agent. A sequestering agent removes the heavy metals and calcium from the tub water. You should add the sequestering agent when you notice the color change and as a precaution when filling up your spa.

Water Clarifier 

A water clarifier offers a temporary solution when your tub water is cloudy. However, you will need to find the cause of the problem and address it to avoid a recurrence. Adding a water clarifier isn’t a quick fix, as you’ll still need to keep up with the spa treatments.

Calcium 

When testing the water, be sure to check for calcium hardness. An imbalanced amount of calcium and magnesium in the spa causes cloudiness or foam in the water. It is crucial to have a calcium hardness increaser and decreaser and add accordingly to avoid scale build-up or damage to the metallic aspects of the tub.  

Hot Tub Enzymes 

Hot tub enzymes help you avoid getting scum in your spa. Hot tub enzymes are naturally occurring spa chemicals that break down organic contaminants. The typical organic pollutants that end up in the tubs include twigs, leaves, insects, skin cells, and body oils, to mention but a few. If you keep up with the chemical treatments and refill your tub at least quarterly, you won’t need hot tub enzymes. 

Reach Us

Ajax Pool and Spa offers services for custom installations, repair, and maintenance of Jacuzzis, hot tubs, and swimming pools. Our products are top-quality and can blend with all types of home décor. If you are considering installing a pool or spa, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us for a free quotation on Jacuzzis, swimming pools, and hot tub installation costs. Call us at 970.279.5253 and learn more about our installation expertise.

Soaking yourself in a hot tub has many benefits, including relieving stress, improving skin health, promoting muscle relaxation, etc. But you cannot enjoy all these benefits when your hot tub is not properly functioning or the water is full of impurities. Maintaining it doesn’t have to be complicated and time-consuming. It can be an easy job when you know the maintenance basics.

The easiest way to maintain a hot tub is to clean it regularly. You must have the right chemicals for the job. The chemicals help clean the water, avoiding possible contaminants, including bacteria. Here are seven easy hot tub maintenance tips to ensure it’s in good condition for a fantastic soaking experience.

7 Easiest Tips to Maintain a Hot Tub

Hot tub maintenance helps you avoid the possibility of the water going cold and becoming dirty with bacteria and germs. It also helps extend its lifetime, reducing any future repairs it may need as time goes on.

Your hot tub holds warm water, a perfect breeding ground for algae. The presence of bacteria can cause cloudy or unclear water, causing severe skin irritations when you soak yourself in such water. Hence, the need to maintain it! But how?

• Drain the Hot Tub

Over time, your hot tub water accumulates minerals, bacteria, and other impurities from body lotions, makeup, and sweat, affecting its clarity and quality, which makes it look nasty. You need to drain the water until it’s empty. You can use a submersible siphon or pump to ensure you drain all the water before you can start cleaning. This way, you can thoroughly wash every part of the hot tub.

• Deep Clean Your Hot Tub

Deep cleaning is one of the most crucial hot tub maintenance tasks you should practice regularly. When you have drained all the water, apply a nonabrasive cleaner to your hot tub walls and floor and wipe it down using a sponge or a soft cloth. Look out for areas with dirt or grime buildup and scrub them a little more using a soft brush. This way, you can keep the water clean and clear and prolong your hot tub’s lifetime.

Clean the jets using a 50/50 water-to-vinegar solution, running the water for at least 15 minutes to clear any buildup. Finally, drain the water while rinsing your hot tub shell, ensuring no cleaner or debris remains.

• Clean the Filters

Your hot tub filters can become clogged by debris, such as leaves and other large dirt particles. If not properly maintained, they become less effective and collect bacteria and contaminants not being pulled out of the water.

Remove the filters and clean them thoroughly using a filter cleaner or degreaser. To maintain the excellent condition of your filters, it’s necessary to rinse them every one to two weeks. Use a garden hose to rinse it and ensure it’s completely dry before putting it back into your hot tub.

For deeper cleaning, you can soak your filters overnight in a high-quality filter cleaner every few months to clear out any grime that has built up on them, which is also a way to extend their lifetime. If you realize your hot tub filters no longer get clean during regular maintenance, it might be time to replace them!

• Refill Your Hot Tub

Having cleaned your hot tub, refill it with fresh water per the manufacturer’s recommended level. Use a hose to ease the job. If you frequently use the hot tub, you should drain and refill it more regularly.

Otherwise, drain and refill it with water every three to five months, especially if you use a chlorine system. If you run a saltwater system, you can change the water less often, like once a year.

