You have been looking forward to it all day — finishing up dinner and hopping in your hot tub. But when you go to dip your toes in, the water is anything but inviting. Maybe the water is not at the right temperature. Or, the hot tub water is cloudy.
Instead of spending 20 minutes relieving stress, your evening is filled with hot tub troubleshooting.
When you buy a hot tub, you deserve to have a positive experience every time you soak. These tips will help you avoid common hot tub mistakes and keep your hot tub water clean, clear and ready to enjoy.
Common Hot Tub Mistakes
Not Rinsing Your Filters
Your hot tub filter is a key component to keeping your spa water clean, clear, and ready to enjoy. The filter removes dirt, particles, and other large contaminants from the water. But your filter can only do so much if it isn’t clean.
Master Spas recommends rinsing your filter once a month, and it should be replaced every six months. The EcoPur Charge Filtration System uses natural minerals, such as zinc and copper, to keep your water clean. The unique design and filter fabric helps catch the things you do not want in your water.
How do you rinse your hot tub filter? Use a 5-gallon bucket filled with fresh water. Do not try to rinse your filter with water from your hot tub. You can also use your garden hose to remove large particles from the pleats of the filter.
Running Temperature Too High
The water temperature of your hot tub can safely be turned up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. However, leaving your temperature at the highest setting can affect how much it costs to operate your hot tub. Consider lowering the water temperature for the times when you will not be using your hot tub and especially when you might be on vacation.
The WiFi module, which is a dealer-installed option for select Master Spas hot tubs, makes it easier to control the temperature and other settings. From the convenience of your smart phone, you can turn up the heat before you leave work. The water will be at your perfect temperature when you are ready to soak.
Not Rinsing Your Swimsuit
Bubbles in the hot tub? It might seem like a fun idea. However, hot tub owners are not going to be thrilled when they spot a layer of foam on the water. Foamy hot tub water is often caused by body lotions, laundry detergent, and other products. The best way to avoid foamy hot tub water is to take a shower before soaking in the water. Also, be sure to give your swimsuit a good rinse when you get out of the water and let it line dry.
Laid Back Water Care
Taking care of your hot tub water does not have to be time consuming. Master Spas hot tubs feature the EcoPur Charge water care management system. The mineral filtration system requires fewers chemicals when compared with other manufacturers. But, it’s important to stay on top of your water care. Regularly monitoring your hot tub chemicals and balancing as needed will help you avoid common hot tub water problems.
Keeping Hot Tub Uncovered
The importance of the hot tub cover cannot be underplayed. Not only does the cover keep the elements out and the heat in but it’s an important safety feature. A lockable safety cover will prevent children, animals, and other unwanted guests from getting into your hot tub. In addition, keeping the hot tub cover on will help you keep the water balanced. When you keep the cover off, debris from the outdoors can get trapped in the filters, sink to the bottom, and affect the chemical levels.
Using ‘Bad’ Chemicals
The basic chemicals that you need for hot tub water care include a sanitizer (chlorine or bromine); pH increase and decreaser; non-chlorine shock; and a sequestering agent. It’s also good to have products to adjust the calcium hardness of the water. When you are buying chemicals for your hot tub, though, it’s important not to just buy any chemicals. Pool chemicals should not be used in your spa. Your local Master Spas retailer will have the best chemicals for your hot tub and can help you troubleshoot any problems.
Turning Off Power
A hot tub is like any other major appliance in your home — it needs power to work properly. You would not disconnect your hot water heater if you were going on vacation or turn off the furnace. But, you might adjust the settings.
Your hot tub needs to be connected to a power source and turned on so that the automatic filter cycles run. Why? The filter cycles will keep the water clean and moving, helping you avoid water woes and other hot tub mistakes.
Skipping Over the Owner’s Manual
OK, we get it. You don’t want to curl up at the end of the night with a mug of hot chocolate and your hot tub owner’s manual. However, your manual will have everything that you need to know about your Master Spas model. It will include diagrams for your electrician, how to start up your hot tub, and how to keep your water clean. Master Spas owner’s manuals are found in the cabinet of your hot tub. For your convenience, though, you can also find them online.
But the biggest hot tub mistake you can make? Not taking advantage of the mental and physical therapy it offers.