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Hot Tubs / Jacuzzi

A hot tub (often referred to as a Jacuzzi) is a manufactured tub or small pool full with heated water; hot tubs are mainly used for relaxing, massaging and even hydrotherapy. Hot tubs can be installed above or below the ground and can be sheltered by a wooden gazebo to help keep them private and protected from the elements.

There are basically three types of hot tubs / Jacuzzis on the market today:

In ground hot tubs - Typically situated next to an in ground swimming pool

Wooden staved hot tubs – Wooden hot tubs are not as common compared to plastic tubs but they offer the aesthetics you won’t find in any other type tub.

Plastic hot tubs – Plastic hot tubs are typically the cheapest and most common form of hot tub (some people refer to them as Spas)

Hot tubs can be heated using gas heaters, electric heaters, wood heated fires or via solar panels.

Keeping your hot tub clean

Sanitizing the water in your hot tub is very important because many organisms thrive in warmer water. To properly sanitize your hot tub you must add the appropriate chemicals, similar to how you maintain chemicals in your swimming pool. There are several ways to keep your hot tub sanitized and I explain the most common methods below.

Chlorine – Chlorine is the most commonly used chemical for maintaining a swimming pool and can also be used for sanitizing your hot tub spa. The chlorine used for hot tubs has a lower concentration and you can find tablets, granules and liquid chlorine specifically for your tub.

Biguanide – Biguanide are a non chlorine, non bromine product that kills bacteria by attacking the cell wall. Removal of the bad bacteria is achieved with a hydrogen peroxide based oxidized used to burn off the organic matter keeping the water clean. Biguanide produces far less odors compared to chlorine and bromine.

Bromine – Bromine is the most common method for sanitizing your hot tub, bromine is the number one choice for spa/hot tub owners because it doesn’t leave the skin feeling irritated and doesn’t have a strong smell. Secondly bromine is more stable at higher temperatures in comparison to chlorine.

Ozone - Ozone does not sanitize your hot tub, it simply oxidizes the tub and reduces the work of the sanitizers and lowers the levels of sanitizers needed to help keep the hot tub clean. To use ozone your hot tub must have an ozonator installed and you will still need to add the appropriate chemicals such as chlorine, bromine or biguanide to your spa.

How often should you change your spa water

Even if your spa is properly maintained using the right chemicals it is imperative to change the water on a regular basis. You should change the water in your hot tub at least every 2 to 3 months, and during periods when it gets heavy use you should change the water every month.

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