How do you keep an inflatable hot tub clean?

You finally decided that an inflatable hot tub is right for you!......Now, how the heck do you keep this thing clean?

 More and more people are considering inflatable hot tubs in place of much more expensive traditional tubs, which can cost upwards of $5,000-$10,000 plus!  Add in the cost of deliver and an electrician for installation, OUCH!  However Inflatable hot tubs give you a much more economical option, giving you some of the same benefits as their much more expensive counterparts.  All with everything you need in the box!

That's great! You know that an inflatable hot tub is right for you!  Now, how do you keep it clean so that you can get the maximum enjoyment from it?  One thing is for sure, keeping it clean can be a chore, but not if you stick to a simple regiment for treating and cleaning.

There are several tips to keep your inflatable hot tub clean, clear, and extend the hours of enjoyment between complete cleanings.

Leave your hot tub heat on!

Leave your spa on, while not in use....... Yes, you read that right.  It is more economical to keep your hot tub heated if you plan to enjoy it regularly.  This may not be true if you only plan to use your hot tub once a month or so, but for those of us that want to get more use out of our tubs, maybe 2-3 times a week or more, it makes more sense to keep the water temperature up.  Tip: An insulating mat underneath your hot tub also helps prevent heat lose from the ground or floor temperature.

Always keep the cover on while not in use.

This not only helps keep the heat in, which makes the use of your hot tub much more economical, it also keeps any unwanted dust and debris out of your tub.

 Check your water often.

Inspect the water regularly.  Make sure that there are no contaminates  floating on the top of the water nor anything that has settled onto the bottom of your spa.  These items, not only make your water dirty and unpleasant, they can clog pumps and filters, causing bigger problems.

Clean and change your filters regularly.

Filters should be inspected and cleaned after each use or at least every other day of use.  Most filters can be cleaned with a light spray from the garden hose. ( Make sure to clean between the pleats of the filter as well ). This is a very important step, so make sure you stay on top of it! You'll be glad you did.  Filters will need to be replaced regularly as well.  Every few weeks (or maybe a little longer if in used less often). Filters should be inspected thoroughly and replaced as needed.

 Shower before enjoying your hot tub.

This is a big one.  Sweat, oils, soaps, shampoos, and other contaminates can introduce unwanted chemicals and bacteria to your spa water which make keeping it clean a tougher task.

Testing and Treating your inflatable hot tub water.

Testing the water is an essential step in water treatment. You can use test strips or a water testing kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels of the water. This will give you a baseline to work with and help you determine the appropriate treatment measures.

1. Start by using a test strip specifically designed for hot tubs. These strips are easy to use and provide accurate results.

2. Dip the test strip into the water and hold it there for a few seconds, making sure it is fully submerged.

3. Remove the strip from the water and letting any excess water drip off.

4. Wait 10-15 seconds ( or recommended time of product )for the colors on the strip to develop.

5. Compare the colors on the strip to the color chart provided with the test kit. Each color relates to a specific parameter of pH, chlorine, bromine, alkalinity, or hardness.

6. Based on the results, treat your spa water as needed.

How to treat the water based on the test results?

1. Adjusting pH: If the pH level is too high or too low, it needs to be adjusted. Use pH increaser (sodium carbonate) to raise the pH or pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate) to lower the pH.

2. Adding sanitizer: If the chlorine or bromine levels are low, add the appropriate sanitizer to the water. This helps to kill bacteria and prevent the growth of algae. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct dosage.

3. Balancing alkalinity: If the alkalinity is too high or too low, it can affect the pH stability. Use an alkalinity increaser (sodium bicarbonate) to raise the alkalinity or an alkalinity decreaser (muriatic acid) to lower the alkalinity.

4. Adjusting hardness: If the water is too soft or too hard, it can cause corrosion or scaling. Use a hardness increaser (calcium chloride) to raise the hardness or a hardness decreaser (sodium hexametaphosphate) to lower the hardness.

5. Shocking the water: Regularly shocking the water helps to oxidize contaminants and maintain water clarity. Use a non-chlorine shock or a chlorine shock, depending on the sanitizer used in your hot tub.

How often should the water be tested and treated?

It is recommended to test the water at least once a week, or more frequently if the hot tub is heavily used. Additionally, it is important to treat the water immediately if any test results are outside the recommended range. By regularly testing and treating the water, you can ensure that your inflatable hot tub remains clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Why is it so important to test and treat inflatable hot tub water?

When it comes to enjoying your inflatable hot tub, maintaining clean and safe water is your number one priority. Testing and treating the water correctly, ensures that it is free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. It also helps to prevent the growth of algae and keeps the water balanced.  This helps your tub stay healthier, longer and will in general make your tub last longer.  Following a few simple steps can keep your hot tub clean and enjoyable for a much better overall experience. 

Here are some basic issues that you may run into:

Problem: Discolored Water: If your water is discolored or dingy,  you should check your chemical levels.  You may have too many chemicals present.

Solution: Clean your inflatable hot tub fully and then retreat the water for a proper pH balance.

Problem:  Foamy Water: Sometimes you may notice extra foam accumulation on the surface of your spas water. 

Solution:-Check your filter first to see if it is in need of a quick cleaning or if it's time for a replacement.  Anti-foam treatment should help do the trick as well.  It is also possible that some bathers may have entered the pool with soaps or shampoos on their bodies, causing the extra foam. 

Problem:- Strange Odor: Your spa water should never have any strange odors when chemical levels are maintained properly and filters are clean.

Solution: Drain tub and clean thoroughly before rinsing well and refilling your spa.  Don't forget to clean the cover of your inflatable hot tub at this time as well.

We hope this helps you get the most out of your inflatable hot tub and enjoy it to the absolute fullest!