Did you follow all the proper steps to close your hot tub last winter? You may just want to pull out the hose, run water into your hot tub, and start enjoying it again this spring. But opening your hot tub in spring is more than just turning on the hose.
In order to get optimal use out of your hot tub throughout the season, it needs to be done right.
Here are the steps to open your hot tub, ensuring it works properly and you and your guests remain safe using it this spring.
Remove the Cover
One of the first things you’ll want to do when opening your hot tub in the spring is remove the tarp and thermal cover. Keeping your hot tub covered helps keep dirt, leaves, snow, and other elements out during the winter. Now, you can remove it and start preparing your spa for use.
Inspect For Damage
After removing the cover, it’s a good idea to check the hot tub for any damage it may have sustained in winter. Even if you had a cover over your hot tub, your spa might have sustained damages, such as cracks in the seating area or foot well, which may have been caused by extreme temperature changes and traces of water remaining in the spa. If you notice cracks, you can fix them yourself with a touch-up acrylic product provided by your spa retailer. You can also contact a professional to fix the cracks in your hot tub.
Check the Pipes and Wiring
While checking for damages in the seating area and footwell, inspecting the pipes is also a good idea. Minute traces of water in the pipes over the winter may have damaged them, which could cause your hot tub to leak when you use it. Leaks may not only damage the surface beneath the hot tub but could also cause electrocution. Before using your hot tubs, ensuring the pipes are safe is ideal.
In addition to making sure the pipes are safe, check the wiring for problems that could lead to electric shock or a fire. Again, call a professional if you need help inspecting pipes or wires.
Wipe Down the Hot Tub
If you don’t notice any damage to the shell, pipes, or wiring, cleaning your hot tub is a good idea. Yes, you may have cleaned it before you closed it last winter. However, minute traces of dirt or germs may be resting in your tub. So, before you fill it with water, cleaning it with a sponge or microfiber cloth and acrylic cleaner is ideal. Avoid using soap-based cleaners, which can damage the hot tub shell. After applying the acrylic cleaner, spray water over the shell to clean away dirt and cleaning product residue. Repeat until the water runs clear. Also, make sure to drain the dirty water out of the hot tub.
Clean or Replace the Filter
In addition to cleaning the spa shell, it helps to clean or replace the filter. If you replaced the filter before closing it last winter, you may only need a simple cleaning. Gently spray the filter with a water hose to remove small traces of dirt that may have accumulated over winter. If the filter seems much dirtier than expected, it is ideal to soak it in a bucket of filter cleaner and water overnight. Then, take the filter out and rinse it with a hose. After rinsing, place the filter back into the hot tub. Another option is to replace the filter with a new one.
Fill the Hot Tub With Water
After pre-inspection and cleaning your hot tub, it’s time to add water. Use a water hose to fill the tub. It is a good idea to observe the water as you fill the tub, checking for leaks or problems with the fitting. Tightening the fitting may fix leaks. However, if there is a significant loss of water while filling the tub, it may be best to call in a professional to make repairs.
Check the Water’s pH
Before plunging into the water, it’s wise to check the pH level. As with swimming pools, checking for proper pH levels will help to minimize the spread of germs and protect your skin. You can purchase a test kit and check your water pH levels weekly. However, as an added precaution, getting monthly tests by a professional spa supplier is a good idea.
Cut the Power On
After adding the water and checking the pH, it is time to heat it to your desired temperature. Before turning the power on, ensure the temperature is as low as possible. Once you turn the tub on, you can slowly ease the temperature higher. Your spa may take up to eight hours to reach the desired heat level. It would help if you aimed to be within a 98 to 102-degree Fahrenheit temperature range. If the water in your hot tub is higher than this, you run the risk of dehydration. You could also suffer from heat stroke if the water temperature is too high. High heat levels may also damage the hot tub.
After adding chemicals and turning up the heat, you can place your thermal cover over the spa for eight hours or more. Remove the cover and recheck the water pH to ensure it is still optimal.
Enjoy Your Hot Tub
After getting your hot tub ready, it is time to get into it and enjoy it. You can have some quiet time to yourself or call some friends up to enjoy your hot tub with you.
Replace the Spa Cover
Once you finish using your spa, it is pertinent that you cover it. This will minimize dirt, leaves, debris, and other elements from getting into the water between uses. It will also reduce accidents with your pets or children entering the spa.
Hot Tub Installation Near You
Would you like help opening your hot tub or swim spa this spring? One of our highly trained technicians can come out and inspect your spa to ensure it is safe and re-open it for you. Call The Hot Tub Store in Rochester Hills today and speak to a sales professional.
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.
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!