• Test Your Water’s pH Levels

Your hot tub’s water chemical levels should always be balanced and safe to soak. You must regularly test it to ensure that it’s balanced. You can use test strips or a digital pH meter to quickly show your water’s chlorine, calcium hardness, pH, and alkalinity levels. The hot tub water should have a PH level between 7.2 and 7.8. 

The water becomes too acidic when the pH drops below 7.2, resulting in skin itchiness and eye burn. Even your hand sanitizer becomes less effective. Contrarily, high pressure can cause costly damage to your hot tub parts, including the surface, filter, and jets.

• Add Chemicals as Needed

If your hot tub water isn’t balanced as needed, use chemicals to bring it back to balance. You can use chlorine, bromine, and other sanitizers to help kill bacteria and other contaminants.

Some dust and dirt particles are too tiny to be caught by the water filters. Therefore, you must have clarifiers that help bind these small particles to sizes easily captured by the filters. You also need pH adjusters to adjust your water’s pH and shock treatments to increase the effectiveness of your sanitizer-helps in adding oxygen and eliminating bacteria and chloramines.

Each chemical comes with the manufacturer’s instructions and prescribed amounts, which you should follow when adding the chemicals to your hot tub to get the best results. Make sure you use gloves when handling the chemicals.

• Make Use of a Hot Tub Cover and Keep it Clean

Hot tub covers help maintain the heat and protect it from debris and other impurities. It should be your second option after purchasing your hot tub.

When choosing your hot tub cover, consider the climate in your area. If your area receives much snow and rain, you must consider a cover with a peaked top. You must also ensure that the cover properly fits your hot tub so that no debris can enter the tub. A well-fitting cover also reduces the amount of sanitizer needed in the tub.

Your hot tub cover also collects dirt, debris, and other contaminants, which you must wash away. You should wash it regularly and thoroughly and use a water hose to rinse and clean any remaining debris. Always cover your hot tub when you’re not using it. Lock it up when you’re away from home.

Address Your Hot Tub Issues Promptly

Don’t wait until your scheduled time to take care of your hot tub. You should always do regular checks and get them done immediately if you notice any problems with your hot tub. You may notice issues such as a strange odor or cloudy water, indicating a problem with the water chemistry or the hot tub. The water is unsafe for use, and you need to act quickly.

The easiest way to maintain your hot tub is to clean it regularly. You must periodically test the chemistry levels, including pH, and add chemicals to balance them to the required levels. Drain its water and deep clean it before refilling it. Clean the filters and the cover too. If you notice problems with your hot tub, such as an odor or a change in the color of the water, sort them out immediately. Enjoy a clean and well-maintained hot tub by following these simple steps and extending its lifetime.

Consult Hot Tub Experts

When you must maintain your hot tub in good condition at all times, keeping up with the necessary maintenance and cleaning duties can be challenging. You don’t have to do your hot tub maintenance alone and risk making costly mistakes. 

Consult hot tub experts for any significant issues. At Ajax Pool and Spa, we will offer professional guidance on maintaining your hot tub. We also offer custom installation and repair services. Enjoy a fantastic soaking experience with a well-maintained hot tub and get the most out of it as you enjoy the many benefits of owning a hot tub. Contact Ajax Pool and Spa today at 970-279-5253 or visit our website and request a quote.

Hot tubs are a popular relaxation method that you can enjoy by yourself or with a group of your friends. While hot tubs intend to ease worries and anxieties, murky water can cause concern to spa users and spoil the entire experience. Luckily, there are easy ways to maintain your hot tub, and if done regularly, you can keep it running smoothly and prolong its life. All you require is the right equipment and dedication to making your hot tub maintenance effortless.

• Buy and Use the Correct Cover

After buying a hot tub, purchase a cover that protects it effectively, depending on your area’s climate. For instance, if you stay in an area that experiences snow and cold temperatures, it’s essential to ensure you purchase a cover that has a peaked top to allow snow and rain to overflow. Doing this protects the covering from any damage throughout the year, enabling it to last longer.

Clean your hot tub regularly to keep it in good working condition since it plays a considerable part in keeping your spa safe. Use a gentle purpose cleaner and a soft sponge to clean the hot tub cover. Choose a warm or sunny day when you plan to wash your hot tub cover to get maximum sun to dry well.

Most available hot tubs constitute primarily weather-resistant vinyl, but you must ensure the vinyl stays clean to lengthen the life of your spa cover. Condition your wrapper to prolong its life since doing that protects against UV rays that break the chemical bonds and trigger the surface to harden and crack. Conditioning also protects your cover against mildew that can damage it if it grows on damp vinyl.

