How to care for your outdoor hot tub properly
Crystal-clear water paradise:
An outdoor hot tub in the garden is an oasis of relaxation and recreation. However, the right water care is essential to ensure that your bathing pleasure remains untroubled. You can only fully enjoy the beneficial effects of your hot tub if the water is clean and hygienic.
This article will guide you step by step through the most important aspects of water care and show you how to keep your hot tub in top condition.
The importance of water care
The combination of hot, bubbling water and use by several people places special demands on water hygiene. Sweat, sun cream, body oils and other impurities contaminate the water and can lead to the following problems:
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Material damage: Imbalances in the water can shorten the life of your hot tub and cover.
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Overloading the filter system: Contaminants clog the filter, increasing wear and tear and affecting water circulation.
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Algae and bacteria growth: Poor water quality promotes the proliferation of microorganisms that can endanger your health.
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Unpleasant bathing experiences: Cloudy water, bad odors and skin irritation can significantly reduce your enjoyment of the hot tub.
The filter system: your first line of defense
Before you reach for chemical cleaners, you should make the most of your hot tub's mechanical filtration system. The filter system removes coarse impurities and makes chemical water treatment easier.
Important tips for filter maintenance:
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Regular filter cycles: Run the filter at least twice a day for two hours each time to ensure adequate water circulation.
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Weekly cleaning: Rinse the filter with clear water every week to remove coarse dirt.
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Monthly deep cleaning: Clean the filter once a month with a special filter cleaner.
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Chemical cleaning and replacement: Every three to four months, the filter should be soaked in a cleaning solution for 24 hours and then rinsed thoroughly. Replace the filter when cleaning is no longer sufficient.
Understanding and adjusting water values
The correct water values are crucial for hygienic and skin-friendly whirlpool water.
Important water values at a glance:
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pH value: The ideal range is between 7.0 and 7.2. A pH value that is too high or too low can impair the effectiveness of disinfectants and cause skin irritation.
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Alkalinity: It stabilizes the pH value and prevents strong fluctuations.
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Calcium hardness: The content of dissolved calcium and magnesium salts should be within the recommended range to prevent deposits or corrosion.
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Disinfectant content: A sufficient level is essential to kill bacteria and germs.
How to adjust the water values:
Measure the water values regularly with a test kit and correct them with the appropriate products if necessary. The operating instructions for your hot tub contain detailed information on determining the water volume and calculating the quantities of chemicals required.
Dosing and using chemicals correctly
The correct handling of chemicals is crucial for water care:
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Observe the safety instructions on the packaging.
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Wear protective clothing such as gloves, safety goggles and long-sleeved clothing when handling chemicals.
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Store chemicals safely and out of the reach of children and pets.
Order of chemical dosing:
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After refilling:
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Adjust pH to 7.0-7.2.
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Heat the water to the desired temperature.
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Test the water values.
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Add disinfectant.
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Add other products such as alkalinity or calcium regulators.
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Weekly maintenance:
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Test water values.
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Adjust pH value.
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Add disinfectant.
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Adjust calcium hardness if necessary.
Shock chlorination: For crystal clear water
Regular shock chlorination removes stubborn impurities and organic deposits. It should be carried out:
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After every refill.
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Once a week for intensive use.
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After heavy rain or storms.
Important notes on shock chlorination:
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Follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions.
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Avoid contact with the water during shock chlorination.
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Wait for the recommended time before using the whirlpool again.
