Spring has arrived! And after several months spent hibernating under a layer of snow and ice, it’s finally time to open your hot tub. But wait! This task demands careful attention.
First, make sure all risk of frost has passed. It’s best to wait until mid-May. Opening a hot tub too early could in fact damage its components while they’re still vulnerable to lower temperatures.
A Visual Inspection Can Make All the Difference
Start by removing the hot tub’s cover (often quite heavy at the end of winter) and then inspect the following components:
- The shell: Look for cracks and chips due to freeze-thaw cycles (easily repaired using a resin or spray foam sealant).
- The pipes and fittings: Examine for signs of leaks, cracks and disconnected fittings. You can simply fix small leaks with sealing tape, but in some cases, you will have to replace a broken pipe.
- The control panel and electrical wiring: Make sure none of the wires are damaged and that everything is securely connected.
Important: In case of doubt, it’s best to call in an expert to certify that the electrical components are in good condition.
It’s Time for a Deep Clean!
Before you fill the hot tub, a thorough cleaning is crucial, since debris build-up over the winter can adversely affect the water quality.
- Scrub the tub with a gentle cleaning product—without any foaming agent to avoid a catastrophe!
- Wash or replace the filters (ideally after every 6 to 12 months of use).
- Clean the cover with a mould removing product, especially if it’s remained outside in wet weather. Then leave it to dry in the sun to prevent unpleasant odours!
Avoid Common Errors While Filling the Tub
- Place the hose in the filter compartment to avoid air bubbles in the system.
- Fill the tub to the manufacturer’s recommended water level.
- Check for leaks in the shell while it fills with water! If there is a leak, find the source of the problem and repair it.
Tip: Use a pre-filter to remove minerals and impurities from the tap water.
Has the Pump Survived the Winter or Expired?
The time has now come to see if your pump has withstood the past months’ cold temperatures!
This component is as a matter of fact quite fragile. Water present in the pump expands as it freezes and exerts outward pressure which can split the housing, crack the turbine or damage the internal seals. Even when no ice forms, residual moisture can cause corrosion, particularly inside the motor or around the electrical connections.
Fully draining the pump in the fall and storing it in a heated room is therefore essential.
Starting Up the system
Once you’ve filled the basin:
- Connect the hot tub to the power supply.
- Ensure the jets and motor are working properly.
- Program your preferred temperature (usually between 37 °C and 39 °C).
Test the Water Before You Dip Your Toes!
Testing the water quality with strips or a kit is recommended before use. Balanced water prevents algae growth and dry skin. Aim for the following levels:
- pH: between 7.2 and 7.8
- Alkalinity: between 80 ppm and 120 ppm (parts per million)
- Chlorine or bromine levels: depending on the preferred chemical treatment (for chlorine, typically from 1 ppm to 3 ppm, and for bromine, from 3 ppm to 5 ppm)
Once you’re done, allow the water to circulate for a few hours before jumping in.
Don’t Neglect Regular Maintenance
Once the hot tub is open and running, remember to:
- Test the water quality 2 to 3 times a week.
- Clean the filters once a month.
- Change the water every 3 to 4 months (you won’t need to replace the water over summer).
Pristine water, a well-functioning system and proper upkeep will ensure you can relax in your hot tub worry free. If you’re still unsure on how to proceed, consider hiring a specialist company to take care of this seasonal chore for you!