Does my hot tub need to be level?

Yes, a hot tub needs to be level. Most hot tubs are made of a wood frame under an acrylic shell. While they are designed to hold thousands of pounds when full of water and people, they are built to distribute that weight evenly. If a hot tub is not level, that can cause stress fractures in both the wood and the shell.

Can you lower hot tub temperature?

Despite the name, hot tubs don’t always have to be hot. Although they are usually kept at temperatures between 99° F to 102° F, with a maximum heat of 104°F, you can lower the temperature for summertime use. Simply lower the temperature of your hot tub to roughly 85°F or turn off your heater altogether.

Why does my hot tub have low calcium content?

Low calcium (aka soft water), and happens when the calcium level is less than 175 ppm. Soft water has reduced mineral content (ie. calcium and magnesium), and increased sodium content, giving it a more gentle feel. As mentioned, hot tubs require hard water to stabilize the pH and TA levels, otherwise problems will arise.

What does it mean when your hot tub is hard?

High levels can make the water feel “hard” and low levels can make it feel “soft.” If you bathe or swim in hard water, you’re likely to come out feeling itchy or dry, while soft water can leave you feeling a little slimy, especially if it is extremely soft. But what’s that all mean? If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.

What to do if your hot tub is too soft?

In those cases, you might need to run all the chemistry tests daily until you get it corrected. If your hot tub water is a little too soft, it’s not too terribly difficult to adjust with a calcium hardness increaser. It’s really as simple as adding a little calcium to the water.

Do you lower the thermostat on a hot tub?

Another thing you may not always think about is to lower the thermostat of your hot tub while you’re on vacation. During the summer months, you can even turn it off entirely. During the winter though, you will need a minimum of heat to prevent the water from freezing and causing damage to your hot tub.

When do I need to lower the pH in my hot tub?

When the alkalinity of the water becomes high or low, the pH will follow shortly after. Since the two are so closely connected, you will often need to correct both at the same time. Know the signs of high alkalinity and high pH. You can usually tell when the pH and alkalinity of your hot tub are high based on the way it runs.

What to do when your hot tub is not in use?

For an extra layer of insulation, add a floating spa blanket. Turn the blowers and lights off, and close the air jets when the hot tub isn’t in use to prevent air from cooling the water and causing the pump to work harder to heat the water. Also turn the temperature down a few degrees when you’re not using it.

What should I look for when buying a hot tub?

Wherever you decide to install it, be sure you have enough space around the hot tub to comfortably allow for repairs and maintenance. To avoid shifting, damage and possible collapse, install on a raised, level and stable foundation that can withstand the weight of the hot tub once filled.