An Inflatable Hot Tub is the perfect solution for those that want the convenience of an at home spa, but without the tedious installation process of a traditional hot tub. Whether you’re using your Inflatable Spa all-year-round, or for a few months of the year, hot tub maintenance is vital for longevity of your spa and the well-being of those enjoying it. If you are still looking for a home spa, from 2-person inflatable hot tub to 6-person inflatable hot tub, browse our selection of inflatable hot tubs for sale.
Continue reading to learn more about how to keep your spa water clear and free of bacteria.
Testing the Water
The first step in this process is testing the spa water. This preliminary step will inform you on the pH levels of the water and how many chemicals are currently present. You will be mostly concerned with the following 4 factors: pH level, alkalinity, bromine, and chlorine.
To begin, make sure that the jets of the tub are turned off. Then, dip a test strip in the water for 2 seconds. After the 2 seconds, specific colors will appear on the strip. Compare the colors against the color chart on the bottle of the testing strips.
Test the water at least twice a week to ensure the water chemistry is on the right level. The image below indicates the ideal range of chemicals for balanced water chemistry.
We recommend: The Poolmaster 22211 Smart Test 4-Way Swimming Pool and Spa Water Chemistry Test Strips.
pH and Alkalinity
A higher pH reading means that the water is too alkaline while a lower pH reading means that the water is too acidic. Your hot tub water should hit an optimal pH range of 7.2-7.8. Why? Hot Tub water that is too acidic makes water sanitizers less effective, can irritate skin and the eyes, damage hair, and shorten the life of your inflatable spa. Water that is too alkaline can also cause water sanitizers to function poorly, while also leading to scale formation and cloudy water.
In order to adjust pH levels, we recommend using Leisure Time 22339A Spa Up and Leisure Time 22338A Spa Down.
Water Sanitizers
As the name suggests, water sanitizers are important for keeping the hot tub sanitized and water bacteria-free. The most commonly used sanitizing chemicals are chlorine and bromine. While both effective, each come with their own pros and cons, ultimately boiling down the choice to personal preference.
Bromine is more costly in comparison to Chlorine, but does not leave the strong and distinct chlorine smell. In addition, less bromine is needed to keep the hot tub clean and the cleaning effects last longer than chlorine. We recommend: The Leisure Time 45425A Brominating Tablets.
On the other hand, chlorine is a lot cheaper, and offers a much lower maintenance cost in the longer run. We recommend: The Leisure Time 22337A 22337 Spa 56 Granules Chlorinating Tablets
Shock Chemicals
Water sanitizers don’t eradicate bacteria 100%. This is why it is recommended to use shock chemicals as a second line of defense against contaminants. Shock chemicals target impurities that were not eliminated through the use of a standard water sanitizer. Shock chemicals work best against dead skin particles, oils, lotions, algae, and other microorganisms.
Be sure to read the label to determine compatibility as not all shock chemicals are compatible with both chlorine and bromine.
We recommend: The LEISURE TIME RENU2-02 Renew Non-Chlorine Shock for Spas and Hot Tubs
Filter Cartridges
A fresh filter cartridge is one of the strongest defenses to keep your water clean. Alongside chemicals, keep in mind that filter cartridges play an equally important role to the longevity of your hot tub. Although not a chemical agent, filter cartridges work hand in hand with the chemicals discussed above, to put less strain on the filter pump and trap additional dirt and particles within the filter paper.
We recommend: The ALEKO Water Filter Cartridges, which can be ordered in a single, 6, or 12-set.
You can also buy ALEKO Water Filters on Amazon in a single, 6, or 12-set.
Maintenance is an inevitable part of being a hot tub owner. With this knowledge, we hope you have a better understanding of the important chemicals necessary for healthy water life. Together, these agents will keep your hot tub clean and safe for use.
