The Basics Of Owning A Hot Tub

As restrictions are being lifted across the UK and the warmer weather finally seems to have arrived, you may be thinking of turning your outdoor space into somewhere you can relax and enjoy this Summer. For many of us, to achieve our dreams of garden bliss, this means purchasing a hot tub. With the rise in popularity of hot tubs in recent years, there is no shortage of options and choices, meaning hot tubs are now readily accessible even for the smallest of outdoor spaces and are no longer entirely the luxury premise of the rich.

So, if you are thinking of purchasing a hot tub, there are a few basics you should know to help you not only purchase the perfect hot tub for you and your space, but how to care for your hot tub in the future to keep it clean and safe for your household use.

So, what should you know?

Which Hot tub is right for me?

Before buying any hot tub, you need to decide and prepare where your hot tub is going. Do you want it freestanding? In-built? And if so, is it going on your patio, a dedicated outdoor space, or a gazebo? Once you have a suitable, solid, level area for your hot tub, you need to work out your specifications, hot tubs come in different shapes and sizes, so it is important you choose a hot tub that fits your specifications. Remember to include weight! Especially if the hot tub is being fitted on decking. If so, this may need to be reinforced.

Your hot tub should be positioned near a power outlet and in range of a hosepipe.

You should also think about what your hot tub is going to be primarily used for, if you are purchasing it for relaxation purposes, you probably won’t need six seats! So, consider how many people will regularly be using your hot tub at the same time.

The next thing to consider is where to buy your hot tub. We highly recommend visiting a dedicated hot tub retailer, as not only will they have the largest available range of hot tubs for you to choose from, but they also have experienced members of staff that can help you with any questions you may have. Why not visit our Showroom in York? Or you can browse our website and use our online customer service support to answer your queries.

Keeping your Water Clean & Safe

Once you have your hot tub installed, the most important thing to know is how to add and keep your water safe for your use.

Set-up

Once you have filled up your hot tub with water (depending on your water pressure, this should take a couple of hours) you need to get it up to temperature. A good baseline is around 37°C in Summer, but this is down to personal preference. It will take around 24hours to get your hot tub up to temperature.

Although we know you will be keen to get started with your hot tub straight away, it is important to sanitise your hot tub water first. Make sure your water pump is running before adding any chemicals.

Use a high dose of chlorine granules and then let the water settle to around 3-5 parts per million before use. You can check this by using water test strips (see below in maintenance for more information.) You can purchase hot tub water starter kits, with all the correct instructions from any reputable hot tub retailer. Here at hot tubs and living we sell chemical starter packs which can be purchased with your hot tub or separately.

Maintenance

The most important thing to know about looking after your hot tub, is how to look after the water inside it. Water testing is an essential component of hot tub maintenance. The easiest way to do this is use water test strips. Test strips have indicators for sanitizer, pH, and total alkaline levels. The amount of chemicals is measured in parts per million, or PPM. To get accurate results, you must follow the instructions on the test strip container correctly. It is recommended to test your water at least 3 times a week and adjust the levels with small amounts of each chemical required according to your test results. The aim is to keep your water balanced and clear of any bacteria.  

Chlorine is the most well-known and well used sanitiser available. This is due to it being readily available and a cost-effective solution for hot tub maintenance. When chlorine dissolves in water it creates an acid, which can break down and kill any bacteria. You can purchase chlorine in the form of granules or tablets.  

A chlorine level of between 3-5 PPM must be maintained in your hot tub at all times. The addition of chlorine will depend on how often you use your hot tub. As a new user of a hot tub, we recommend checking your chlorine levels daily and only add small amounts until you get a feel for the amount your hot tub usage requires.  

If you need any more advice on water treatments, chemicals, and water maintenance, please see our blog How to look after your hot tub for more advice and handy tips.

 Cleaning your Hot Tub

Hot tubs require a certain level of regular responsibility in order to keep it in good condition. This means:

• Regular checking of the water
• Regular checks of the filtration system
• Clean filter cartridges and filters at least once a month – preferably every two weeks
• Replace filters at least once a year depending on use
• Replace your hot tub water every couple of months

Everyone will want to keep their hot tub in pristine condition, and general cleaning is advised. But please do not use generic household products on your hot tub due to the chemicals found in many of them. You can purchase specific hot tub cleaning items from any reputable website, including here at hot tubs & living.

You should always open your hot tub cover at least once a week to let the hot tub ‘breathe’ and allow the cover to dry. This will help keep your cover free from residue build up and you can use this time for any treatments that your hot tub requires.  

Hot Tub Safety

One of the most basic and yet important aspects of owning a hot tub is safety. All guidelines should be followed to avoid accidents and injury and never, ever leave children unattended near a hot tub, even with a cover on.

• Pregnant people should avoid hot tubs, if possible, as the heat can often cause issues for both mother and baby. 
• People with heart disease or high blood pressure should always consult their doctor before using a hot tub. 
• If you have any infection (especially prevalent during a pandemic!) then it is best to wait until you are fully better before having a soak.  
• Due to the cardiovascular effects of a hot tub, if you suffer from low blood pressure you may want to avoid spending a lot of time in a hot tub. Especially if you are predisposed to fainting. 
• Do not leave children or vulnerable adults unattended near your hot tub.
• Do not drink alcohol in your hot tub, this increases the risk of accident and injury.
• Remember to stay hydrated when using your hot tub.

These safety guidelines are in place to help protect you and your household and help you get the maximum enjoyment and luxury out of your new hot tub.

If you are thinking of buying a hot tub for your home, then please contact us here at Hot tubs and living and we can find the ideal fit for you, as well as providing all the information you need to keep your hot tub properly maintained. We are here to help you get the most out of your new hot tub, so you can create your perfect, luxury space, whether for relaxation, health, or fun.