OMGGGGG 5 years now and FINALLY someone who I can understand when explaining how to own, maintain a hot tub. Seriously. 🤦🏼♀️ THANK YOUUUUU. I wish I found this channel years ago but better late than never
That intro resonated with me SO WELL! First-time home buyer with a hot tub. I have no idea what I'm doing. Google says 5 things, youtube contradicts Google 😱 your video helped SO much. Thank you!
Glad I came across you. I'm a new hot tub owner and been having cloudy water issues at well as chlorine issues. I add what is required and still the test strip is white, no changes 🤔
For anyone new, here is a few more money saving tips. Don't buy alkalinity booster, ph up or ph down. Buy regular baking soda for alkalinity and if the ph is still low just aerate and for lowering the ph add muriatic acid. Muriatic acid will also lower alkalinity.
Thanks for this. We're new hot tub owners; only seven more days until the electrician comes to install the new circuit and wire it up. Just a quick note on pH vs. alkalinity/acidity. pH is the negative log of the hydrogen ion activity (approximated closely enough by the hydrogen ion concentration). Acidity is it's own property and is defined as the amount of strong base needed to titrate a sample to a certain pH endpoint, typically 8.3. Alkalinity is a measure of the amount of strong acid required to titrate a sample to a certain pH endpoint, typically 4.2; the counterpart to acidity.
Correct! I have another video that goes deeper into that. I assume from your comment I must have messed that up in this one? I'll have to go back and watch. But baking soda is a great, inexpensive way to increase alkalinity (and as you noted, pH too, but it's less effective on that). Good catch!
Thanks, Liz! You might really like this newer video I've done also on the 23 Most Important Things to Know Before Buying Your 1st Hot Tub - ua-cam.com/video/zw-SCTZpvIQ/v-deo.html Let me know if you have any questions! Jeff
Quick tip - to raise alkalinity cheaply, use Baking Soda. Like the cheap stuff at the store. No need to buy a special bottle of Alkalinity Up or whatever, it's just cheap baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) inside.
Most every hot tub product sold in the retail store can be bought in generic chemical form elsewhere for a lower price. They try to conceal this with vague names like pH down but it’s just common dry acid repackaged and 4x the price
I really like your video. I did notice one oddity - you picked up Leisure Time Renew and said, "This is 100% Bromine". It's actually a non-chlorine shock (Potassium Peroxymonosulfate). That said - I really, really, really wish that your video existed before I got my hot tub, because you explained water chemistry in a way that was better than anyone else who I have come across. I will also make sure to use your affiliate link to buy Oh Yuk!
This question is not necessarily about chemicals but have you ever seen a hot tub filter with small, thin, white colored fibers embedded in it. My local pool store had never seen it before. I have since picked up a new filter and did a drain, clean and refill of my hottub but I'm a little concerned about what that could have been. Thank you for your channel.
Yes! An inflatable shouldn't be appreciably different from other kinds. Thanks for being here! I don't have a lot on my UA-cam channel about inflatables since I don't have one to show (although I'm going to buy some in the spring to use for future videos). But I do have a lot on my website about inflatables in case any of those would help you - hottubownerhq.com/
I like the simplicity of this video. As a new hot tub owner, I am very frustrated by my green water after trying to follow the instructions from the dealer. Getting info in UA-cam or the internet is worse than Ford vs Chevy! If I had to do it over again I would never buy a spa from a dealer. Save thousands by learning first and buying from a private party. Pay to have it moved. Money in the bank. I'm a SUCKER.
A year after that comment, I found my way back here because I'm chasing the balance... again... still... if my wife didn't like it so much, this thing would be GONE. It has caused 1000x more stress than it has alleviated.
Love the videos you are my go to guy for hot tub videos now!!!! Subscribed and Liked! Curious your link to Oh Yuk shows a green bottle for Oh Yuk Jetted Tub Cleaner for Jet Tubs, Bathtubs, Whirlpools. Is that the color you use, I see they have a BLUE BOTTLE as well for hot tubs? Just want to make sure I get the correct one.
I’m watching your videos because it’s informative and I’m learning about how to plan to buy a hot tub and have it affordable. Thanks. I’m in Ventura California
Thanks Jeff, loving your videos! I'm about to make the switch from Chlorine to Bromine (lower levels in addition to Aquafinesse) I've been reading that Sodium Bromide is needed to create a 'bromine bank' - is this accurate.
Aaaaannnnndddddd.....my first ever reading of my brand new J235 jacuzzi hot tub is alkalinity off the scale high, bromine in off the scale high, PH off the scale high. I used Jacuzzi PH deceeaser cautiously and after 4 hours of constant small top up every 30 minutes all readings are still off the scale high. It's Sunday and I'll call Jacuzzi tomorrow morning. But at the moment no one is getting into my hot tub as it's deemed unsafe.
