If you live in an area of the U.S. where you have to winterize your hot tub, you will have to reopen it once it gets warm. There were several steps involved in closing your hot tub for winter. But are there a lot of steps to take when opening a hot tub after winter?
Take a look at what you must do to ensure that your hot tub works properly after reopening it.
Start By Cleaning the Shell
When you closed your spa for the winter, you probably already did a great job of cleaning it. However, as it sat over winter, there could have been some dirt, organic material, or even bugs that may have gotten in it, even if you covered it with a hot tub cover. So, after removing the cover, start the reopening process by giving your hot tub a good cleaning.
Try to use a cleaning agent specially formulated for cleaning hot tubs. Avoid using soap-based cleaning products as they may contain abrasives that could damage the shell of your spa. Additionally, the soapy residue some cleaners leave behind may make your hot tub sudsy when you add water and run it. Once you clean it, let it completely dry.
After cleaning it well, inspect every nook and cranny of the spa shell. This is critical because you want to ensure the cold winter air didn’t leave any cracks in the spa. If you notice small cracks in the shell, try to fix them using your spa repair kit, which should include patch material.
Replace Filters
When closing your spa last winter, hopefully, you had the chance to remove the old filters. If not, you may have a disgusting mold and mildew problem built up in your filters. However, if you removed them before winter, you should be able to place new ones in and resume using your hot tub.
Check the Wiring and Pipes
If you did everything you should do to close the hot tub last winter, your wiring should be fine. However, there could be some problems with the wiring that may have arisen during the winter as the hot tub sat dormant. Check to ensure the wiring isn’t frayed or damaged in some other way.
If you aren’t sure what you are looking for or aren’t comfortable inspecting the electrical parts of your spa, call an electrician to check it for you. A local electrician may charge between $50 and $150 an hour to inspect your tub to ensure it is safe. Making sure your spa is secure is critical to avoid injury or death from electrocution.
Another essential inspection you will need to do is check the pipes. Unfortunately, if there was any water left within the lines over winter, this may have caused a crack in the pipes.
Again, as with the electrical parts, call out a plumber if you are uncomfortable inspecting the spa for things such as this. A plumber may charge between $45 and $200 per hour. If your pipes are cracked, water won’t stay in your hot tub. Additionally, it could create a dangerous hazard, especially if the water gets into the electrical components.
Refill It
After ensuring the hot tub is clean and there are no hazards or damages, it is time to refill your hot tub with water. Grab your garden hose, place it inside the hot tub, and fill it with water. Also, add the necessary chemicals for your hot tub, such as chlorine or bromine, to the water.
It should take between 30 and 45 minutes for your spa to fill up with water. But to keep it from overflowing, keep checking progress regularly. Make sure that your spa jets are running to help circulate the chemicals. As the water fills the tub, continue to observe the water levels, ensuring no leaks or other issues.
Add Power and Observe It
Once you’ve determined there are no leaks or other problems with your tub, it is time to give it power. Start by making sure the heater thermostat on the hot tub is entirely down. Then, ensure that the main breaker in the house that powers the tub is on. After that, turn on the power to the hot tub itself.
After you’ve turned on the power, observe the hot tub, checking for anything that may seem out of the ordinary, such as weird noises, leaks, or power outages. Ensure lights, blowers, heaters, and other features work correctly. You may have to test the pH levels of the water to ensure that it is where it should be. Let the tub run for about 12 to 24 hours before you resume using it.
A Professional Can Help with Your Hot Tub
Opening a hot tub after winter can be an arduous process. If you need help, a local professional can help you reopen your spa. If you need professional help with reopening your hot tub, call The Hot Tub Store in Rochester Hills today to schedule an appointment so that you can get back to enjoying your hot tub.
Our Michigan based hot tub store houses hundreds of luxury brand swim spas and hot tubs by Master Spas that are ready to be installed. Imagine a Michael Phelps Legend Series in your own backyard. Once you see how it performs, and its amazing features, your expectations of what a hot tub is supposed to be will change and you probably won’t settle for less.
More than worth the investment, our premium hot tubs and swim spas will not disappoint, in fact owning one will change your life. Our sales team is eager to help you browse and select a model that will meet your needs and satisfy your wants. Stop by today and ask about our Special Savings Offers!