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Hot tubs, and hot tub filters, just like other household appliances need to be cleaned regularly to keep them running properly and to keep you and your guests healthy. Think of a hot tub filter like the filter in your dryer, furnace, or water filter. The lint and other particles that collect in the filter require regular cleaning. Even though it might seem unnecessary to clean a tub filled with water and chemicals if you haven’t kept it cleaned there are probably unhealthy contaminants, bacteria, and other debris floating around in the water. Do you want to soak in dirty water? The answer is probably, “no,” so keeping your hot tub clean is critical. This starts with cleaning a hot tub filter and the more you clean it, the better it can do its job. Here are some tips from industry experts.

Steps to Take

Clean Filters Regularly: Hot tub filters should be removed monthly and using a garden hose rinsed thoroughly with clean water. You may need to clean it weekly with heavy bather loads or commercial applications. If the filter is greasy, spray it using a chemical made specifically for hot tub filters. Always read the labels for proper application. Every three to four months, the water should be changed in the hot tub, the perfect time to soak the filter in a chemical solution made specifically for filters. Never use bleach, dishwater detergent, or other household cleaners.

What is Needed to Clean Your Filter: Before you begin, gather items needed to clean your hot tub filter. You will need a garden hose hooked up to water, a tall clean bucket, cleaner product, and a towel. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Parts of a Hot Tub Filter: There are usually three parts of a hot tub filter that include:
Media: The media does the actual filtering and is typically made of pleated paper that extends from one end of the piece to the other. If the medial is ceramic is also pleated but is more rigid.

Core: The core is inside the filter and is usually rigid giving it structure. It is made of plastic and molded into a cylinder where algae and mold will grow, so the core requires regular cleaning. It can be washed in a dishwasher without other dishes and without detergents. Do not use the heated drying cycle.

End Caps: The end caps are usually made of two plastic discs on either end of the filter that keeps the core and media in place. Debris and algae grow in the end caps and require regular cleaning.

Alternative Cleaning Tips: There are some household products you can consider using to clean a hot tub filter:

Vinegar: White vinegar is not only very effective in removing mineral scale and other deposits, but it also does not foam the water and is safe if any residue remains in the filter. Vinegar is not as strong or effective as products created specifically for hot tubs.

Laundry Detergent: Laundry detergent is effective for cleaning paper filters without wearing down the fibers. If it is not totally rinsed, it may create foam buildup.

Dishwasher Detergent: Dishwasher detergent will clean tougher oil build-up in filters, but may create foaming if it is not rinsed completely. It is also safe for the skin.

Bleach: Dilute bleach with water as a cleaning alternative. Bleach also sterilizes if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. Bleach can damage the filter’s fibers, which may require a replacement.

How Often Should You Clean Your Filter

One per Month, or weekly with a heavy bather load. A hot tub filter’s job is to filter dirty water before it passes through the pump, then through the heater before it is pumped back out into the water through the jets. This circulation provides clean and warm water in your hot tub.  Keeping your hot tub cleaned properly begins with the filter. There are handbooks and manuals to help you with step-by-step guidance and how often you should clean your filter.

Get Professional Help with Your Hot Tub

The professional team at Ajax Pool and Spa Aspen are ready to help you keep your hot tub and filters cleaned properly. Contact us today!

If you are thinking about purchasing a hot tub in the near future, then this is something that you need to think about carefully. A quick search on the Internet is going to review countless options for your hot tub. How can you make sure that you find the right one to meet your needs? There are a few important things that you should keep in mind. Take a look at some of the helpful information below!

5 Important Things to Know When Buying a Hot Tub

1. The Lifespan of the Hot Tub
First, do some research on whatever brands you are considering. Even though it is helpful to take a look at the sticker price, you also need to think about how long your hot tub is going to last. For example, if you go with a super cheap unit, it may end up burning out a few years after you purchase it. Then, you will simply be back in the same position, looking for another unit. If you want to save money, you need to find a unit that is going to last as long as possible. Take a look at how long each unit lasts before you make a decision. 

2. Consider the Maintenance Expenses Associated with the Hot Tub
The sticker price is not the only thing you need to think about if you are looking for a tub. You also need to think about the maintenance expenses. For example, you are going to have to drain and clean the unit every 3-6 months. Think about how much money you have to spend on the water when you do so. Ajax offers this service. You should also think about how much money it is going to cost to operate the hot tub. Some tubs are simply more efficient than others. You want to find a unit that is going to use your electricity in an efficient manner. Finally, you also need to think about the chemicals and filters that you are going to use to keep the unit clean. These products can get expensive if you purchase a spa with 5 filters instead of 2.