Hi Jeff... Love the site and all of the great information. Have you done any videos on digital handheld water chemistry analyzers? I am curious if it is worth the money, and if they are even as accurate as conventional test strips, etc. Thank you Sir! John Gordon
Hi!! Love your videos! Im new at this. Im from Alaska, it's winter now. ( about 30 degrees F) Any cold weather, hot tub advice? ( was super fun filling up hot tub w garden house lol)
We are getting a hot tub from a family member that went untreated for 2-3 years but was still on the entire time. Should we get anything special for restarting?
Hi Craig. I've definitely found variations between brands (which is why I tend to stick with 1). But I'm not sure how to gauge the accuracy of one over another other than going by reviews. The one I use is by Poolmaster and has almost 5,000 reviews and is almost 5-star. Here's the Amazon link if you want to check it out - amzn.to/315Hmw8 If you try one you think isn't accurate, I'd love to hear about it! Thanks Jeff
Jeff, hi, I'm in P24 as well. I have some questions for you about hot tubs if you may or may not know, but you seem to certainly know more than I do for sure. : ) I have some videos on my channel about the inflatable hot tub we purchased almost 3 years ago. We did a setup and tents and all then had to move it to the garage for being too cold out. And now we're adding extra insulation to the tent and moving it back outside. The only thing I didn't do was take a sample of my water to a local pool shop. I got all the required chemicals and used the hot tub for over 2 years and then I started getting some black greasy stuff in my hot tub (my most recent video). I called the company and they said NOT to use bromine with their tubs because of PVC pipes...?? I think that's what he said. But anyway, I looked everywhere online and couldn't find anything saying I shouldn't use bromine. Even in all their manuals say nothing. I even found people online that said the same thing, the company said not to use bromine, but nowhere else does it say not to. I saved the hot tub but had to toss the pump, it's just shot, and doesn't work. I probably should have taken it apart to see what actually happened before tossing it, bad choice on my part there. It was just a greasy mess in the pipes I just tossed it without thinking. So I need to spend $350 on a new pump. I don't want to have to use chlorine in the hot tub. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks
Hi Jason. Every hot tub has PVC pipes, so if that's what they told you that doesn't make sense. I'm wondering if they meant the vinyl or whatever the hot tub itself is made out of? Either way though, I've never heard of bromine being bad for inflatable hot tubs, and generally speaking, chlorine is a little harsher than bromine. I don't think I would spend $350 on an inflatable hot tub pump when you could get a brand new one for not much more than that; especially if you're having issues with it anyway. Let me dig around a little and see if I can find any info to confirm if bromine is bad for inflatable hot tubs. But if you can't use bromine and don't want chlorine, you might look to see if you can convert to a salt water or ozone system. Both of those systems can be purchased and added fairly easily, I've just a little unfamiliar with integrating them into an inflatable. I'll let you know if I get confirmation about bromine and inflatables. Thanks Jeff
@@HotTubOwnerHQ Thanks much for the reply. Could have been 'vinyl' and not pvc yes. I'll have to call them again and find out for sure. I looked to get an identical one (I paid about $400 for mine) and they are all unavailable on Amazon. (Possibly since they, Intex, is shut down and not shipping right now) On Intex's site they are about $650~$700 for a new one. I would hate to have to get all new chemicals too if I switch to chlorine too. I probably wouldn't have to switch all the chemicals, but I would need some new ones for sure. Yeah let me know what you can find out. I would hate to have to buy a new one, but if they aren't much more I guess it wouldn't hurt. That would just leave me with a perfectly good inflatable hot tub without a heater lol
@@HotTubOwnerHQ Jeff, Well I did one better... lol Went to a spa / hot tub show about a month ago that was close to where I live. I was just hoping to look and see what options were out there before buying a pump or a new inflatable one. The reps were clearly not interested in me since I only wanted to just ask a ton of questions. I thought they were there to answer questions, but I guess not, they wanted to know you were serious about buying one, then they would talk to you. It was for Getaway HotTubs. Wasn't one of the ones you listed when you listed off major companies. But after looking for about 2~3 hours and asking questions, I finally just broke down and got a hard shell hot tub (Bar Harbor SE) getawayhottubs.com/shop-hot-tubs/bar-harbor-se-5-person-hot-tub They say the "retail price" is $10,900 and I got it for the low low price of $5,600. Took about a month to get built and now they are going to be delivering it in the next few weeks. Just curious on your thoughts (good or bad) if it's not to bad, or I got ripped off.. lol It came with a step ladder and a cover as well. I'm going to make a video on the delivery and getting it set up, just like the inflatable hot tub videos I did.
