A simple guide to cleaning your hot tub

Hot tubs are a great way to relax, entertain guests, and have fun, but it's important that they're also well maintained and cleaned regularly. Here is a guide to cleaning your hot tub:

Cleaning your hot tub doesn't have to be a chore, and can usually be done easily and properly in very little time.

• You should add chlorine to your hot tub at least once a week to avoid bacteria and other organisms from growing in your tub. You should also try to keep your pH around 7.4, as this is considered the ideal for most hot tubs.
• Simply add one chlorine tablet to your hot tub on a weekly basis. Some people opt to use bromine tablets instead of chlorine tablets, as chlorine does evaporate at higher temperatures and its odour is not as strong as chlorine. However, if you're using chlorine correctly, you shouldn't have much of a problem with odours.

The filter should be cleaned once a month, as it's an essential component for your hot tub.

• You can remove your filter according to specifications of your hot tub manual and rinse it off with a hose for a quick cleaning.
• Specialized filter cleaners can also be used. Simply soak your filter in one of these solutions to ensure that dirt and debris is completely removed. Afterwards, put it back into place.

The hot tub shell also requires regular cleaning.

• Part of this cleaning should be changing the water approximately every 90 days. While chlorine or bromine will protect your water, eventually you need to add fresh water as these chemicals can't protect your water indefinitely.
• Some specially designed hot tub models allow you to change your water less frequently, so think about purchasing one of these if you find this task to be too arduous.
• When changing the water, be sure to drain the hot tub and clean the shell completely with a household disinfectant. This will stop any algae or bacterial growth from building up on the exterior of your hot tub.

Many often neglect to also clean the cover of their hot tub, but this can be a big mistake.

• The hot tub cover can collect dirt, debris, and organic matter which can impact the delicate chemical composition of your hot tub water and lead to bacterial growth. If there is no noticeable dirt, hosing down the cover is fine, otherwise use a disinfectant.
• You should also condition the outside of your hot tub cover at least once a month, to protect it from breaking down under the intensity of the sun's ultraviolet rays.

There you have it -- a simple, foolproof guide to cleaning your hot tub. Following these steps should help you keep your hot tub clean no matter how often you use it, increasing the life of your favourite appliance.