3. Where Will You Put the Hot Tub?
If you simply thought you were going to place your tub in your backyard, think again. You need to make sure that you have a strong foundation that can support it. Hot tubs do not come with their own foundation. Most spa warranties require a foundation. The spa may require you to beef up a deck for weight or extend a patio to host the unit. If you do not have a safe, strong location to support your tub it will sit uneven and cause damage to the spa.

4. The Size of the Hot Tub
Of course, you also need to think about how large the hot tub is. There are some tubs that are so small that even four people might feel a little bit cramped. On the other hand, there are hot tubs that are large enough to seat more than a dozen people comfortably. Of course, the larger the unit is, the more expensive it is going to be and the more money you are going to spend maintaining it. How big of a jacuzzi do you need? Hot tall or short are the people, will they fit right? The average family size spa is 84” x 84”. How many people are going to be using it on a regular basis? Think about this before you decide on which you are going to purchase.  Usually a lounge can take up to 1/3 of the spa.

5. The Added Features
Finally, a lot of hot tubs are also going to come with state-of-the-art advanced features. Are there extra accessories that you would like to see accompany your unit? For example, you might be looking for a hot tub that has a specific type of jet. Or you might be looking for hot tubs that come with speakers, WiFi, Spa monitor system, or fancy fiber optic lighting. Think about whether these features are important to you. That way, you can find the best unit possible to meet your needs. You might also be able to upgrade your unit at a later date if you desire, say from an Ozone System to a UVC Sterlizer System. 

Professional Hot Tub Installation and Maintenance

In the end, you should not look at a hot tub as a toy. Instead, you should look at it as an investment. That way, you will review all of the options at your disposal and find the best hot tub to meet your needs. If you have more questions on whether a hot tub will work in your home, or what the ideal location would be, please contact us today to speak with a member of our staff. We are also able to visit your home for a Site Inspection to work through your installation and hot tub choices.

If you are thinking about installing a hot tub in your home, then there’s a good chance that you are focused on the sticker price. Even though it is important to think about how much money you are going to spend in your hot tub, it is also important for you to think about recurring monthly expenses. Just as you are going to have recurring monthly expenses if you install a pool, you are also going to have expenses you need to absorb if you install the unit.

For example, you need to think about how much electricity you are going to spend itself. You also need to think about the water expenses that are going to arise because you need to keep the tub filled. What happens if there is a repair that you need to cover? What about the chemicals you need to keep it clean? Make sure that you think about all of these expenses before you decide if a hot tub is right for you. Quality tubs have warranties that cover parts and labor lasting up to 5 years.

Monthly Energy Costs to Run a Hot Tub

One of the biggest monthly expenses that you are going to have if you decide to go in a tub involves heating. Your electricity cost is going to depend on a variety of factors. For example, this is going to depend on how often you use it, the temperature you like, and the price of electricity, which is usually measured in kilowatt-hours.

In general, the average person should expect to spend less than $1 per day to run his or her hot tub. Newer models hover somewhere around $20 per month, assuming they are used an average amount.

On the other hand, the exact model of hot tub that you use is also going to play a role in your monthly energy expenses. Newer models are more expensive; however, they also cost less money to operate. If you try to save money and reach for a cheaper model, you might end up with a unit that is not nearly as efficient. Therefore, it might require more money and utility expenses to get that hot talk to the same temperature.

How Much Chemicals for the Hot Tub Will Cost Every Month?

In addition, you also need to think about how much money you are going to spend on chemicals for your hot tub. Filling up your hot tub of water is not something that you can simply complete and forget. You need to make sure that you drain your hot tub and clean it every three to four months. If your hot tub is used more often, then you may need to drain, clean, and refill your hot tub more often, driving up the cost. In order to estimate the average monthly water cost, you should take a look at the capacity of the hot tub, multiply that by the number of times you plan to drain and refill it, and then multiply this by your total water cost per gallon.

In addition, you should also think about how much money you are going to spend on cleaning chemicals. Bromine and chlorine are needed to sanitize the water and keep it balanced. Even though this also depends on how often you use the hot tub, you should expect these expenses to come in somewhere between $10 and $20 per month. Factor all of this into the cost of the hot tub as well.