Hi Jason. Cool! Getaway looks to be the lower end line for Master Spa, which is what mine is, so it should be great. The ozone system sounds like a plus; let me know if that truly results in using less sanitizer and shock. I'm glad you didn't pay the normal price as that seems ridiculous for a plug-n-play hot tub, but $5,600, while a tad on the high side for those, isn't out of line; especially with the ozone system. Post a link here or send me the video of you setting it up! Cheers, Jeff
@@HotTubOwnerHQ Good to hear, thanks. I can't wait to use little to no chemicals. I'll certainly be making videos, I'll let you know how it goes. If the Ozone system works as described, ie. change filter and water once a year, and barely use any chemicals outside of just a little shock when you get out, it will be well worth the cost for me anyway. They just called me from MN to start the shipping process, basically finding out if we're ready for shipping and then they are just going to get me scheduled for shipment. It shouldn't be much longer now for delivery. I'll link to the videos once it gets here and I get it setup. (hopefully Getaway has a referral program...? lol)
Yes! I typically get mine at Home Depot but sometimes Amazon, but if Walmart has what you need and isn't more expensive than Amazon, why not? I do not ever get mine at a Leslie's or other specialty dealer.
Hi Jeff, I'm about to purchase a cedar hot tub. Are there many noteworthy differences between wood and traditional Acrylic tubs that might be video worthy enough for you to comment on. More specifically, chemicals and maintenance. Thanks, Rick in Los Angeles
Ph is the scale of acidity to alkalinity at 1 to 14 with 7 being neutral. Using ph and alkalinity is redundant and baking soda is an alkaline base so it increases alkalinity, not decreases it as you suggest. Chemistry 101 dude))
When refilling the hottub, do I need to add more than the recommended weekly maintenance amount of chemicals just because I'm starting it back up again or do I stick to the normal weekly amounts (eg the weekly maintenance amounts we were recommended: 1 scoop of shock, 4oz of silk balance, 4tbsp chlorine granules, and 4 chlorine tabs --- do I need to increase this amount when refilling it back up?)
I always rely on the test strip. But I don't see why you'd need more. I check it first with the test strip and then adjust. Chances are you might need less, since there won't be any perfumes, body oils, skin flakes, etc. But it all depends on the quality of the water from your hose.
Just subscribed to your awesome channel. I have a question I’m hoping you can help with. What are your thoughts on ozone and bromine? I’ve read that it creates bromines which is carcinogenic.
Thanks Jeff. Just got our first hot tub. The dealer is trying to sell us on the mineraluxe system but it seems incredibly expensive. I'm guessing those expensive cubes aren't worth it?
Thank! We bought a spa, first we need to give shock dose of chlorine, that's fine for new spa but if after 2-3hours is all ok why we can use spa after 24 h. according to guide???
Should my chlorine level always be in the normal range when i test it? I add chlorine and shock a couple times a week because I'm using it about 5 days a week right now, i just got it recently :). But the test strips always indicate that the chlorine is gone the next day. Should I add more every time it shows low? Or do I assume the chlorine did its job and evaporated?
Hi Tony. I mentioned in my other comment about possibly trying bromine which can take the heat a lot better than chlorine. You can still use chlorine shock with bromine sanitizer too. What you might try is to over-chlorinate it one day where the levels are higher than normal and see if that allows you to have 2-3 days of not having to do any major adjustments. Just make sure you don't soak in levels above the norm.
Any thoughts on Frog@ease floating chlorine blue and grey ball? I was told I do not need to shock my hot tub with chlorine since I am using these and was told it was bad to mix a regular Chlorine shock with the frog @ease system? Is that correct? I was going to go to Bromine but decided I might as well use the frog system and then eventually go to bromine when I do a water change.
Hi, I just found your channel, and I’m kind of a newbie to hot tubs. I bought a house a year ago with a 20 year-old Lifestyles Prodigy, and the owner left me all the Baquaspa products. Since it was used, I purged the lines about 4 or 5 times with Ahhsome. I also purchased expensive new filters, and test it frequently. All the levels say the water is fine; however, I have city well water, and a water softener in the house. I bought a water filter for the hose, but I keep getting a calcium deposits on the surfaces. It’s like chalk and you can write your name in it. I drain it every 4 months, and clean everything, but I don’t know how to get rid of this film. I was given a product that is a calcium hardener, but I don’t know what that’s for. I’m scared to use the hot tub, but it’s in great condition! I do have a backyard neighbor who is on city water, and I was thinking of asking her if I could pay her to fill up my hot tub with her hose. I also would really like pure water because I’ve had a compromised immune system and want a healing tub, if possible. I bought Aquafinnesse, but haven’t used it because I don’t know how to start up with it. I’m very discouraged. Any suggestions? Thank you so much!!!
