A hot tub that's properly maintained can be a real asset. They're not only a great place to entertain guests, but they can also be really relaxing and help to relieve aches and pains. When you decide to purchase a hot tub, you need to be mindful that they come with certain responsibilities. You can't just fill them up, use them for weeks on end, and not put the time or effort into maintaining them. There are many aspects of health and safety that you need to consider to make sure that you're not putting yourself or other hot tub users at risk.
So in short, a properly maintained hot tub is perfectly hygienic and safe to use. However, a hot tub that hasn't been maintained is likely to be a health hazard. That's why it's so important that you understand what's involved in hot tub maintenance before you decide to buy one. Today we're going to explore all things hot tub hygiene, so you can continue to use your hot tub for years to come!
What are the risks of poor hot tub hygiene?
When your hot tub and the water in it are not properly sanitised, you're putting users at high risk of infections, rashes, and bacteria. The warm temperature of hot tubs makes them the perfect breeding ground for microbes and bacteria. This can result in hot tub ras (folliculitis), E-coli, and Legionnaires disease to name a few. Once these microbes are growing in the hot tub water, users run the risk of catching something nasty if they continue to use the hot tub without treating the water and returning the hot tub to a hygienic state.
If you get into your hot tub and notice any of the following signs or symptoms, then that could indicate that the hygiene level of your hot tub has slipped & you should consider carrying out some maintenance work. You should also consult your doctor if any of these symptoms don't clear up on their own.
- Red, raised, or itchy bumps on the skin
- Sickness
- Diorrhea
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Skin sores/rash
These symptoms could indicate that you've come into contact with dangerous bacteria in your hot tub, which is why it's absolutely paramount that you stick to a strict cleaning and maintenance regime if you're planning to invest in a hot tub.
How will I know if my hot tub is dirty?
Looking after your hot tub is simple if you carry out maintenance often - rather than letting the water become really unhygienic before you treat it. It's recommended that you inspect your hot tub a couple of times a week There are certain things that you should look out for when you're assessing whether or not your hot tub is hygienic. Signs that indicate it's time to change or treat your hot tub water include:
Hot tub water that smells bad
Trust your nose when it comes to checking your hot tub water. If something doesn't smell right, this could be an indication that bacteria, dirt, and grime have built up. The water might look perfectly clear, but if it smells concerning then you should trust your instinct and test or change the water immediately.
Cloudy water
The water in your hot tub shouldn't be cloudy, it should be clear and clean at all times. Cloudy water could indicate that there's a problem with the filter system - either it's faulty, or it's dirty. Check the filter and make sure it's clean and working properly. Another reason why the water in your tub might be cloudy, is because it's become oversaturated with chemicals. Just like dirty hot tub water, water that's unbalanced can also be a health risk, so check to make sure that the water is chemically balanced.
Discoloured water
One of the more obvious signs that your hot tub is dirty is discoloured water. Again, the water in your hot tub should be crystal clear, so if it leans brown, green, or any other colour - it's time to change it! Green water, in particular, could indicate that algae is growing in your hot tub. Algae tends to grow in water that has a high pH or a low level of sanitiser, so be sure to double-check both of these things and make necessary adjustments before you continue to use your hot tub.
Excessive hot tub foam
Hot tub foam is a telltale sign that you've got a build-up of lotions, body oils or soaps in the water. I know what you're thinking - surely soapy hot tub water is a good thing? Sadly, it's not. Soaps can alter the pH and chemical balance of the water, leading to some of the problems we've outlined above! If the hot tub water has become extremely foamy, you might need to completely drain your hot tub and start afresh.
Read More: How Often Should You Change Your Hot Tub Water?
How can I keep my hot tub clean?
The exact maintenance schedule for your hot tub will be outlined in the user manual and can vary slightly depending on how often you use your hot tub. If you're someone who uses your hot tub multiple times a week, then it will need cleaning more than if you use it once a month - for example. Sticking to a good hot tub cleaning schedule will not only prevent the potential health risks we discussed earlier, but it will also prolong the life of your hot tub. Here's a rough schedule that you can use to help you build your own hot tub cleaning schedule.
To be done after each use:
- Wipe around the shell and waterline to prevent watermarks
- Check the pH and chemical levels, rebalance if necessary
- Ensure the water level is correct, top up if necessary
To be done weekly:
- Clean your hot tub filters
- Again, check and rebalance the chemicals/pH
- Shock dose your water
To be done quarterly:
- Clean pipes thoroughly with a pipe cleaner
- Drain your hot tub's water and refill
- Clean the interior shell
To be done annually:
- Have a full, professional service done
So there you have it, if you've been wondering whether hot tubs are hygienic, the answer is yes - as long as they're properly maintained! Here at Premier Hot Tubs, we offer a range of products to help you keep your hot tub in perfect shape. Take a look at some of them below.
Hot Tub Maintenance >
