Hot Tub Chemicals

Hot tubs, because of high water temperatures, are the perfect environment for bacteria to live and breed. In order to stop this, hot tub chemicals are used to keep the water safe and kill unhealthy bacteria.

Sanitizers come in many different forms and are used to kill the bacteria found in your hot tub.

Chlorine has traditionally been used as a swimming pool sanitizer but can also be used in hot tubs or spas at a lower concentration. Chlorine comes in tablet or granular form.

Bromine also come in tablet or granular form and is often preferred to chlorine as it does not have such a vicious odour. The distribution method of bromine is usually in a floating feeder or a cartridge arrangement and it works in all PH levels.

Biguanide is an equivalent to both bromine and chlorine that kills bacteria using a hydrogen peroxide-based oxidizer that keeps the water clean. Biguanide odours are significantly less than both chlorine and bromine.

Hot tub minerals assist the chemicals used in hot tubs by working hand in hand with them to kill bacteria and keep water clean. They come in the form of cartridges and floating dispenser systems which allow slow release. They are often a preferred method as they allow lower levels of chemicals to be used. It is an important point that minerals are to be used hand in hand with chemical sanitizers as they do not replace them.

Ozone Ozonators also assist hot tub chemicals but do not replace them. They oxidize the water, meaning less chemical solution is needed. Ozone Ozonators can work in conjunction with bromine, chlorine, biguanide and minerals.

Test strips should be used prior to any chemicals being added to your hot tub. These strips are used to tell you how much bromine, chlorine or biguanide needs to be added to your tub and whether ph, alkalinity or calcium levels need to be adjusted.

Shock Oxidizers should be used in conjunction with sanitizers and they oxidize the water in your hot tub which in turns helps to break down items such as dead skin, ladies cosmetics and natural skin oils. If you shock oxidize your hot tub weekly then it will kill all the bacteria and disperse murky and cloudy water.

Two types of shock oxidizers are available and are used in different circumstances. Chlorine shock should be used when filling your hot tub with fresh water. It is a sanitizer and so is needed on the initial stage. Non chlorine shock is used when you already have sanitizer in the water i.e. it is not a fresh water fill up. It is important to note that shocks of either type should not be used if using Biguanide as your sanitizer as it already uses a hydrogen peroxide oxidizer.

Hot Tub Filters

Hot Tub Filters

Hot tub filters are designed to remove suspended particles, oils, grease and other detritus from your hot tub spa, making them one of the most vital parts of the hot tubs inner workings.

If you keep your hot tub filter clean, not only does it improve the efficiency of the filter, but it will also make the water aesthetically pleasing to the eye to the point that you just can’t wait to jump in and enjoy the relaxation!

The best way to clean your hot tub filter component is to engage in a regular hot tub care routine, cleaning approximately every two to three weeks depending on how often you use the spa and what product you use to sanitise it. Obviously it is wise to stick to the product instructions though as they can vary between different cleaning products.

The first stage of cleaning should be to remove the filter cartridge from its position in the hot tub and wash the filter out under the tap or hose. Care should be taken to allow the water to flow against the filter at approximately 45 degrees and all debris, grit and other nasty products removed. The filter should then be soaked overnight in a filter cleaner solution or cleaned in a dishwasher with a product such as ‘Filter Bright’ then rinsed out and let dry naturally.

Generally, Hot Tub filters will only need to be replaced every twelve months but in order to maximise their life you should endeavour to keep the water in the spa in proper ph balance, never be rough when cleaning the filter otherwise unnecessary damage can occur, and most importantly, allow the filter to dry out completely before using it again in the spa. It is widely recommended that you always have two sets of filters at one time in order to let the filter cartridge dry out completely.

Even though a Hot Tub filter cartridge should last about twelve months, there is no real defined life span as they have no moving parts and so there are a number of factors that can help you to decide when the filter cartridge has to be replaced. The most obvious of these is a physical failure in the filter such as a crack or tear in the body or mesh. Other factors to look out for include, lower flow rates, shorter periods between cleaning and general poor water quality.