Hi Kathryn I have city water and it's still pretty high in calcium (although your water could definitely be higher). For starters, I use this product on Amazon - amzn.to/2ZrrVPI It both removes calcium deposits but it also helps prevent future ones. I use it every time I add new water. The other thing that occurred to be though was I wonder if, when you drain it, you clean it with a cleaner that's interacting with the chlorine when you fill it back up. Certain household cleaners do that, and do leave a sand-paper like white film on the acrylic shells that take months to wear off. If you think that's likely, maybe try something like white vinegar to clean the shell with, wipe down thoroughly after, and then even rinse with a hose and suck out with a wet dry vac before refilling.
Thanks! Just got a hot tub. We are so confused and the water is more like a chemical bath :( ugh I feel like I should drain the hot tub and start all over.
If you added too much chlorine or bromine, just wait 2-3 days. The levels will dissipate quickly (even faster with the lid off and jets on). That's the good news. Even being heavy handed with the chemicals, it doesn't take long for the levels to drop and you can start fresh without draining. Just start small once the levels are low. You can always add more. For the average sized hot tub, start with, at most, 1/4 cup of sanitizer (can be chlorine or bromine, liquid, powder, or tablets in a floater). Don't add anything for pH or alkalinity unless the test strip indicates you need it. Then, after your 1st week of using it, add about 1/4 cup of shock (can be chlorine or non-chlorine). When you add the chemicals keep the lid off at least 10 minutes and run the jets. Wait 20-30 minutes and test again and adjust if needed. Once you've done it for a month or 2, you'll get a lot better at gauging what your water needs and it will go quickly.
pH scale measures both acidity (low pH) and alkalinity (high pH) so it's not really clear to me why alkalinity is measured separately on test strips and is also treated differently to pH.
Thanks for the advise. Bought a 3 year old Maxx spa. Just a two person holding 140 gallons. Heard of a product called Spa Marvel. Was wondering your thoughts on it. Suppose to be a product to maintain your water quality for up to 3 months. Also helps with water scum from forming around and on tub. Any thought welcome. Will be following your videos. Thanks
Thanks! I hadn't heard of that so I checked it out. The reviews are good and it does indeed seem like you could use a lot less sanitizer and potentially go up to 6 months in between water changes. I guess I'll have to order a bottle and test it out, but it looks great. If you try it, let me know. Here's the Amazon link in case anyone wants to check it out - amzn.to/31fj58a
we have just taken an old hot tub from my parents that was old but like new, and had pumps replaced, filled up for first time. my husband shocked it, and it was running for a few days, then he mistakenly added baquacil algicide and we have foam like crazy. do we have to empty it or is there a solution that you know of? i thinks it's great to have your site!!!
In most cases you wouldn't have to drain it, just wait 4-10 days (depending on how bad it is). You could speed that up by using a net to manually scoop out the foam. Also make sure sanitizer, pH and alkalinity levels are decent too. But draining and refilling would be faster.
FIRST! what should the test strips test for? Is hardness, stability? SECOND! Is it ok to first stabilize alkylinity and then PH? Are there chemicals for that? THIRD! Are phosphate removers important? FOURTH! should the pool be shocked before or after use?
HELP! I have no choice but to use soft water for my hot tub. The hot tub came with the house as did the water softener. I had the water tested at a local spa dealer and was told the calcium is too low. I have a Quebec Canadian Spa that holds 900 L/238 gallons of water. I have watched all the videos I could find on the subject. I have added HT+ (calcium cloride) 20 grams/0.7 ounces at a time for a total of 160 grams/ approx 5.6 ounces and the calcium hardness is still low. What do I do? I have watched your video on this and you make it seem so easy. Please explain how to specifically add the calcium. Step by step. Perhaps I am doing something wrong. I am just broadcasting the flakes in the water and letting the water circulate 30 minutes the turning on the jets for 30 min and letting sit for 4-8 hours then repeat. Nothing is getting it past the 100pps reading on the test strip ( Aqua plus test strips) It is my first hot tub. I have a hot tub I cannot use and I am getting frustrated. I am limited to chemicals on Amazon France as that is were I am living. I appreciate any help or suggestions that you might be able to give. I have been doing this for 4 days now and just want to be able to enjoy my new space.
What's the difference between shock and sanitizer? And should I use a sequestering agent like metal free? And do all of these tips work with swim spas?
