Helpful Pool & Spa Advice
Going Away On Vacation? Preparing Your Hot Tub Before You Go.
Are you preparing to go on vacation or away for an extended period of time? Worried about how your hot tub will fair during this time? We have prepared a checklist of things you should do to prepare before leaving. If you follow these steps, things should go smoothly and your hot tub will be in good condition when you return.
Test & Balance The Water Chemistry
- Ensure the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels are properly balanced.
- Adjust the chemicals to their ideal ranges to prevent any imbalances while you’re away.
- Use a water testing kit to verify the chemical levels.
- Shock your hot tub water with a non-chlorine or chlorine shock.
- This helps to oxidize contaminants and prevents bacteria growth.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate amount of shock to use.
- Remove and clean the hot tub filters thoroughly.
- Use a filter cleaning solution or a garden hose to rinse out debris and contaminants.
- Ensure the filters are completely dry before reinstalling them.
- Reduce the water temperature to save energy and prevent overheating.
- Set the temperature to around 80°F (27°C) or the lowest setting.
- This will also slow down the growth of bacteria and algae.
- Securely cover your hot tub with a high-quality cover.
- Ensure the cover is tightly fitted to prevent debris from entering the water.
- Use cover locks or straps to keep the cover in place.
- Place a floating dispenser with slow-dissolving sanitizer tablets in the water.
- This will help maintain the sanitizer levels while you’re away.
- Ensure the dispenser is properly adjusted to release the correct amount of sanitizer.
- Adjust the circulation pump settings to run less frequently if possible.
- If your hot tub has a vacation mode, activate it to reduce energy usage.
- Ensure there is still some circulation to prevent stagnant water.
- Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your hot tub occasionally.
- Provide them with instructions on what to look for and any maintenance tasks.
- Leave them contact information in case they need assistance.
If you have questions about this topic, or have a suggestion for future topics, please feel freee to let us know!