Much that is written about hot tub maintenance focuses on balancing the water and keeping it safe and clean. While water management is, of course, a vital part of owning a hot tub, it is just as important to care for the shell of the unit as well – if you want to keep enjoying it for years to come.
There are two main aspects to this: keeping it clean and protecting it from the elements.
Adopting good practice in the care of your hot tub shell is something that all hot tub owners should be seeking to do. This should include the following:
Invest in a good cover
The cover has a number of purposes: it protects the hot tub from the elements, it helps to regulate water temperature, it prevents debris and contaminants from getting into the water, and it helps prevent accidents. You may have heard the saying, ‘don’t spoil the ship for a ha’porth of tar’ meaning don’t risk something good by scrimping on an important element of it. This is very relevant in this instance and it’s definitely worth investing in a good quality one that fits the hot tub well, after all, hot tubs aren’t cheap!
Cleenly Hot Tub Surface Cleaner 5L
Price: £14.99
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Use the cover properly
Just as you shouldn’t cut corners in your choice of cover, neither does it make sense to have a good one and then not use it properly. Always keep it on the hot tub when not in use (it can’t protect it if it’s not in place) and this includes during the day, even if you don’t intend to be out of it for long.
Maintain the cover well
The cover will last longer and perform better if you take care of it. This means keeping it clean and protecting it from weather conditions. Use a hot tub cleaning spray to clean any dirt from the surface and keep it hygienic. While rain can be damaging to hot tubs, the real danger is in sunlight. We all know the damage that UV can do to our skin, well it’s not too kind on hot tubs either. Just as you would use an SPF on your skin, so you should use protection on your hot tub too. A UV protection spray applied regularly throughout the spring and summer will prevent the sun from cracking and discolouring the cover.
1L Pro-Kleen UV Protector Spray and Polish Spray for Hot Tub Covers + Shells
Want to prevent your hot tub from looking worn and damaged due to UV rays? Pro-Kleen's UV Protect spray prevents signs of UV damage for your hot tub.
Price: £13.00
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Good water maintenance
Yes, we know we said that caring for the shell of the hot tub was a separate element of maintenance, but they are, as you might imagine, inextricably linked. Failing to balance the water and keep it clean will lead to things like metal oxidisation and corrosion and this will definitely lead to damage in the areas the water touches. Therefore, looking after the water will also help to look after the shell. Pay particular attention to the Total Alkalinity level as corrosion is most common if TA is low.
Protect the shell from UV as well
Just as the cover requires UV protection, so too does the shell itself. Exposure to sunlight is one of the main causes of shell cracking, becoming discoloured, and dulling. The same UV protector spray that you use on the cover can equally be used on the shell and the polishing properties of it will also give all surfaces a lovely sheen. You can also use it on your boat or yacht if you have one of those as well!
