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The Complete Hot Tub Guide: Setup, Operation, Maintenance

August 14, 2023

Hot tubs provide relaxation and therapy through heated, jetted water. The main components of a hot tub include the tub shell, jets, pumps, heater, controls, plumbing, and water sanitation system. Proper installation, operation, and maintenance are needed to get the most enjoyment and longevity out of a hot tub investment. This guide covers the key considerations for hot tub buyers and owners.

Hot Tub Setup

Hot tubs provide relaxation through heated, jetted water. The main hot tub components are the tub, jets, pumps, heater, controls, plumbing, and water cleaning system. Proper installation, use, and maintenance are needed to fully enjoy a hot tub and make it last. This guide covers important factors for hot tub buyers and owners.

Hot Tub Pad

An even, sturdy pad is crucial for installing a hot tub. Pads evenly distribute the weight of the filled tub, which can weigh several tons. Common pad materials are concrete slabs, crushed stone, pavers, or treated wood. The pad must allow water drainage to prevent pooling under the tub. The pad should extend 2-4 inches beyond the hot tub base all around.

How to Install a Hot Tub

Installing a hot tub requires carefully selecting and preparing the location, providing electrical power, moving the tub into place, connecting the plumbing, and priming the pump. Follow these key steps for proper hot tub installation:

Choose the Installation Site. Select a site close to the house with easy access from an entrance. A concrete patio or paved pathway provides the ideal hardscaped surface for access to the tub. Install a safety cover and consider adding an open-air roof to protect the tub from weather and debris. Avoid positioning under trees to prevent leaves and twigs from falling in.
Build a Strong, Level Foundation. A 4-inch thick concrete slab extending 10 x 10 feet provides ideal support. The slab must be fully reinforced to bear the tub's filled weight of up to 2.5 tons. For deck installations, inspect to ensure the structure meets load requirements. Reinforce as needed to support the tub when filled.
Supply Adequate Electrical Powe. Provide a dedicated 120V or 240V GFCI outlet within 15 feet of the tub, depending on the voltage required. Hire a qualified electrician to install a new 240V outlet if needed.
Carefully Move the Tub into Position. To avoid damage, hire professionals to transport and position the heavy tub using a crane, boom truck, or forklift. Remove gates, fences or vegetation along the access route.
Connect Plumbing. With the tub in place, open all gate valves and secure drain valves. Install the skimmer and filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Fill and Prime the Tub. Fill to the recommended level, no higher than 6 inches from the top. Operate the prime cycle for several minutes to remove air from the pump. The tub is now ready for full operation.

Hot Tub Operation

Hot Tub Controls

Today's hot tubs come equipped with digital control panels or smartphone/tablet apps that allow you to precisely control all features and settings:

Adjust the set temperature and program heating cycles to maximize energy efficiency. Schedule cycles to heat to full temperature just before planned usage.
Control individual hydrotherapy jets or zones to target specific muscle groups. Many tubs have rotating nozzle jets for massage.
Operate multi-color LED mood lighting features and high-powered floodlights. Sync lighting to music with some integrated stereo systems.
Set automatic filtration cycles to flush water through the filters and skimmers periodically. Program cycles to run during off-peak electricity hours.
Access specialty features like adjustable waterfalls, fountains, or infinity edge spillovers if equipped. These may have separate controls.
Troubleshoot error codes or warning messages to identify maintenance needs before problems worsen.

Be sure to thoroughly review all of the programming options and capabilities outlined in your owner's manual.

Hot Tub Heating Systems

There are several types of hot tub heating systems to consider:

Electric heaters use heating elements to efficiently heat the water. Best for climates that don't get extremely cold.
Gas heaters that run on natural gas or propane provide very quick and economical heating. Requires gas hookup.
Heat pump heating recycles heat efficiently. Works well in warmer climates and can lower operating costs.
Solar heating systems use solar panels and heat exchangers to capture free heat from the sun. Reduces electric costs.

Carefully size the heater based on the tub's gallon capacity. Troubleshoot any heating issues by checking error codes and testing components like sensors, relays, and heating elements. Contact a spa technician for complex heating repairs.

Hot Tub Component Replacement

Hot tub parts wear out over time and need replacement. Common parts to replace when damaged include:

Hot tub covers, especially if torn, warped, or no longer insulated.
Jet pumps, pump seals, circulation pumps. Listen for loud/grinding noises.
Heater elements, sensors, and relays to restore heating function.
Filter cartridges and filter lids when cracked or no longer cleaning well.
Ergonomic pillows, headrests, and body jets as needed for comfort.
Hot tub steps for stable and convenient access.
Tub drain assemblies if leaking or missing covers.
Cabinet panels, corner trim, and hot tub cover lifters as needed for appearance.
Stereo components, speakers, and docking stations for music.

Hot Tub Maintenance

Proper maintenance is key to keeping your hot tub clean, safe, and operating optimally. Follow these essential maintenance practices:

Circulation and Filtering

Run the hot tub jets for 15-20 minutes twice per day. This circulates all the water through the filters to trap contaminants like dirt, body oils, and soap residues that can accumulate.
Periodically add a few tennis balls to the water and let them circulate. The fuzz on the tennis balls helps absorb excess body oils, lotions, and other residues that may not get filtered out. This helps keep water cleaner between filter cleanings.
Clean filters regularly by rinsing, soaking in filter cleaner, or replacing. Dirty filters become less effective at removing contaminants.

Routine Cleaning

Use a non-abrasive cleaner like white vinegar or a hot tub surface cleaner to scrub the tub walls, seats, and jets weekly. This prevents scale or biofilm buildup.
Clean the exterior acrylic shell monthly with a diluted bleach solution to remove oils and prevent mildew growth, especially on cover seals.
Drain, thoroughly scrub inside walls and jets, and refill the tub every 3-4 months to remove built-up contaminants, oils, detergent residues, and other dissolved solids.

Water Chemistry

Test and adjust pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels at least weekly to maintain proper water balance. Use test strips or a liquid test kit.
Keep pH between 7.4-7.6 and alkalinity between 100-150 ppm. Use pH and alkalinity increaser/decreaser as needed.
Sanitize the water regularly with chlorine or bromine. Periodically shock the tub water with sanitizing shock treatment to restore sanitizer levels.
Replace the water every 3-4 months to remove dissolved solids that can build up over time and interfere with sanitizers.

Energy Efficiency

Set water temperature as low as comfortably possible when not in use and use a well-fitted cover to retain heat.
Insulate the underside of the tub pad and plumbing lines to reduce heat loss through the base.
Use an energy efficient heat pump or solar heating system if possible to lower electrical costs.
Schedule filtration and heating cycles during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.

Conclusion

By properly installing on a level pad, learning the controls, regular maintenance, and optimizing energy use, hot tub owners can enjoy years of hydrotherapy and relaxation. This guide covers key factors for getting the most from a hot tub while avoiding common problems. More resources are available from manufacturers and dealers.