Owning a hot tub in Bakersfield offers year-round enjoyment, from soothing soaks on a cool winter evening to refreshing dips during our warm summer days. But to keep your oasis sparkling clean, safe, and ready for relaxation, a consistent maintenance routine is key. At Hot Tubs Plus, we understand that hot tub care can sometimes seem daunting, which is why we’re here to make it easy for you.
This seasonal guide will walk Bakersfield hot tub owners through essential maintenance tasks, helping you protect your investment and ensure countless hours of stress-free soaking.
Your Four-Season Hot Tub Maintenance Calendar
Consistency is the secret to a well-maintained hot tub. Here’s a general seasonal checklist to keep your spa in top shape:
Spring: Waking Up Your Oasis
As the Bakersfield weather starts to warm up, it’s a great time for a thorough refresh.
- Drain and Refill: Perform a complete drain, clean, and refill of your hot tub. This is crucial for removing accumulated dissolved solids and refreshing your water quality.
- Deep Clean Shell and Jets: While empty, thoroughly clean the hot tub shell with a non-abrasive cleaner. Use a brush or sponge to clean out jet nozzles and ensure they’re free of debris.
- Filter Cartridge Cleaning/Replacement: Give your filter cartridges a deep chemical clean. If they’re old or damaged, replace them.
- Cover Inspection & Cleaning: Inspect your hot tub cover for any cracks, tears, or waterlogging. Clean the cover thoroughly, inside and out, with a specialized cover cleaner and conditioner to protect it from UV damage.
- Check Plumbing & Equipment: Briefly inspect visible plumbing for leaks and ensure all equipment (heater, pumps) is functioning correctly.
Summer: Keeping It Sparkling & Balanced
With more frequent use during the summer months, your focus will be on consistent water quality.
- Regular Chemical Balancing: Test your water 2-3 times a week (or before each use if used heavily) for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels (chlorine/bromine or salt system levels). Adjust as needed.
- Skim & Wipe: Daily or every other day, skim any debris from the water surface. Wipe down the waterline to prevent scum buildup.
- Filter Rinsing: Rinse your filter cartridge(s) with a hose every 1-2 weeks, more often with heavy use.
- Shock Treatment: Apply a shock treatment weekly or bi-weekly to break down organic contaminants and keep your water clear.
Fall: Preparing for Cooler Evenings
As temperatures cool down, ensure your hot tub is ready for cozy evening soaks.
- Minor Drain & Refill (Optional): If your summer use was very heavy, consider a partial or full drain and refill to refresh water quality before winter.
- Check Heater & Insulation: Ensure your heater is functioning efficiently. Inspect insulation around the cabinet if accessible.
- Review Cover Seal: Ensure your hot tub cover is sealing properly to retain heat and reduce energy costs. Replace if the seal is compromised.
- Inspect Jets & Controls: Confirm all jets are working and controls are responsive.
Winter: Enjoying Your Warm Retreat
Winter in Bakersfield means your hot tub will likely be a beloved retreat. Consistent chemical maintenance is still paramount.
- Continued Water Testing: Even if use decreases, continue testing and balancing your water regularly (at least weekly).
- Maintain Water Level: Ensure the water level stays above the skimmer to prevent damage to pumps.
- Cover Care: Keep your hot tub cover free of any heavy debris.
- Energy Efficiency: Keep the cover on when not in use to minimize heat loss and save on electricity.
Saltwater Systems vs. Traditional Care
Many modern hot tubs, like those from Hot Spring Spas with the FreshWater Salt System, offer an alternative to traditional chlorine or bromine care.
- Saltwater Systems (e.g., Hot Spring FreshWater Salt System): These systems generate natural chlorine from salt, often resulting in softer-feeling water and fewer harsh chemical odors. Maintenance typically involves adding salt periodically, cleaning the salt cell, and still monitoring pH and alkalinity. While they offer convenience, it’s not “no maintenance” – just a different approach that can reduce the frequency of manual chemical additions. Hot Spring notes that these systems typically require water changes only once a year.
- Traditional Care (Chlorine/Bromine): This involves manually adding chlorine or bromine sanitizers, along with balancers for pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. It requires more frequent testing and adjustment.
Regardless of your system, regular filter cleaning, water testing, and periodic draining/refilling are non-negotiable for clean, healthy water.
DIY vs. Professional Service: When to Call the Experts
While many routine tasks are simple DIY, there are times when professional help is invaluable:
- DIY When: You’re comfortable with water testing, chemical adjustments, filter cleaning, and basic shell cleaning.
- Call a Pro When:
- You notice unusual noises from the pumps or heater.
- Your water remains cloudy or unbalanced despite your best efforts.
- You experience leaks.
- Your heater isn’t working, or your hot tub isn’t maintaining temperature.
- You have an error code you can’t resolve.
- You prefer the convenience of letting experts handle it!
Keep Your Hot Tub Running Flawlessly!
Regular maintenance ensures your hot tub remains a safe, enjoyable, and energy-efficient part of your home. Don’t let maintenance become a chore!
- Need a Fresh Start? Bring a water sample to our Bakersfield showroom for a FREE professional water analysis and personalized advice!
- Time for Your Annual Check-Up? Proactive maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the line. Schedule your annual hot tub service with our certified technicians today! We service all major hot tub brands, including Hot Spring and Caldera Spas.
Let Hot Tubs Plus help you maximize your hot tub enjoyment with minimal fuss!
