Hot tubs owners warned over unknown risks and how it can become dangerous

Hot tubs are one luxurious, but pricey way to relax at home.

Whilst they lend a holiday feel to your back garden, hot tub owners need to maintain them lest they mind soaking in bacteria.

For all its pleasures, this decadent home amenity can be difficult to keep up.

Although life can get in the way, hot tub owners should enjoy their soak in full confidence that their hot tubs are clean, well-maintained and in tip top condition.

Even if your hot tub is laying unused, the truth of the matter is that it still needs to be maintained.

Here's what can happen if you put off maintain your hot tub, plus how to get it back in working order this winter, according to hot tub distributor Aquaspa.

What happens when hot tubs aren't maintained

Bacteria and debris await people who soak in unmaintained hot tubs (Getty)

Bacteria build-up

One of the biggest problems unused or poorly maintained hot tubs experience is a build-up of bacteria.

Spa and hot tub chemicals are designed to work in hot water, helping to kill the bacteria that can build up in the water.

If you do not treat your spa regularly, there is a greater risk of bacteria building up. This can cause problems for anyone using the hot tub in the future.

A build-up of chemicals

Hot tub chemicals are designed to help treat bacteria in the water.

The problem is that not everyone gets the dosage correct. Many chemicals come with detailed instructions to help you work out the right amount of chemicals to put in, ensuring your hot tub will stay in good condition and will be safe to use.

Using too many chemicals can lead to an overdose in the water.

Dirty water

Not showering before using a hot tub can lead water to turn cloudy or green (Getty Images/EyeEm)

Hot tub covers help to keep the water clear by preventing debris and bugs from getting into the pool.

Sometimes, they still manage to get in, and the water can get dirty.

Not showering before and after using a hot tub can lead to the water turning cloudy or green.

If your hot tub has a musty smell to it or seems to have a lot of foam sitting on top of the water, do not use it as it will need to be drained and treated.

Blocked filters

Hot tub filters can become blocked as they get dirtier. The pumps in your hot tub then have to work harder to pull water through clogged filters, making your hot tub less effective at filtering the water. This can lead to a build-up of debris and bacteria, lowering the lifespan not only of your pumps but also the hot tub itself.

Getting your hot tub ready for winter

There is nothing quite like using your hot tub in winter.

The warmth of the tub with the harsh weather outside is the perfect way to relax and unwind, offering a number of healthcare benefits. The question is, how do you care for your hot tub in winter?

Some users like to keep their hot tub running during the winter, while others will empty it and shut it down, only using it in the summer. Which method is best?

Option 1 - keep it running

One of the most effective ways to look after your hot tub in the winter is to keep it full and running.

This provides the best protection to the various parts and pipework in the hot tub itself.

While many assume that the best thing to do is to drain the hot tub, any water that may remain inside of it, no matter how little there is, runs the risk of freezing and causing pipes to crack. When you refill your hot tub, this could then lead to leaks.

Keeping your hot tub full and running throughout winter means that you can protect the pipework more effectively and still continue to use it. There are a few ways you can save on running costs if you decide to keep the hot tub running in the winter.

• Use a floating thermal blanket, specifically designed for hot tubs, to prevent heat loss. These blankets prevent evaporation in colder winter months and keep the hot tub at a standard temperature, saving you money.
• Make sure you protect your hot tub with a cover. Lids and covers are essential for hot tub owners, as they fit securely over the tub and prevent debris from getting into the tub, such as leaves and branches. Debris can block filters and cause damage to the internal workings of the hot tub, making covers important to use.

Option 2 - drain it completely

Another popular method for looking after your hot tub in the winter is to drain it and turn it off.

Simply switching the tub off is a bad idea, as the water can freeze in the pipes and cause a number of problems further down the line. You’ll need to use a submersible pump to fully drain your tub and make sure there is no water left in the system at all.

If you know that you will not be using your hot tub at all in the winter, this is the best method to ensure it is working properly in the future and care for it during the winter. Referred to as winterising a hot tub, you’ll need to make sure it is completely empty.

• Drain the hot tub completely. This means using a pump or a built-in gravity drain, followed by a wet and dry vacuum on all of the jets. Using the vacuum will make sure there is no water left in the tub and prevent freezing problems.
• Clean and dry the hot tub. This will help to ensure that there is no moisture left anywhere and that your hot tub will be ready to use again in the spring.
• Fit a cover over the hot tub. This will prevent any debris from damaging the hot tub throughout the winter and allow you to keep it ready to use for the warmer months.

When winter is over

Whether you have decided to keep your hot tub running throughout the winter or drain it, you’ll want to make sure everything is working properly in the spring. The best way to do this is to complete hot tub maintenance as you would at any other time.

Give your hot tub a thorough clean, check for damage, and drain and refill it. This will help to extend the life of your hot tub and give you the best experience with it in the future. Repairing hot tubs can become a complicated process, so the best thing to do is conduct regular maintenance and identify issues before they become serious problems.

Regular maintenance can help you spot problems

Regular maintenance can help to keep your hot tub in top condition, but it can also alert you to potential problems. You might find that your hot tub doesn’t get to the recommended temperature. If so, this can be an indication that there is a larger problem you need to address.

It can help to create a maintenance plan for your hot tub and add it to your diary. This will keep you on track for looking after your hot tub and ensure you get the most out of it for years to come.