Is a hot tub HIGH maintenance? Not really. It just requires a basic understanding of water chemistry and a simple schedule (which we'll dive into), but it's not expensive. All you really need is some chemicals and testing supplies which is about a $20/month investment.
The basic level of hot tub water care (using bottled chemicals) costs around $20 per month to maintain your hot tub, however this depends on what water system that you choose. Upgrading your water care system may be initially more expensive but will save you money and maintenance time in the future.
People tell us that hot tubs are a lot of work and that is actually true. When you look at a competitor's hot tub or one that was made years ago, they were designed to require 12 hours of maintenance, $230 worth of chemicals, and filters that cost as much as $175 per year.
Whether you use your hot tub daily or only once in a blue moon, it needs to be regularly drained and cleaned. This is essential to avoid murky hot tub water and keep it healthy for bathers. Every 3 to 4 months is the standard recommendation for this aspect of jacuzzi maintenance.
A hot tub can last anywhere from 5-20 years or more. Cheaper hot tubs made with lower quality materials won't last long. If those hot tubs are not well maintained, they may not last more than 5 years. Quality hot tubs that receive excellent care can be enjoyed for as long as 20 or more years.
A portable hot tub really won't add value to your home. It's actually just considered a piece of personal property. However, a hot tub that's built into the ground, with nice landscaping around it, could add some value to your home.
When well-maintained, a high-quality hot tub can last for years. That means years of comfort and connection with loved ones in a personal hot tub haven just steps from your back door. However, it is important to choose the most reliable hot tub you can find to enjoy those benefits.
By draining and refilling with fresh water on a regular basis, you'll ensure your hot tub is clean, clear and safe. But the question is: how often should you do it? With average use, your hot tub should be drained and refilled about once every three or four months.
Well, in the case of your hot tub, it might not be the best idea. With the hot tub off, it will be unable to circulate and filter the water, that means stationary water which isn't being circulated. Water sitting in the pipework could end up going stagnant and causing problems when you return.
As a rule you should change your water every 3 to 4 months. Sometimes if the spa has had a lot of use it may be a good idea to change the water more often than this. The problem is TDS Total dissolved solids, just like a cup of tea if you keep putting in sugar there will come a time that it just does not dissolve.
However, it's also wise to ask yourself, “How much does it cost to run a hot tub in the winter to keep the water warm?” On average, it's estimated that a 500 gallon spa costs about $1 per day to keep ready to use at all times.
Using the drain spigot
Your hot tub comes equipped with a drain spigot, which is located on the outside of the tub, near the bottom rim. (Some models have two spigots, a primary and an auxiliary. The primary spigot is the one you'll use to drain the hot tub; the auxiliary one is for bleeding the internal lines.)
For most people, a hot tub is worth the money if you use it regularly—and don't mind spending the time and energy it takes to maintain it. A hot tub can be a fabulous luxury. However, an unused hot tub is an expensive waste of energy, and a poorly maintained one can pose health risks.
According to Fiberon, a 56 square foot hot tub without water typically weighs around 900 pounds, while a hot tub with water can weigh up to 6,000 pounds.
Draining Your Hot Tub For Winter
Although we recommend using your hot tub as normal during winter, some users will prefer to winterise (drain and turn off) their spa. This needs to be done thoroughly to ensure no issues occur when the hot tub is empty.
Yes, you can leave a hot tub empty. It is essential to drain the hot tub thoroughly to ensure no water remains in the pipes and hoses. If water remains in the spa, the pipes could freeze in the winter. In the summer, mold and debris could be left behind.
One question we sometimes get asked is should I leave my hot tub on all the time? The answer is yes! Hot tubs are designed to be left on permanently and this is how they work best. Of course, they'll need to be drained regularly but for the most part, they are left on 24/7.
Saltwater spas and hot tubs should never be drained on a lawn. However, more traditional chlorine-treated hot tubs can be drained safely if the cover is left off and the chlorine and bromine levels are allowed to dip below 1 ppm or, even better, below detectable levels.
While you could use a hot tub without chemicals, you could not soak safely. Water needs to be circulating and treated in order for it to be good for soaking. When you don't use chemicals in your hot tub or use too little, you are creating the perfect environment for algae, bacteria, and other contaminants to thrive.
Jacuzzi is simply a brand name of hot tub. All brands will have different features and components to make them different from other hot tub brands. However, rather than focusing on a name, your hot tub purchase should be based on the quality and features that fit your budget and desires.
Not only are salt water hot tubs easier to maintain and gentler on your skin, but there's also no annoying chlorine smell, creating a more enjoyable spa experience. Fewer refills mean you can conserve more water, making salt water systems more eco-friendly.