When your Hot Tub filter needs to be replaced, the easiest way to make sure your spa remains fresh watered and clean is to choose the same filter that was previously installed as different size filters are available and not fully cross compatible. This can be done through manufacturer name or by using the serial number found on the filter.

To help keep your hot tub clean and further the life of your filter it can be a good idea to invest in a hot tub cover. This would keep most debris out of the tub and make the filters job a little easier. Hot tub covers are available in a wide range of styles and prices so you can always find one that meets your needs.

Hot Tub filters are a vital component for your hot tub or spa and a little effort in regular cleaning and knowing when your filter cartridge needs replacing will ensure that relaxing hydrotherapy bathing can be maintained.

Choosing a Hot Tub

When it comes to choosing a hot tub, many people don’t know where to start. This article outlines some of the questions that need to be addressed in the decision making process.

1. What type of Hot Tub do you want?

This is obviously the first issue that needs to be addressed when looking at buying a spa or hot tub. Cheap Hot tubs can be bought from a couple of hundred pounds, or if you are not willing to sacrifice quality, can cost thousands.

Hot tubs can come in many different variations; indoor and outdoor, portable or permanent, sunken and above ground. Before any other questions enter your head, these three options need to be decided.

2. Choosing a respected Hot Tub Manufacturer

When you choose your Hot tub, the manufacturers name can be very important as they often tell us of the hot tubs quality and pedigree. If the spa manufacturer that you choose has a decent reputation and has been trading for many years then you can buy in the knowledge that you are guaranteed a quality product and not just a cheap hot tub.

Respected manufacturers in the UK are Vision, Spa Crest, Waterstream Hot Tubs, Artesian Spa’s, HotSpring Spa’s, Marquis Spa and Hydropool Hot Tubs.

3. Deciding what size and style of Jacuzzi you want?

The size and shape of a hot tub are a very important consideration when choosing and purchasing a hottub. The size factor obviously relies on the available room in your house or back garden for the spa to reside. Don't forget if putting the tub in the back garden to allow room for other things such as your garden furniture or maybe even a patio heater. try not to clog your garden up too much.

Spa size also relates to the number of seats that you wish to have in your tub. A 2 person hot tub is always going to be a smaller size than a four or six seated hot tub. The number of seats also has a large bearing on the style of the hot tub. If you want the comfort of bucket seats then the spa will generally be bigger than one with bench seats.

Will your spa be a permanent fixture or a portable blow up hot tub which can be easily deflated and moved to a new position? The permanent options are in ground, sunken hot tubs or above ground hot tub enclosures. How would you like your tub to be powered? Do you want your hot tub to run off the mains electricity supply or would you prefer a greener option such as a solar hot tub?

4. Keep an eye on the construction of your hot tub.

It is important to note that if you are choosing a permanent outdoor hot tub then the construction materials should be highly durable and require little or no maintenance whilst standing up to the elements. The good news is that there are many different enclosure styles available that can fit in with your garden and personal tastes whilst enhancing the look of the hot tub.

It is also important when choosing an outdoor spa that a model is chosen that includes full insulation, ensuring maximum retention of heat and obviously cutting the running costs that come with hot tubs. A great way to take this further would be with the use of outdoor wood furnaces. They are a great cheap and green option for heating your outdoor hot tub.

5. Consider upgraded jets, air blowers and entertainment systems

Different types of Hot tub jets are available on the market that offer different types of massage so if you feel you can splash out then these are the type to go for. My personal preference is jets that have no moving parts but this is from a maintenance and safety perspective.

Air blowers add that therapeutic aspect to your hot tub experience through aromatherapy. If you include an air blown aromatherapy system in your hot tub it infuses your hot tub with millions of sweet smelling air bubbles that explode in to life at the surface, allowing you to enjoy fabulous fragrances as well as relaxing massage.

Additional features such as spill over fountains and waterfalls, surrounded by beautiful lights all add to the romantic atmosphere that can be created in a hot tub. If within your budget, you can always look at entertainment systems and features for your hot tub.