• Clean Your Spa Filters

A clean and functioning hot tub filter cartridge is vital for managing normal levels of chemicals in spa water. According to Hal Denbar, the National Pool Partners co-founder, cleaning your spa’s filter solves one-third of the equation to a perfect hot tub.

When you don’t clean your filter, it becomes oversaturated and won’t hold contaminants as they pass through. The contamination results in murky water full of debris. 

To prolong the life of individual hot tub components and limit bacterial growth, clean and replace your filters regularly. Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule ensures your filter cleans the hot tub efficiently. To unclog and clean your spa filter:

• Remove the cartridge.
• Run water over each interlace in the cartridge and wash every dirt out of the filter.
• Ensure the case air dries totally before returning it to your filter.

A good quality filter will last between one to two years, depending on how often you use your hot tub. Ensure you inspect your filter regularly for any damage and replace it once it shows signs of tear. You’ll know it’s time to replace the filter if it no longer appears clean during your regular hot tub maintenance routine.

• Balancing Your Water Chemistry

It’s essential to test the pH and alkaline levels to maintain the balance of your hot tub water. If one is out of balance, water will cause harm to your spa’s filters, plumbing, and even your tub surfaces if left for a long time.

Low alkaline levels imply the water is very acidic, which, if not treated, can cause corrosion on the hot tub’s surface. If the alkalinity of your water is high, it may be a sign of excessive chemicals in the water, sweat, oils like body lotions, makeup, or bacteria. It could also be due to hard water.

You should test the hot tub water two to four times weekly and adjust levels to stabilize the water within the proper scope. The compounds and their ideal ranges include:

• Chlorine: 1.0 to 3.0 ppm
• Bromine: 2.0 to 4.0 ppm
• pH: 7.2 to 7.8
• Total alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
• Calcium Hardness: 175 to 275 ppm
• Total Dissolved Solids: 1500 t0 2000 ppm

For more accurate results, you can bring a water sample to Ajax Pool & Spa Aspen for a free and extensive water test and a customized treatment scheme for your hot tub. Use the results as a manual to treat and balance your spa water and make notes on the adjustments. In most cases, you’ll eventually start noticing a pattern in the water chemistry, more so with pH and sanitizer levels.

• Change Your Water Regularly

Changing your water is an essential part of hot tub maintenance. Your frequency of doing this depends on your spa type and how much you use it.

• If it’s a typical family spa, you’ll need to drain and refill the water in your hot tub after roughly every three to four months.
• You can rely on the total dissolved solids (TDS) test stripes to decide when to change your hot tub water. You can get the strips in our store.
• Add a flush product to your spa water before draining it to help keep the equipment in your hot tub clean.

To interchange the water in your hot tub:

1. Drain it thoroughly and clean it before refilling.
2. Get a submersible pump, and you’ll save time.
3. Once you’ve drained the water, scrub it clean and disinfect all surfaces since the hot tub can contain dead skin and other contaminants.

You can pull out floating debris using a skimmer net and scoop up leaves under the water.

• Use the Right Products to Treat Your Water

The products you use to treat your hot tub depend on your chosen water system. The basic sanitizers for your spa will be chlorine, bromine, minerals, or a saltwater system. Most outdoor spa owners use chlorine to sanitize their water because it’s cost-effective, easy to use, and a potent bacteria killer.

Chlorine kills contaminants by corroding, and in this chemical reaction, it produces waste products known as chloramines which cause a smell. If you hear the smell of chlorine, it is a sign that it’s over from your water, and you should add more. Always remember the ideal range for chlorine is 1-3 ppm.

Bromine lasts longer than chlorine and has a lower pH, making it easy to keep the water balanced. It’s gentler on the skin, hence a preference for many hot tub owners. However, it works slowly and is unstabilized; thus, it’ll burn off quickly under the sun. Bromine’s acceptable range is 3-5 ppm.

At Your Service

Do you need spa maintenance or repair services? Whether you’re a hot tub guru, everyone often requires a little help. Your schedule could also not allow you to follow the above steps whenever you want to clean your spa.

With the help of our professional service technicians at Ajax Pool & Spa, we’ll help you with a solution that works perfectly for your hot tub to perform excellently. Additionally, if you want to install a new spa in your backyard, our team can help. Contact us today at 970-279-5253 or text at 239-225-8626 to request a quote. We offer free deliveries of chemicals or supplies for orders over $100.