Hot Tub Cleaning
What You Should Know about Hot Tub Cleaning
Hot tubs are a great way to relax at the end of a long, stressful day, but unless you know the ins and outs of hot tub cleaning, you may not want to venture into the bubbling pool. Instead of being soothing, it just may be stewing in bacteria.
Indulging in a long soak in a hot tub or spa gets high marks on the lists of many people who seek relaxation. It is such a popular activity that there are many public hot tubs in workout gyms, cruise ships and full service spas for those who are unable to own one themselves. It is often used as a therapeutic tool as well; those who have stiff or aching muscles find that the water motion and temperature serves to relax the muscles and ease muscular pain. For those who do have their own private hot tub, they know how wonderful it feels to come home at the end of a day to slip into the warm water as the bubbles soothe away their troubles. This delightful spa does not come problem free, however. Regular maintenance and cleaning is required to keep the spa sparkling clean and bacteria free.
Hot tubs are simply tub enclosures with benches around the interior designed to allow users to sit for the purpose of relaxation or therapy. The tub is filled with water that can be heated to a variety of temperatures, measured by a thermostat. They are heated through the use of either gas or electricity, and are almost always placed in outdoor settings. Chemicals are recommended to be added to the water to control water borne bacteria and germs. Chlorine, such as used in swimming pools, is a common additive as are bromine tablets. Other chemicals are included along with these so as to maintain the balance of water pH, calcium and alkaline levels. These measures are designed to keep the tub sanitary. Bacteria and germs thrive in moist, warm environments, and without these chemicals, the tub will be a breeding ground for them.
Every three or four months, a day should be set aside for hot tub cleaning. Even with a good chemical regimen, water gets old and stale when it sits. Organisms will collect on the sides, and bacterium that grows excessively can cause several diseases. In addition, the working parts of the hot tub will last much longer if they are cleaned regularly. After emptying the tub, spray a liberal amount of a half and half mixture of white vinegar and water. Much like cleaning your coffee pot, this mixture will eliminate hard water stains and lime buildup. Allow the mix to remain for several minutes before rubbing the sides with a clean cloth. Now combine water with baking soda to make a paste and, using a soft cloth or soft bristled brush, scrub the walls of the hot tub. Rinse clean, and the hot tub is ready for another fill up of fresh water.
The tub’s filter also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. This component needs more frequent cleaning than the tub itself since it captures dirt and debris from the water that filters through it. It is generally recommended to clean the filter once each month by spraying it with a garden hose, being certain to get into each of the pleats to loosen and rinse away debris.
By performing hot tub cleaning on a regular basis, you will ensure the safety and sanitation of the enclosure. It is also necessary to check the levels of chemicals on a continuing basis to ensure that the growth of bacteria. These steps will make sure that your hot tub is the soothing, relaxing haven you need at the end of the day.