How Often Should I Replace the Hot Tub Cartridge Filters?

Spa filters should be replaced annually. Spa filters often look white and clean, but may be clogged with calcium hardness causing low flow. Eventually, if not replaced, they will cause your heater to fail. Spa filters should be removed, and spray cleaned with a garden hose nozzle monthly. Be sure to get between the cartridge folds. Don’t put your cartridge in the dishwasher or take to the high-pressure car wash, as it will wreck the filter. It’s best to shut the spa breaker off before removing the filter to avoid debris from going back to the pump. Aftermarket filters come in various quality. Cheap brands may not withstand the volume of your spa and will collapse. Unicel is a very good brand. Many cartridges are also available with Microban which helps prevent mildew.

As the temperature gets colder outside, it might be time for you to winterize your hot tub. You need to make sure that you winterize your tub properly so that it has no water that can freeze and break a pipe. Of course, there are several steps that you need to complete in order to get your hot tub ready for the winter. If you do not winterize properly, you may experience severe problems when you go to re-open it again during the spring or summer.  Ajax Pool suggests you hire a professional to blow-out the lines in freeze areas, just like a sprinkler system. A Professional will evacuate all the water lines and plug off the skimmer and jet returns.

1. What to Clean Your Hot Tub With
The first step is to drain and clean your hot tub appropriately. In order to clean it, you are going to need a sump pump, a garden hose, a filter cleaner, and plenty of non-abrasive sponges. You should try to stay away from abrasive sponges because they can scratch the surface of your jacuzzi and remove its finish, making it less durable while shortening its lifespan. 

You are probably going to be using cleaners that contain soap, chlorine, and possibly bromine. Before you drain the water into your yard, make sure that the chemical levels drop appropriately. Start the process of winterizing your tub by draining it. 

If you are interested and draining it a little bit faster, you may be able to pump the water out with a sump pump. Remember that you are going to be releasing about 400 gallons of water, so this process may take a little while. You also need to make sure that you drain the blower line as well. 

After the water is gone, you also need to remove the filters, clean them and place them in a dry place to avoid mold. It is helpful for you to put the filters into a chemical soap for about 24 hours. If the filters are too dirty, you can also replace them upon re-opening. 

Finally, make sure that you clean the shell of the unit as well. Even though cleaning the shell is relatively easy, you may find a ring of annoying scum around the waterline. If you are having trouble getting the scum removed, you may simply need to soak it with a little bit using a cleaner before you scrub it away. 

2. The Type of Cover to Use
You need to make sure that you select the right hot tub cover for your hot tub. There are a few common specifications that you should look for in a cover. These include:

• If your hot tub is located in an indoor heated room, then you need a 1.0-pound foam core that tapers from four inches to 2 inches. 
• If your hot tub is covered but located outside in a relatively mild climate, then you are looking for a 1.5-pound form core that tapers from four inches to 2 inches. 
• If your hot tub is located outside in a cold climate, or you think that your hot tub is going to get rained on regularly, then you need a 2.0 foam core that tapers from four inches to 2 inches. 

Finally, if you think that your hot tub is going to be exposed to snow during the winter, then you need to go with a 2.0-pound foam core that tapers from 5 inches to 3 inches.
Make sure that you find the right type of cover for your hot tub.  Dry the spa and the cover completely to avoid mold.

How Big of a Foam Core Does a Cover Need?

Ultimately, the size of your foam core is going to depend on the temperature and the elements. In general, the colder you are area will get and the more snow you receive, the bigger the foam core you require. If you are going to be exposed to snow during the winter, you need to find a foam core that is at least 2 lbs. in size. That way, your hot tub will be able to stand up to the cold weather and heavy snow load. 

Furthermore, you also want to find a core that has been built to last. Look for something that has double stitching with 40-point replacement. Premium, marine-grade vinyl has also been treated to avoid mildew and ultraviolet radiation damage. Finally, look for seals that will help you prevent heat and moisture loss. All of this will help you preserve your hot tub and make sure it is ready for the spring.

3. Check the Spa Throughout the Winter
As the Winter moves along, check the spa to be sure the cover is staying on and keeping water and snow melt out of the spa. Do not leave a chemical feeder in the spa, as it will rust your jet faces.