Sanitizer is something you add every few days to clean and purify the water. It is most commonly bromine (what I prefer) or chlorine, but there are some all-natural enzyme-based ones too. It can be powder, liquid or tablets in a floater (what I prefer these days). Shock is something you add every 7-10 days (depending on how often you use the hot tub) to reactivate the sanitizer. It is most often chlorine-based, but can be non-chlorine. I prefer chlorine shock with bromine tablets. If you know your water is high in iron or other metals (often the water will turn green for a few minutes after you add bromine or chlorine), then yes, I probably would add s product like Leisure Time's Metal Gone. Here's the Amazon link if you need it - amzn.to/2Jk77DN I also have a video coming out 11/30 that goes into the most common shock questions too that you may like.
**** Get the Oh Yuk! Hot Tub Cleaner I mention on Amazon! CLICK HERE - amzn.to/3ckfRmt
Currently unavailable.
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.
This guy needs to be a teacher. He is straight to the point, makes it easy to understand.
OMGGGGG 5 years now and FINALLY someone who I can understand when explaining how to own, maintain a hot tub. Seriously. 🤦🏼♀️ THANK YOUUUUU. I wish I found this channel years ago but better late than never
That intro resonated with me SO WELL! First-time home buyer with a hot tub. I have no idea what I'm doing. Google says 5 things, youtube contradicts Google 😱 your video helped SO much. Thank you!
Thanks, Rafal! I always appreciate constructive criticism, but it's so great when I hear about how much I was able to help.
In the same situation. My home came with one too
I am 86 yrs. old and I could understand him, I really gleamed a lot of information.
spent a evening watching hot tub videos, this is the best one.
Glad I came across you. I'm a new hot tub owner and been having cloudy water issues at well as chlorine issues. I add what is required and still the test strip is white, no changes 🤔
For anyone new, here is a few more money saving tips. Don't buy alkalinity booster, ph up or ph down. Buy regular baking soda for alkalinity and if the ph is still low just aerate and for lowering the ph add muriatic acid. Muriatic acid will also lower alkalinity.
Do you mean just run jets to aerate?
@goldengirls0125 if your jets also blow air bubbles, then yes.
@@mrsparefox3704 no I don’t have bubbles .
+1 for baking soda... it works better and is cheaper
@@Tripp_777how much baking soda?
Thanks for this. We're new hot tub owners; only seven more days until the electrician comes to install the new circuit and wire it up. Just a quick note on pH vs. alkalinity/acidity. pH is the negative log of the hydrogen ion activity (approximated closely enough by the hydrogen ion concentration). Acidity is it's own property and is defined as the amount of strong base needed to titrate a sample to a certain pH endpoint, typically 8.3. Alkalinity is a measure of the amount of strong acid required to titrate a sample to a certain pH endpoint, typically 4.2; the counterpart to acidity.
Thank you, I got more confused now 😅
Awesome! Thank you! New spa owner here and this clears up a lot of confusion. Thank you so much for taking the time to do these videos!!
Glad it was helpful!
Yes thank God for him
I got the Oh Yuk for my hot tub and jetted tub in my bathroom and it works great. Thanks Jeff for the info.
Great! It works great for me (in, fact on the to-do list for this week!)
JUST WHAT I needed. Why did I not watch this years ago
For what it’s worth the link you posted is for the green bottle which is for jetted tubs. Not the blue bottle which is for hot tubs
THANK you so much! you are a wonderful teacher and this is coming from a teacher.
Just got my first hot tub. You’re videos are very helpful!
Glad I could help! Thanks for being here! - Jeff
Baking Soda increases the alkalinity of water and a little of ph, it does not reduce it ;)
Correct! I have another video that goes deeper into that. I assume from your comment I must have messed that up in this one? I'll have to go back and watch. But baking soda is a great, inexpensive way to increase alkalinity (and as you noted, pH too, but it's less effective on that). Good catch!
Still hasn't been corrected
@@HotTubOwnerHQ isn't alkalinity the same thing as ph
Oh duh watch the whole video dumb dumb
@@deadair801 Nope
You seem very kind and know what you're talking about. I am a new spa owner and I am loving the info you provide. Subscribed and thank you!
Thanks, Rebecca!
Super Easy Install & Usage
Thx Jeff! Very informative and spoken in a simple and easy to understand way.
great video! thanks so much for making it to help educate and inform me and others!
Great tips Jeff! I'm looking into purchasing a hot tub, so I'm researching the amount of care needed. Thank you for all the info.
Thanks, Liz! You might really like this newer video I've done also on the 23 Most Important Things to Know Before Buying Your 1st Hot Tub - ua-cam.com/video/zw-SCTZpvIQ/v-deo.html
Let me know if you have any questions!
Jeff
Quick tip - to raise alkalinity cheaply, use Baking Soda. Like the cheap stuff at the store. No need to buy a special bottle of Alkalinity Up or whatever, it's just cheap baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) inside.
