Sinking into the warm water of a hot tub is like immersing yourself completely in a no-stress zone. The gentle movement of the water relaxes stressed muscles. The water itself is like a cocoon for a tired body. But then you happen to open your eyes and you see it. The leaves that are sticking to the bottom of the hot tub. The fly that dive-bombed into the water and didn’t survive. And ouch – is that rock under your toe?
Don’t let a dirty hot tub ruin your relaxation time. Go ahead and clean it like a pro.
How Do Hot Tubs Get Dirty?
Hot tubs get dirty simply because people use them. Bodies immersed in tubs will send sweat, dirt, grime, lotions, oils, and even bodily fluids into the water. The warm water also encourages the pores to open and that can add additional bacteria to the mix.
A tub located outside is subjected to natural forces that can make it dirty. Things like leaves, sand, petals and bugs can be carried in by the wind, kicked in from the deck, or catch a ride into the water on a hot tub user.
There is also a chance that someone will spill food or a drink right into the hot tub.
Chemical treatments with and without chlorine are readily available to eliminate bacteria and break down contaminants that cause dirty or murky water. These treatments should be used regularly according to the manufacturer’s directions to keep the water clean and clear. Sometimes it is necessary to “shock” a tub with a special mix of chemicals or other compounds to clear murky or contaminated water and get rid of that layer of sunscreen floating on top.
Every owner should have a spa vacuum nearby to retrieve foreign objects. Spa vacuums will suck up those leaves and the layer of sand. In a pinch, your childhood Silly Putty can help get unwanted things out of the tub. Silly Putty is waterproof and will stick to whatever you need to fish out.
What Do I Do if Food Drops Into My Hot Tub?
You’re enjoying a lovely afternoon in your tub when suddenly a bowl of potato chips and a plate of burgers flip off the deck and right into the water. What do you do?
Act quickly and use a skimmer to scoop up the food in the water. Do a pH test and then “shock” the water to return it to its pre-salt and ketchup state.
The food that spilled may be too crumbly or too oily to pick up with a skimmer. If that happens you might have to drain the water to get to the pieces of food and clean them all out and then start over with fresh water in the tub.
What Do I Do if I Spill a Drink in a Hot Tub?
Beverages ranging from sodas to liquor drinks can make a mess in a tub. Sugars, starches, dairy products, and even pieces of fruit can spill from a drink that has been dropped in the tub water. Scoop up visible pieces and plan on “shocking” the tub back into pH health.
If the drink that dropped was in glass and there are now pieces of it in the tub, it will be necessary to drain it completely to remove the glass. Tiny shards can be hard to see but can cause serious cuts.
The best beverage to serve at the edge of the tub is clear, cold water in plastic cups.
Hot Tub Maintenance
The key to keeping your tub clean is regular maintenance and to react quickly at the first signs of dirt or debris. The Professional Pool People at Ajax Pool and Spa can perform a schedule of routine hot tub maintenance that keeps your tub and the water sparkling clean. Our experts can also evaluate your spa water, diagnose any issues with it, and offer solutions to make it as clear as can be. Ajax Pool and Spa can also drain and clean your tub, not just after spills, but as part of recommended routine care and cleaning.
Don’t let a dirty hot tub chase you out of the water. Be mindful of the tub’s conditions. Perform routine maintenance. Take extra steps when necessary to treat the water. And count on Ajax Pool and Spa to be your hot tub experts.
How Is a Jacuzzi Supposed to Heat Up?
The Jacuzzi is heated with a heater. However, how effective it’s going to be is dependent on some factors. A lot of heat will escape from the top of your hot tub so a quality thermal cover can make it more effective. The spa should be insulated with reflective or foam materials or the heat is going to be floating off in the garden. The spa doesn’t need to have an air blower since there is no value to this. As the air travels from the bottom of the spa to the top, it will absorb the temperature and take it out into the air. A hot tub is designed to be kept warm 24/7 but this will depend on how often you want to use it.
How Long Do Jacuzzis Take to Heat Up?
A Jacuzzi will usually warm up between three and six degrees per hour. How quickly yours will warm-up will depend on some different factors. These factors include the ambient temperature outside, whether the cover was on or off, and the condition of the spa components. The warmer the outside temp, the less time it’s going to take to warm the water. Having the cover in place will also allow you to heat it more efficiently. The condition of your cover, heater, and pump are going to play a role. If your components are in the right shape then it can warm up much faster. If your components are wearing out or damaged then it’s going to take longer.
7 Things to Check if Your Hot Tub Won’t Heat Up
If your hot tub won’t warm up, check these things first.
1. Thermostat: For new spas and hot tubs, a temperature sensor replaces the thermostat but you could have a faulty thermostat that is causing issues. It may not respond to input or be water damaged.
2. Circulation Problems: If the heat keeps turning off or the water is heating up slowly then it could be a flow problem. Not enough water is passing through the heater. In order to fix this, you need to check the water level, clean out the filter, check the flow and pressure switch, and make sure the pump is working.
3. Heating Element Fault: If there is power to the heater but it’s still not heating up then there is a fault with the heating element. It’s best to get an electrician to check this out.
4. Control Board Fault: The control board is necessary for running everything in the spa, including heaters and pumps. If you have tried other things and it’s still not working then it’s possible that it could be the control board. While it’s usually a simple fix, it can be an expensive part to repair.
5. Poorly Installed Cover: A lot of heat will be lost through the surface so an insulated cover can help keep it hot.
6. Having an Air Blower: An air blower draws in cold air, which cools down the tub. If you use it for a few minutes then it shouldn’t be an issue but it will make the water feel cooler, even if there isn’t anything wrong with yours.
7. Faulty High Limit Switch: The high limit switch is to prevent a heater from not shutting off and overheating. The switches are calibrated with a preset maximum. Errors will normally display an OH or HL code if there is an issue. In an older spa, the red button will pop out if the limit has been reached. Damaged wires, loose wire connections, or malfunctioning elements can cause the switch to not work.
Do the Jets Need to Be Turned on or Does That Matter?
Your Jacuzzi will warm faster with the jets on. Jets not only have the benefit of allowing you to receive a gentle massage and relax in comfort but they also allow you to heat your hot tub quicker. When you turn on the spa jets, they circulate and move around and disperse the heat evenly. When you don’t use the jets then there can be pockets of cold water that are hanging out in the pipes inside the tub. Circulation from the jets mixes these pockets and the cold and hot water mix. You should avoid turning on the jets until the tub is full. You don’t want to run the water through the jets until they are all submerged or you will damage the system. If you don’t have jets, it’s possible to circulate the water using a pool noodle or your hands but it’s not as effective.
For fixing hot tub issues, contact Ajax Pool & Spa.
UV: A Sanitizing Assist for Hot Tubs.
Jacuzzi® J-500 Launch – YouTube.
