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Looking to relax in the comfort of your own home without having to go out and buy or rent a spa? An inflatable hot tub might be the perfect solution for you! Inflatable hot tubs are available in various shapes and sizes, and many can accommodate up to six people. They are also easy to set up—most models come with an inflation pump, and some even have an automatic deflation feature. And thanks to their portability, you can take your inflatable hot tub with you on vacations.
If you’re looking for hot tubs, browse the buyer’s guides at Outdoor Trends.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who own a hot tub, you may be making mistakes that cost you money and affect your enjoyment. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make with their hot tubs and how to avoid them.
1. Not Taking Care of Your Hot Tub’s Filters
Inflatable hot tub filters are an essential part of the care and maintenance of your spa. Without proper care, your filter can become clogged with dirt and debris, leading to decreased water quality and clarity. Additionally, a dirty filter puts additional strain on your hot tub’s pump and can shorten its lifespan. Hot tub filters should be cleaned at least once a month and more often if you have high usage or live in an area with lots of trees or other outdoor debris.
2. Not Testing Your Hot Tub’s Water Regularly
Testing your inflatable hot tub’s water is critical to maintaining proper water chemistry and avoiding problems such as skin irritation, cloudy water, and unpleasant odors. Test the water at least once a week and more often if you have high usage. Use a reliable test kit specifically designed for hot tubs, and follow the instructions carefully.
3. Overlooking Hot Tub Maintenance
Like any piece of machinery, regular maintenance is important to keep your hot tub running properly. This includes a monthly cleaning of the filters and quarterly draining and refilling of the water. In addition, you should have your hot tub serviced by a professional at least once a year.
4. Ignoring Warning Signs
If you notice any changes in your hot tub’s water quality or performance, don’t ignore them! These could be warning signs of a serious problem that, if left untreated, could damage your hot tub or even put your health at risk. If you’re unsure what to do, call a professional for help.
5. Skimping on Safety Features
Hot tubs can be dangerous if used improperly. To help keep your family safe, ensure your hot tub has a lockable cover and a way to automatically shut off the power if someone falls in. Don’t forget to test the safety features periodically to make sure they’re working properly. With a few simple safety precautions, everyone can enjoy the benefits of a hot tub without worry.
6. Not Winterizing Your Hot Tub
If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s imperative to winterize your hot tub to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. This means draining all the water from your hot tub, cleaning and drying it thoroughly, and then covering it until spring. This will protect your hot tub from freezing and help extend its life by preventing sun damage when it’s not in use.
7. Letting Kids Use the Hot Tub Unsupervised
Hot tubs can be enjoyable for the whole family, but it’s critical to supervise children using them. Make sure they understand the importance of not excessive splashing and not spending too much time in hot water. Also, be sure to have a step or other safe way to get in and out of the hot tub, so they don’t slip and fall. If you fail to take these precautions, you could find yourself in hot water—literally.
8. Not Cleaning Your Hot Tub Regularly
It’s necessary to clean your hot tub regularly, especially if you live in an area with high humidity or lots of trees nearby. Fallen leaves and pollen can quickly turn your clean hot tub into a green mess. Be sure to brush and vacuum the sides and bottom of your tub weekly. Proper cleaning can eliminate being forced to buy a new hot tub in just a few years.
9. Forgetting To Check pH Levels
You should check your hot tub’s pH levels at least once a week. The ideal pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6. Use a test kit to check the levels, and add chemicals to raise or lower the levels as needed. pH levels determine how effective your hot tub is at maintaining alkalinity and preventing corrosion. Neglecting it can result in diseases, water staining, and a shortened lifespan of your tub.
If the pH level is too high, it can cause skin irritation, problems with chlorine, and scale formation. If the pH level is too low, it can lead to corrosion and eye irritation.
10. Not Knowing When to Call a Professional
Sometimes you need to call in a hot tub repair professional, no matter how well you take care of your tub. If you aren’t sure what’s wrong with your tub or how to fix it, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. An expert will diagnose the problem and get your hot tub up and running again in no time.
We hope you enjoyed this list of the biggest hot tub mistakes to avoid. If you’re looking for more advice, check out our other blog posts on Outdoor Trends. Some of our popular guide topics include best inflatable hot tubs for relaxation, best ice fishing fish finders, best drones for travel & adventure in 2022, best rifle scopes for hunting, best surfboards for beginners, best throwing axes and tomahawks for beginners, and best e-bikes for commuting.