Most every hot tub product sold in the retail store can be bought in generic chemical form elsewhere for a lower price. They try to conceal this with vague names like pH down but it’s just common dry acid repackaged and 4x the price
Thank you for sharing all this knowledge!!! I really appreciate this! Getting ready to start the chemical mixture for the first time!
Thanks for the great analysis and explanation!
Jeff, What about a video on storage of chemicals? The Spa Down container says to not store with chlorine, or bromine.
Your putting out great content that is helpful to us noobs. Appreciate you taking the time to make these videos.
Glad you like them!
Great information; Thanks Jeff, please what is your take on the Spa Marval.
I really like your video. I did notice one oddity - you picked up Leisure Time Renew and said, "This is 100% Bromine". It's actually a non-chlorine shock (Potassium Peroxymonosulfate). That said - I really, really, really wish that your video existed before I got my hot tub, because you explained water chemistry in a way that was better than anyone else who I have come across. I will also make sure to use your affiliate link to buy Oh Yuk!
Thanks for making this simple and clear
Thanks Jeff Cambell
The water pump has to be running all the time even if we not using it?? Thanks.
Swim spa almost installed and ready to fill. Your tips are on point in set up and going forward.
Does the "Chemicals" Advice in this Video also apply to Inflatable Spas?
Great presentation! Thanks for creating!
Great information, thank you!
Great video. I have Bromine & Bromine Tablets. Do I need the tablets?
THANK YOU for this! It's much appreciated!!
This question is not necessarily about chemicals but have you ever seen a hot tub filter with small, thin, white colored fibers embedded in it. My local pool store had never seen it before. I have since picked up a new filter and did a drain, clean and refill of my hottub but I'm a little concerned about what that could have been. Thank you for your channel.
Thank-you Jeff for you’re insight and knowledgeable information.
So I have to be a chemist to learn how to take care of these?
Honestly, it gets pretty easy and simple once you get in a groove. But it can be a little intimidating at first.
Can all these chemicals be used for an inflatable hot tub? I just purchased one, and have NO idea. I'm thankful I found your channel.
Yes! An inflatable shouldn't be appreciably different from other kinds. Thanks for being here! I don't have a lot on my UA-cam channel about inflatables since I don't have one to show (although I'm going to buy some in the spring to use for future videos). But I do have a lot on my website about inflatables in case any of those would help you - hottubownerhq.com/
I like the simplicity of this video. As a new hot tub owner, I am very frustrated by my green water after trying to follow the instructions from the dealer. Getting info in UA-cam or the internet is worse than Ford vs Chevy! If I had to do it over again I would never buy a spa from a dealer. Save thousands by learning first and buying from a private party. Pay to have it moved. Money in the bank. I'm a SUCKER.
Well we all are, but I'm glad I was able to help!
A year after that comment, I found my way back here because I'm chasing the balance... again... still... if my wife didn't like it so much, this thing would be GONE. It has caused 1000x more stress than it has alleviated.
Very informative. Thank you
What about scale management or products for metals in the water?
Great video. Very helpful and informative.
Man i love this it learned for the first time owner
Yeah!!
I want to ask if you hot tub just arrive and not using it until summer can you anti freeze during winter or not
Love the videos you are my go to guy for hot tub videos now!!!! Subscribed and Liked! Curious your link to Oh Yuk shows a green bottle for Oh Yuk Jetted Tub Cleaner for Jet Tubs, Bathtubs, Whirlpools. Is that the color you use, I see they have a BLUE BOTTLE as well for hot tubs? Just want to make sure I get the correct one.
I have the hot springs fresh water salt system what are your recommendations for chemicals on this hot tub
Just bought our first hot tub, Great videos! Subscribed
Awesome! Thank you!
I’m watching your videos because it’s informative and I’m learning about how to plan to buy a hot tub and have it affordable.
Thanks.
I’m in Ventura California
Thanks for being here!
Thanks for sharing 😊
Thanks Jeff, loving your videos!
I'm about to make the switch from Chlorine to Bromine (lower levels in addition to Aquafinesse)
I've been reading that Sodium Bromide is needed to create a 'bromine bank' - is this accurate.
Aaaaannnnndddddd.....my first ever reading of my brand new J235 jacuzzi hot tub is alkalinity off the scale high, bromine in off the scale high, PH off the scale high.
I used Jacuzzi PH deceeaser cautiously and after 4 hours of constant small top up every 30 minutes all readings are still off the scale high.
It's Sunday and I'll call Jacuzzi tomorrow morning.
But at the moment no one is getting into my hot tub as it's deemed unsafe.
