The truth about owning a swim spa or hot tub: A simple guide

What we cover:

• Safe and Hygienic Water Management: The importance of maintaining proper water chemistry, filtration, and sanitation practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable hot tub experience.
• Installation and Maintenance: Guidance is provided on various aspects of hot tub installation, including base requirements, electrical connections, and access considerations. Regular maintenance routines, filter care, and dealing with common issues like cloudy water or foam are also addressed.
• Responsible Hot Tub Use: The document advocates for responsible hot tub use, covering topics like safe bathing durations, temperature control, guest etiquette, and environmental considerations such as water conservation.

Key Facts:

1. Buying a Hot Tub or Swim Spa:

• Types of Hot Tubs: There are various types of hot tubs available, including self-contained acrylic, timber, stainless steel, inflatable, soft tubs, liner hot tubs, and in-ground spas, outlining the characteristics and considerations for each.
• Try Before You Buy: It’s strongly recommended to test-soak in a hot tub before purchasing to assess its features, comfort, and suitability for your needs.
• Warranty and Installation: Understanding the warranty terms and conditions is crucial. Professional installation by qualified electricians is recommended to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.

2. Hot Tub Installation:

• Location and Access: Careful planning is necessary for choosing the hot tub location, considering access routes, proximity to power and water supplies, privacy, and potential obstacles. “Once you have decided on your hot tub’s ideal spot, you then need to think about how you are physically going to get it from the road to its chosen location.”
• Foundation: A firm, level, and solid base is essential to support the hot tub’s weight. “All hot tubs require a firm, level base which is capable of supporting the weight of the hot tub, the water and the bathers without shifting at all.”
• Electrical Requirements: Specific electrical regulations apply to hot tub installations, including dedicated fused spurs, SWA cables, and RCDs. Professional installation by a competent person is mandatory.

3. Water Care and Maintenance:

• Daily Checks: Regular monitoring of sanitizer levels (chlorine or bromine) and pH balance is essential for safe and hygienic water. Test strips are recommended for easy daily checks.
• Weekly and Monthly Maintenance: Weekly tasks include shocking the hot tub, cleaning filters, and checking for debris. Monthly or quarterly draining and refilling are recommended, along with cleaning the hot tub shell and pipework.
• Filter Care: Filters play a vital role in maintaining water clarity. Regular rinsing, deep cleaning, and periodic replacement are essential.
• Cloudy Water: Cloudy water can be caused by various factors, including bather load, environmental debris, and chemical imbalances. Shocking the hot tub, checking filter cleanliness, and using a clarifier can help restore water clarity.
• Foam: Foam formation is often linked to high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels. Showering before use, rinsing bathing suits without detergent, using quality chemicals, and regular shock treatments can help prevent foam.
• Shock Treatment: Shock treatment oxidizes impurities, removes chloramines/bromamines, and reactivates the sanitizer, ensuring water safety. Weekly shocking is recommended, especially after heavy use.
• Hard Water: High calcium levels in hard water can cause scaling. Using a scale inhibitor and maintaining balanced pH and alkalinity are recommended.

4. Responsible Hot Tub Use:

• Safe Bathing Practices: Limit hot tub sessions to 15 minutes, stay hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks, and never allow children under four years old in the hot tub.
• Guest Etiquette: Communicate guidelines to guests, such as showering before entering, avoiding lotions and oils, and refraining from bringing food or glass items into the hot tub.
• Security: Take appropriate security measures to protect your hot tub, especially inflatable models. Secure your property, install motion-sensor lighting or CCTV, consider GPS trackers, and always lock the cover when not in use.
• Water Conservation: Conserve water by using a water meter, minimizing splashing, fixing leaks promptly, and keeping the cover on when the hot tub is not in use.