Frequently Asked Questions

Are hot tubs difficult to clean or maintain? | Back to list of FAQ’s

Our custom built spas are very easy to maintain and clean.  It takes just a few minutes each month to keep your spa in tip, top shape. As with anything new, there is always a learning curve, but your Anthony & Sylvan location will offer all the advice and support you need to correctly operate and balance your new spa.

How often do I need to check the filter?

At least twice a month you should check the filter for debris, color, or tears in the element. The filter's natural color is white, so if you see that it is a light gray color, you may just need to spray the filter with a garden hose. If the filter is a dark gray or even black in color, you may be able to clean it with special filter cleaning solution or occasionally you will need to purchase a replacement.  Your Anthony & Sylvan location has replacement filters in stock for you.

Are the oils & soaps from my skin bad for my spa?

You should always try to avoid getting oil based or soap-based products in your spa water.  If possible, rinse off prior to getting in the spa.

Products like hair spray, hair mousse, styling gels, deodorants or anti-perspiration sprays, suntan lotion, skin creams, and excess soap or dyes in bathing suits can affect the water. Any of these could seriously cloud up your water or clog your filter. A good tip - keep some baseball or bathing caps near your spa so that friends with longer hair can tuck it under the cap to keep it from getting into the spa water. This will keep a lot of hair, hair spray and hair products from getting into the spa.

What chemicals am I supposed to use?

Keeping your spa’s water crystal clear and healthy isn't hard, but it's different from maintaining the water in a swimming pool. For one thing, spa water is hotter, and there are usually more people using a spa per less square feet of water. In addition, people's bodies contain substances like deodorants, perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, and natural body oils and these also can contaminate the water. So, you need a variety of spa chemicals to maintain the quality and clarity of the water your spa. Your local Anthony & Sylvan location should be able to suggest the right chemicals for your spa, and how much of them to use based on the gallons of water your spa holds.

What if I don’t like chlorine?

Fortunately, there's product available to keep your spa clean and kill bacteria that thrive in warm water. This chemical is bromine, and it comes in crystals or tablets, just like chlorine. You can load them into a floating dispenser that stays in your spa whenever you’re not using it.  In addition to chlorine or bromine keeping the water clear and clean, they help maintain the proper balance of alkalinity and pH, which is one critical part of spa water maintenance.

What if my water is cloudy instead of being crystal clear?

There are many reasons why water in a spa may not look as clear as it should. With the help of your local Anthony & Sylvan location, you will soon learn how to make sure this never happens to you. To keep spa water sparkling, you must ensure that there is adequate filtration. If the filtration is not to blame, then suspicion falls on the sanitation. The tub may not be maintaining a level of chlorine or bromine sufficient to the demand placed on it. Many times a good shock treatment (super-chlorination) and a boosting of the overall chlorine or bromine level will solve the problem.

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