Having a hot tub at home is synonymous with relaxation, health, and quality of life. But for a truly complete experience, it's essential to take care of the water and keep your hot tub clean and in good condition, especially if it's outdoors. Whether it's a square hot tub , a round hot tub , or even a small hot tub designed for small spaces, maintenance is key to enjoying it year-round.
Here we offer a practical guide to properly care for your outdoor hot tub , prolonging its lifespan and ensuring a perfect wellness experience every time.
Why is it important to maintain your outdoor jacuzzi?
Both square and round hot tubs are exposed to sun, dust, leaves, rain, and even temperature fluctuations. Without proper maintenance, the water can become cloudy, algae can develop, or even damage the hot tub 's internal components.
Additionally, hot water is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria if not properly controlled . Therefore, if you have a small hot tub on your terrace, garden, or attic, you should pay special attention to the chemical balance of the water and the cleanliness of the filters.
First steps after installation
Regardless of the model—a round jacuzzi for intimate use or a square jacuzzi with an elegant design—there are some basic maintenance tips that shouldn't be missed from day one:
- Fill your hot tub only with tap water (cold or warm) . Avoid using well water or reverse osmosis or water softening equipment, as these can disrupt the chemical balance and damage the internal mechanisms.
- Shower before each session . This minimizes the entry of residues such as oils, sunscreen, or cosmetics, which affect water quality.
- Ventilate your hot tub daily , especially if it is covered, to prevent steam and chemical buildup under the cover.
Weekly routine: the secret to success
Your small hot tub requires consistency. With a simple routine, you can keep the water clean and the system in perfect condition:
1. Filter the water every day
The water must circulate for several hours to remain oxygenated and free of debris. For a 2- or 3-seater hot tub , 4 hours a day is usually sufficient. If the water appears cloudy, increase the time or check the filter.
2. Control the pH and TAC
- TAC (total alkalinity) helps stabilize pH. It should be maintained between 120 and 140 mg/L.
- The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.4 if you use chlorine, or between 7.6 and 7.8 if you use bromine.
Controlling these values is crucial, whether you have a traditional hot tub or a small portable hot tub.
3. Effective disinfection
Choose the disinfectant that best suits your preferences:
- Chlorine : powerful and economical, but can be more aggressive on the skin.
- Bromine : softer, ideal for hot water.
- Active oxygen : perfect for hot tubs with temperatures below 30°C.
Avoid mixing products and perform shock treatments if you notice a loss of transparency.
Fighting limescale in outdoor hot tubs
Round and square hot tubs, especially those installed outdoors, are susceptible to limescale buildup. Hot water creates scale that damages pumps, pipes, and jets.
Tip : Add a specific hot tub descaler weekly. This will prolong the life of your hot tub and prevent those annoying white marks on the acrylic.
The filter: the heart of your hot tub
Clean the filter at least once a week with clean water or special products. A dirty filter reduces hot tub performance and can damage key components.
Remember: Change the filter cartridge every 3-4 months at most, especially if you use your small hot tub daily or have several frequent users.
What if I don't have time? Use complete maintenance kits.
You'll find cleaning kits on the market that greatly simplify your maintenance routine. They're ideal if you have a round family hot tub or a square hot tub for intensive use . They include:
- pH stabilizers
- Pre-measured disinfectants
- Anti-limescale and water test
- Automatic brushes and cleaners
A well-maintained hot tub guarantees health, durability, and comfort. Whether it's a small hot tub in an urban courtyard, a minimalist square hot tub, or a round hot tub overlooking the garden, the most important thing is to keep the water clean and the equipment protected.
At Aquavia Spa , we help you make maintenance simple, fast, and effective, so all you have to worry about is enjoying yourself.