Are you a new hot tub or spa owner? Have you had a hot tub or spa for some time now and are wondering what hot tub supplies should you have? There are some you may want and others you have never thought of. The swimming pool and hot tub contractors from Imperial Pools in Champaign, Illinois answer that question for new and long-time hot tub owners.
If you have a hot tub or spa and it’s waiting for you to sink into its warm, jetted depths, you want to make sure it’s clean and the water is not filled with bacteria — yuck! Here are a few unique items you may never have thought of for your hot tub.
What hot tub supplies should you have?
Naturally, your hot tub and spa contractor will bring the necessary chemicals and tools to keep your hot tub water clean and ready for a soak, but there are some items you will want to have on hand and tasks that should be undertaken and they include:
- Draining it. Yes, you will need to completely drain, or have your contractor drain, the hot tub quarterly. There are times, though that you may need to have it drained before that time frame — maybe because sand, dirt, leaves and other debris have fallen in. If it’s too dirty, it might just be easier to drain it, clean it and start over.
- A cover. This should be a non negotiable purchase when you have a hot tub. A cover not only acts as a layer of safety, but it keeps debris from getting into the water, it traps the heat and cuts back on water lost through evaporation. When you have a hot tub and have a hot tub cover, you may also want a hot tub cover lifter — it’s easier to use the cover when it’s easier to put it on and take it off.
- Tennis balls or floating sponges. What?! Have you ever looked at the hot tub water and wondered, “what the heck is that floating in the water?” If you have, we will tell you that it could be: dead skin, make up, body oils, and more. When you mix what comes off a human body in with warm water, scum will happen. Gross! To prevent accumulation, toss a clean tennis ball or a large sponge into the water. The ball and/or sponge will soak up the scum. Let it float for a half an hour or so then remove, clean thoroughly and use again.
- There is always a potential for a leak with any body of water in your backyard. Because it’s not something you can predict, you should keep a hot tub sealing kit close at hand. Seal the leak as soon as you find it then call a hot tub contractor to inspect it and repair it.
- A water test kit. This should be considered a must have for any pool or hot tub owner. You will want to test the water between hot tub service visits to assure that when you’re ready to soak, the water is clean and free of bacteria. Ask us how to understand the readings and how to address any water chemistry imbalances.
Ask us if you have any questions about hot tub care when we pay a service visit.