Expert shares five cleaning and maintenance hacks to keep your hot tub in top condition this summer

With the rise of hot tub sales in the UK, plenty of Brits are now enjoying a little bit of luxury in their own back gardens.

The summer months will inevitably see hot tubs getting a lot of use, from relaxing weekends to Saturday socials, so it’s important that hot tubs are properly cleaned and that essential maintenance is kept on top of. Not only will this prolong the life of a hot tub but it will stop any skin irritation or potential infections caused by bacteria in the water.

Will Driscoll, co-founder and director of hot tub supplier, EZ Shopper, has shared five tips on how hot tub owners can keep their hot tub in top condition this summer.

Check your levels
“Hot tub owners will no doubt know that cleaning and sanitation is vital for a healthy hot tub and healthy occupants. Be sure to keep your chlorine/bromine levels in the recommended range, as specified by your manufacturer. These are typically 3-5ppm, with a PH in the early to mid 7’s. If metals in your source water is a concern, use a pre-filter to reduce the metal content and protect against a green tint.”

Clean your filter
“A dirty filter will not adequately filter the water, which means bacteria and contaminants can be left in your hot tub. Clean your filter regularly; roughly once a week do a basic rinse with a hosepipe or in the sink, making sure to clean between the pleats.”

“Monthly, you can perform a chemical rinse using a hot tub filter cleaning solution and following the instructions. Then around every three months, do a deep clean of your filter by leaving it overnight in the cleaning solution. Investing time into cleaning your filter will give you much cleaner water and help your hot tub last much longer.”

Spend wisely
“When purchasing your hot tub chemicals, it can be tempting to go with a cheaper option to keep running costs down. However, these inexpensive chemicals can be of reduced quality and will not perform as well. Good quality chlorine, bromine and filter cleaners will do a better job, which will prevent your hot tub going green. If your hot tub water does become too dirty, you will need to deep clean the tub and replace the water, so buying cheaper products may cost less now but better ones will save you money in the long run.”

Treat green hot tub water
“If your hot tub water has gone green due to algae growth, then a shock chlorine treatment can be undertaken to try and clear the algae. It’s usually recommended to increase the chlorine/bromine levels to 10ppm and leave the tub for some time so the chemicals can do their magic. You’ll also need to clean your filter thoroughly at the same time. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, then a drain, clean and refill are recommended.”

“If the water has turned green due to excess metals in the source water, a pre-screen filter can be used to remove any metal particulates before they reach the hot tub and can mitigate the green water tint.”

Shower before using your hot tub
“Maintaining your hot tub and keeping the water clean can actually come down to the way you use it. Simply showering before use will stop any contaminants from entering the water; this includes things like fake tan and body lotion which can be stripped into the water. Showering after use will also wash off any excess chemicals to inhibit possible skin reactions.”

“It’s a good idea to keep a large bowl of water or a hose pipe next to your hot tub so you can wash your feet before getting in. This stops any mud or grass ending up in the water. Obviously, never put bubble bath in your hot tub or any essential oils, and avoid eating or drinking in there, no matter how tempting it might be!”