Hi Jeff... Love the site and all of the great information. Have you done any videos on digital handheld water chemistry analyzers? I am curious if it is worth the money, and if they are even as accurate as conventional test strips, etc. Thank you Sir! John Gordon
Hi!! Love your videos! Im new at this. Im from Alaska, it's winter now. ( about 30 degrees F) Any cold weather, hot tub advice? ( was super fun filling up hot tub w garden house lol)
This was really helpful!
We are getting a hot tub from a family member that went untreated for 2-3 years but was still on the entire time. Should we get anything special for restarting?
Seen a lot about variability or lack of accuracy among test strips. Any recommendations on test strip kits or pills tests?
Hi Craig. I've definitely found variations between brands (which is why I tend to stick with 1). But I'm not sure how to gauge the accuracy of one over another other than going by reviews.
The one I use is by Poolmaster and has almost 5,000 reviews and is almost 5-star. Here's the Amazon link if you want to check it out - amzn.to/315Hmw8
If you try one you think isn't accurate, I'd love to hear about it!
Thanks
Jeff
Thank you for the video!!! Lots of great tips.
Thank you so much!
Jeff, hi, I'm in P24 as well. I have some questions for you about hot tubs if you may or may not know, but you seem to certainly know more than I do for sure. : ) I have some videos on my channel about the inflatable hot tub we purchased almost 3 years ago. We did a setup and tents and all then had to move it to the garage for being too cold out. And now we're adding extra insulation to the tent and moving it back outside. The only thing I didn't do was take a sample of my water to a local pool shop. I got all the required chemicals and used the hot tub for over 2 years and then I started getting some black greasy stuff in my hot tub (my most recent video). I called the company and they said NOT to use bromine with their tubs because of PVC pipes...?? I think that's what he said. But anyway, I looked everywhere online and couldn't find anything saying I shouldn't use bromine. Even in all their manuals say nothing. I even found people online that said the same thing, the company said not to use bromine, but nowhere else does it say not to. I saved the hot tub but had to toss the pump, it's just shot, and doesn't work. I probably should have taken it apart to see what actually happened before tossing it, bad choice on my part there. It was just a greasy mess in the pipes I just tossed it without thinking. So I need to spend $350 on a new pump. I don't want to have to use chlorine in the hot tub. Any thoughts or ideas? Thanks
Hi Jason. Every hot tub has PVC pipes, so if that's what they told you that doesn't make sense. I'm wondering if they meant the vinyl or whatever the hot tub itself is made out of?
Either way though, I've never heard of bromine being bad for inflatable hot tubs, and generally speaking, chlorine is a little harsher than bromine.
I don't think I would spend $350 on an inflatable hot tub pump when you could get a brand new one for not much more than that; especially if you're having issues with it anyway. Let me dig around a little and see if I can find any info to confirm if bromine is bad for inflatable hot tubs.
But if you can't use bromine and don't want chlorine, you might look to see if you can convert to a salt water or ozone system. Both of those systems can be purchased and added fairly easily, I've just a little unfamiliar with integrating them into an inflatable.
I'll let you know if I get confirmation about bromine and inflatables.
Thanks
Jeff
@@HotTubOwnerHQ Thanks much for the reply. Could have been 'vinyl' and not pvc yes. I'll have to call them again and find out for sure. I looked to get an identical one (I paid about $400 for mine) and they are all unavailable on Amazon. (Possibly since they, Intex, is shut down and not shipping right now) On Intex's site they are about $650~$700 for a new one. I would hate to have to get all new chemicals too if I switch to chlorine too. I probably wouldn't have to switch all the chemicals, but I would need some new ones for sure. Yeah let me know what you can find out. I would hate to have to buy a new one, but if they aren't much more I guess it wouldn't hurt. That would just leave me with a perfectly good inflatable hot tub without a heater lol
@@HotTubOwnerHQ Jeff, Well I did one better... lol Went to a spa / hot tub show about a month ago that was close to where I live. I was just hoping to look and see what options were out there before buying a pump or a new inflatable one. The reps were clearly not interested in me since I only wanted to just ask a ton of questions. I thought they were there to answer questions, but I guess not, they wanted to know you were serious about buying one, then they would talk to you. It was for Getaway HotTubs. Wasn't one of the ones you listed when you listed off major companies. But after looking for about 2~3 hours and asking questions, I finally just broke down and got a hard shell hot tub (Bar Harbor SE) getawayhottubs.com/shop-hot-tubs/bar-harbor-se-5-person-hot-tub They say the "retail price" is $10,900 and I got it for the low low price of $5,600. Took about a month to get built and now they are going to be delivering it in the next few weeks. Just curious on your thoughts (good or bad) if it's not to bad, or I got ripped off.. lol It came with a step ladder and a cover as well. I'm going to make a video on the delivery and getting it set up, just like the inflatable hot tub videos I did.
