But how would you feel if you knew that your hot tub had become a breeding ground for bacteria that could make you sick? Well, if you've bought a hot tub that suits you best, cleaning and maintaining it also becomes the responsibility of extending the life of your hot tub. It is recommended that you clean your hot tub once every quarter.
Well, imagine your spa soaking in a whirlpool outdoor for weeks or even months at a time, contaminated with bacteria. No matter how hard you try to keep it hygienic and maintained, eventually, you will need to empty, clean and refill it with fresh water. Draining the spa water is preferable to intensive shock treatment, which over time can take its toll on the spa seal and chemicals.
It is also important to drain the outdoor spa to reduce the level of total dissolved solids (TDS). This layer contains dissolved solids such as pH balancers, chlorine, bromine, body oils, lotions, cosmetics, hair care products, etc., as well as bacteria. These microorganisms are not only present in the spa water, but also pass through the filters and pumps. They can also cause Legionnaires' disease, hot tub folliculitis and E. coli. If the quality of the water decreases, it can clog your hot tub filter and containers like biofilm can build up on the surface. It also reduces the jet pressure and increases the pressure and tension on the pump motor. Over time, the biofilm builds up a barrier around them and can even resist chlorine if not cleaned properly.
Apart from the fact that you need to drain and refill your spa every three months, you should also take it out and clean it.
The water becomes foamy or cloudy.
Limescale has built up on the hot tub.
You or your guests have used it too much.
There is a foul smell in the water.
You haven't used the hot tub for a while.
My advice: "When in doubt, vacuum it up." It's better to maintain your hot tub properly than to let the filter clog up, which can lead to considerable expense to clean it.
If this is your first time cleaning, don't be intimidated by the process, just follow the steps below and you're good to go
1. Flush the pipes - the biofilm that forms inside the pipes cannot be removed by the normal circulation of water. Therefore, before you move on to the next step, you will need to add a pipe flushing product to break down the biofilm and other contaminants (this pipe flushing product is readily available at your local pool shop or hardware shop). You will need to use a quantity of the product according to the volume of the hot tub printed on the package instructions. Once you have added the product, let it circulate for at least 20 minutes. You will be surprised by the foam that is produced on the surface, but this means that the product is working. 2. Turn off the power - The second step you have to do is to turn off the power. The pump should not run when there is no water in the spa; it can cause damage to your hot tub pump.
3. Use a garden hose - The easiest and cheapest way to drain your spa is to connect a garden hose to the spa's drain and drain the water. However, the disadvantage of using a garden hose to drain is that it is too time consuming and can take up to an hour. 4. Use a submersible pump - invest in a suitable submersible pump for the long term; this is the fastest option for draining a spa in a matter of minutes. Remember, some submersible pumps will not drain the spa completely. You will need to use a wet or dry vacuum to drain the water left at the bottom of the bath.
Important: Please note that you will want to follow local guidelines on how to dispose of contaminated water to prevent damage to the environment. If the water in the hot tub is chemically balanced, you can let the water run onto your lawn. Remember, however, that plants do not resist excess chlorine in the water.
If you've made it this far, then you're halfway through the process. Good job! So now, while you are waiting for the water to drain, you can remove the filters and clean them. If you don't think it's time to change the filters, you can use a vinegar and water solution or a dishwasher detergent and water solution. Soak the filters in the solution overnight and then rinse them gently with a hose the next morning. A good filter cleaning spray will also do the job. If you change your spa filter once a year, the hot tub will work just fine, which is ideal!
