Essential Hot Tub Maintenance Tips in Autumn
Let’s run through 7 essential hot tub maintenance tips in Autumn.
As the leaves begin to fall and the air grows crisp, autumn presents an ideal season for hot tub enjoyment in the autumn …and maintenance!
It’s a time when your hot tub requires special care.
Surrey’s natural surroundings, combined with the fluctuating weather typical of the UK autumn months, create unique challenges for maintaining your hot tub.
Regular maintenance during this season ensures that your tub stays clean, efficient, and ready for relaxation all year round.
1. Keeping Autumn Leaves and Twigs Out of Your Hot Tub
With Surrey’s lush landscape, autumn brings an abundance of falling leaves and twigs, which can quickly find their way into your hot tub.
While relaxing in a warm hot tub on a cool autumn evening sounds delightful, dealing with debris isn’t.
Not only can leaves and branches clog your filters, but they can also affect the water chemistry, making it harder to maintain the correct balance.
To prevent this, make a habit of checking the water’s surface daily and skimming out any leaves, dirt, or other floating debris.
Additionally, covering your hot tub when it’s not in use is essential during autumn.
A weatherproof cover will protect your tub from falling leaves and reduce the amount of cleaning needed. The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association(BISHTA) recommends using covers not only to protect against debris but also to retain heat and energy.
2.Balance Hot Tub Water Chemistry for Autumn Temperatures
Autumn in the UK brings significant temperature fluctuations, from sunny afternoons to chilly nights.
These shifts can affect the water chemistry of your hot tub, making regular testing and adjustments crucial.
As the weather cools, water can become more susceptible to chemical imbalances, which may lead to cloudy water or even skin irritation if not properly managed.
Maintaining the proper pH level (between 7.2 and 7.6) is vital to ensure your hot tub is safe and comfortable for use.
Using a high-quality water test kit to monitor pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels (chlorine or bromine) will keep the water in optimal condition.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also emphasises the importance of maintaining appropriate disinfectant levels in hot tubs to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
In addition to testing, remember to shock your hot tub water periodically to eliminate any build-up of contaminants, oils, and organic matter.
As autumn arrives, you may need to adjust the frequency of shocking, particularly after periods of heavy use or exposure to debris.
3. Clean Hot Tub Filters for Optimal Performance in Autumn
Autumn’s increased pollen, dirt, and falling leaves can quickly clog your hot tub filters.
Dirty or clogged filters reduce the efficiency of your hot tub, placing extra strain on the pump and leading to higher energy costs.
To avoid this, it’s important to clean your filters regularly throughout autumn.
At least once a month, remove the filters and rinse them with a hose to remove surface debris.
For a deeper clean, use a specialised filter cleaning solution to break down oils and residues that accumulate over time.
If your filter has been in use for more than a year, autumn is a good time to consider replacing it entirely.
Our Hot Tub expert in Surrey advises replacing filters every 12 months, depending on usage, to ensure your hot tub remains energy-efficient and its components stay protected.
Keeping your filters clean not only ensures clean water but also prolongs the life of your hot tub’s pump and heating system
4. Drain and Refill Your Hot Tub For Cooler Months
As you prepare for the colder months ahead, autumn is the perfect time to drain and refill your hot tub.
This essential maintenance task helps to eliminate any chemical build up and ensures your water is fresh as winter approaches.
If you haven’t changed your hot tub water in the last three to four months, it’s highly recommended to do so in autumn, before temperatures drop.
Before draining, make sure to turn off the power and allow the tub to cool down.
Once drained, clean the interior thoroughly, paying special attention to the waterline, which can accumulate dirt and oils over time.
Rinsing your filters while the tub is drained will also keep everything running smoothly once refilled.
When refilling your hot tub, ensure you’re using balanced water chemistry from the start, so you don’t have to make excessive adjustments later.
Be mindful of autumn rainstorms, which can easily dilute chemicals or lead to an overflowing tub if not properly covered.
Keeping your tub covered after refilling also helps maintain a consistent water level and chemical balance.
5. Managing Autumn Rain and Moisture with your Hot Tub
Surrey’s weather is often unpredictable, especially during autumn.
Frequent rain showers can pose challenges for maintaining your hot tub.
Although hot tubs are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, excessive moisture can still affect the water chemistry, temperature, and even the structural integrity of the tub if it isn’t properly protected.
Using a durable, weather-resistant hot tub cover is crucial to protecting your tub from rainfall.
Look for covers made with high-quality materials that can withstand both heavy rain and wind.
Additionally, some hot tub owners in Surrey invest in gazebo or pergola structures to provide extra protection from the elements, allowing them to enjoy their hot tubs even during the rainiest of autumn days.
Shielding your hot tub from the weather extends its lifespan and reduces the frequency of maintenance.
6. Preparing Your Hot Tub for Cold Autumn Weather
As autumn transitions into winter, it’s time to think about winterising your hot tub if you plan to take a break from using it during the colder months.
Winterising involves draining the hot tub completely, and ensuring all water is removed from the pipes and components to prevent freezing and potential damage.
For those planning to continue using their hot tub throughout the winter, it’s still important to prepare.
Adding an insulated cover and ensuring your hot tub has adequate insulation will help retain heat and reduce energy consumption during the colder months.
For additional peace of mind, have a professional check your hot tub’s insulation and heating components in autumn to ensure everything is in top working condition for the coming winter.
All our Pools & Spas Windlesham hot tubs come with thick insulation.
James Whiteley from Pools & Spas Windelsham, says “Our Vita Spa range has a unique thermal barrier technology that recycles the free heat energy for more efficient heating.
All four sides of the hot tub, plus the floor and cover, are lined with copper material to reflect radiant heat energy generated from the pumps back into the spa. Heat is then absorbed by the plumbing and shell to maintain water temperature.
Finally, the entire exterior of the hot tub is wrapped in 3M Thinsulate™ Insulation, the same incredible material utilised in winter clothing. This three-layer patented system ensures energy created by the spa stays in the Hot Tub.”
7. Routinely Set Hot Tub Maintenance Inspections in the Autumn
Finally, autumn is a great time to perform a thorough inspection of your hot tub.
As the weather cools and you’re using the tub more frequently, check for any signs of wear and tear.
Look at the condition of the cover, the seal around the tub, and the jets to ensure they are in good working order.
Inspect the pump, heater, and control panel for any unusual sounds or malfunctions.
Early detection of potential issues can save you from costly repairs down the line.
Many hot tub owners schedule an annual professional inspection in autumn to address any problems before they escalate.
Hot Tub & Spa Maintenance Is Vital For The Autumn
Taking care of your hot tub in autumn requires a bit more attention due to Surrey’s unpredictable weather and abundant falling leaves.
However, with regular cleaning, proper water chemistry, and protective measures, you can enjoy your hot tub with friends, whilst having it sparkling, well-maintained throughout the season.
By following these autumn-specific maintenance tips, you’ll not only extend the life of your hot tub but also ensure it’s always ready for you to enjoy, whether during a crisp autumn evening or throughout the winter months.
