Are you sad to see summer come to an end? We understand. After all, what could be better than lounging in the pool with a drink in your hand?

Even though you will have to close your pool, winters in Alabama do not have to be boring! Keep in mind that you also have a hot tub. The winter months are ideal for relaxing in the hot tub’s steaming water.

But, before we get to the fun part, there is some cleaning to do. You must open your hot tub for the spa season for it to function correctly. If you live in Millbrook, AL, or anywhere else in the Montgomery Metropolitan Area, here are some hot tub preparation tips you should know:

Inspection

First things first, uncover your hot tub. There should not be any leftover water if you closed it properly in the summer. If there is water, drain it completely. 

Draining is essential before cleaning as the leftover water can freeze and damage the plumbing. 

While inspecting, do not forget to check for cracks on the hard shell. 

Cleaning

Cleaning both the interior and exterior parts of the hot tub is a must. While you can clean the outside area with simply a hose, cleaning the interiors will take some work.

First, remove the filter and clean it with a cleaner to get the grime off. You can even soak it in a chemical cleaner for 24 hours for deep cleaning. Once done, rinse it thoroughly till there is no residue left. Change the filter if you have used it for more than a year. 

To clean the shell:

• Use a non-abrasive cleaner.
• Avoid using a soap-based cleaner as they leave a residue. You can make a 50-50 vinegar and water solution and use it to clean.
• With the same solution, remove the green or white waterline build-up. 

Drain thoroughly. 

Filling 

To fill your hot tub, put the hose in the filter’s core area. Remember to fill it up through the plumbing lines, as it will ensure that the motor is not dry. This way, the air will also be pushed out—built-up air causes airlock and damages the pump.

To avoid flooding, set a timer before you grab your magazine and sit. The timer will let you know when to turn the water off. 

Turning on the Hot Tub

Now, it is time to turn the hot tub on! Hang on, though. First, check the safety breaker—if your tub has one, ensure everything is all set.

Turn on the hot tub. Ideally, the water’s temperature should be somewhere around 100-102°F. 

Balancing the water

Before you jump in your hot tub, you have to make sure that it is sanitized. If you want, you can give shock treatment to make sure that the water is fit to relax in. Usually, people use bromine or chlorine to sanitize. Run the tub with the chemicals in it for 24 hours. 

Now, you are all set to enjoy and spend your cold winter nights in your hot tub! If you live in Millbrook or anywhere in the River Region area, give us a call at (334) 264-2700 or contact us online for quality yet affordable hot tub repairs or renovation.