6. Test Drive your choice of hot tub before buying.

Don’t be afraid to go into Spa and Hot Tub dealerships and ask to try the product as they normally have different models set up at different times. A wet test means that you get into the spa when it is full of water and consider certain points: Are the seats comfortable? Do they provide good back support and keep you immersed in the water to shoulder level? Do you float off the seat due to it being too narrow? Do the jets massage the correct places? Can you get to the controls whilst you are in the tub and can you hold a normal level conversation comfortably when in the hot tub?

7. Installation

It’s always worth checking to see if the spa installation is included in the retail price but this is usually not the case. The dealer may however offer you a discount on installation but it’s always worth shopping around. Never be afraid to ask though.

8. Check for cheap discounted Hot tub bargains online

Once all your choices are made, it’s often worth seeing if you can find a cheap or discounted hot tub online. It’s always worth checking out with dealers locally so you can see the product with your own eyes and test drive it but everyone now that there is always a bargain to be had online and hot tubs are no exception.

Why not start choosing a hot tub today?

The Benefits of a Hot Tub

Everyone can benefit from the use of a hot tub. This article outlines some of these benefits.

Family Enjoyment

Hot tubs are a great way to relax with friends and family, whether that is getting the kids away from the television or creating a romantic ambience with your partner.

A hot tub can be a perfect social extension of your living room enabling relaxation and quality family time.

Health Benefits through Hydrotherapy

Bathing in a good quality hot tub or Jacuzzi that has a combined action of air and water massage causes blood vessels to dilate lowering blood pressure, strengthening blood circulation and stimulating the immune system. This is the thermal effect and benefit of Hydrotherapy.

When the body is immersed in a hot spa it can experience a 90% decrease in body weight, similar to that of the feeling of weightlessness. This can help sufferers of Arthritis and Rheumatism as it takes the pressure off the joints and is known to increase mobility as the hot water warms the collagen in the joints, making it more malleable. The relaxation of the bodily muscles have also been known to aid rehabilitation and make the sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Tendonitis more comfortable. Pain relief is the physical effect of Hydrotherapy.

It has recently been discovered that people suffering from type 2 diabetes can also reap the positive effects of hydrotherapy.

Lots of athletes endorse the hydrotherapy benefits of a Jacuzzi after exercise and during rehabilitation of sports injuries. A soak in the hot tub can reduce the lactic acid that can build up in muscles during exercise and increase the blood flow through the muscle repairing damaged tissue.

Hot tub use can also have a positive impact on speed, flexibility and strength.

Stress Relief

Warm water massage and jet therapy can be a therapeutic means to stimulate the body into releasing endorphins that can combat depression and reduce stress in a natural way, beneficially affecting the human psyche and eliminating anxiety and tension. Nothing beats relaxing and being in a good mood!

Hot tubs, as well as leading to the realise of endorphins, can cause a reduction in stress hormones as well such as noradenalin. This can aid suffers of insomnia as the body relaxes, leading to a good nights sleep.

Increasing Home value

A hot tub is extremely likely to add value to your home when selling up and in most cases is very appealing to a new home buyer especially in warmer climates. Hot tubs or spa’s are seen as a real luxury item, yet they are easy to maintain and clean and are not usually a risk for young families as a swimming pool would be because of the ability to cover them up securely.

As we can see, the benefits of using a hot tub are varied and massive. Why not invest.....

Buying a Hot Tub for Beginners

Welcome to Hot Tub for Beginners. This site provides tips and techniques for choosing, purchasing and maintaining Hot Tubs.

Here you can find advice on managing and maintaining your hot tub to get the best from it and outlines on what accessories you might need to make your hot tub experience more enjoyable.

Our accessories category offers details on all the latest extras such as covers, cover lifters, steps, head rests and gazebos and whether you really need them or are they just gimmicks.

Our cleaning section contains all the best information you need about chemical and natural sanitising and testing the water in your Hot Tub.

Our maintenance section offers know how on components such as jet / circulation pumps, heaters,filters, and lighting as well as how to maintain them, repair them and extend their life.

We hope you will find the information you need to get the best out of your Hot Tub.

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