Hi Jason. Cool! Getaway looks to be the lower end line for Master Spa, which is what mine is, so it should be great. The ozone system sounds like a plus; let me know if that truly results in using less sanitizer and shock.
I'm glad you didn't pay the normal price as that seems ridiculous for a plug-n-play hot tub, but $5,600, while a tad on the high side for those, isn't out of line; especially with the ozone system. Post a link here or send me the video of you setting it up!
Cheers, Jeff
@@HotTubOwnerHQ Good to hear, thanks. I can't wait to use little to no chemicals. I'll certainly be making videos, I'll let you know how it goes. If the Ozone system works as described, ie. change filter and water once a year, and barely use any chemicals outside of just a little shock when you get out, it will be well worth the cost for me anyway. They just called me from MN to start the shipping process, basically finding out if we're ready for shipping and then they are just going to get me scheduled for shipment. It shouldn't be much longer now for delivery. I'll link to the videos once it gets here and I get it setup. (hopefully Getaway has a referral program...? lol)
You didn’t mention adjusting the total hardness of the spa. I have added calcium booster several times and I can’t get it higher than 100.
Great vid sir, i am a new spa owner, i have a question. Can i switch from chlorine sanitizer to bromine without changing the water? Thanks in advance
Thank you very much.... Very helpful
My girlfriends aunt gave us a Coleman blow up hot tub. Now I don't ever want to go without a hot tub again. Thank you for the vid, I needed the help.
If I use a submersible pump to drain my tub do I still need to use the drain spigot to remove whatever water is left in the plumbing?
How do these chemicals affect grass when draining the tub?
Can we buy pool chemicals at Walmart and save money
Versus buying them at a specialty store if it's identical chemicals and concentrations?
Yes! I typically get mine at Home Depot but sometimes Amazon, but if Walmart has what you need and isn't more expensive than Amazon, why not? I do not ever get mine at a Leslie's or other specialty dealer.
Hi Jeff, I'm about to purchase a cedar hot tub. Are there many noteworthy differences between wood and traditional Acrylic tubs that might be video worthy enough for you to comment on. More specifically, chemicals and maintenance. Thanks, Rick in Los Angeles
That spa is lookin a little cloudy jeff 😏
Nice videos! would like to see a testing and reading of the water
Coming soon! Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks for this useful video!
Thanks! I'm still learning here, but I appreciate your watching and commenting!
how long do you run your jets when cleanning before emptying your tub
Ph is the scale of acidity to alkalinity at 1 to 14 with 7 being neutral. Using ph and alkalinity is redundant and baking soda is an alkaline base so it increases alkalinity, not decreases it as you suggest. Chemistry 101 dude))
That's correct, so if I misspoke in this video, I'm sorry!
I know this is 4 years old, but can you please give a list of products. You show them quickly and I can even screenshoot it that fast.
Thank you so much
What are the first two products
When refilling the hottub, do I need to add more than the recommended weekly maintenance amount of chemicals just because I'm starting it back up again or do I stick to the normal weekly amounts (eg the weekly maintenance amounts we were recommended: 1 scoop of shock, 4oz of silk balance, 4tbsp chlorine granules, and 4 chlorine tabs --- do I need to increase this amount when refilling it back up?)
I always rely on the test strip. But I don't see why you'd need more. I check it first with the test strip and then adjust.
Chances are you might need less, since there won't be any perfumes, body oils, skin flakes, etc. But it all depends on the quality of the water from your hose.
Just subscribed to your awesome channel.
I have a question I’m hoping you can help with. What are your thoughts on ozone and bromine? I’ve read that it creates bromines which is carcinogenic.
Thanks Jeff. Just got our first hot tub. The dealer is trying to sell us on the mineraluxe system but it seems incredibly expensive. I'm guessing those expensive cubes aren't worth it?
New owner also . Mineraluxe did not work with me. Had to switch to spa guard
I tried bromine it was great to start with but I continually break out with a rash. It's choline for me.
How often should you shock and sanitize your hot tub water? First time owner here trying yo learn.
Thank! We bought a spa, first we need to give shock dose of chlorine, that's fine for new spa but if after 2-3hours is all ok why we can use spa after 24 h. according to guide???
Can I just use more sanitizer to shock?
Should my chlorine level always be in the normal range when i test it? I add chlorine and shock a couple times a week because I'm using it about 5 days a week right now, i just got it recently :). But the test strips always indicate that the chlorine is gone the next day. Should I add more every time it shows low? Or do I assume the chlorine did its job and evaporated?
Hi Tony. I mentioned in my other comment about possibly trying bromine which can take the heat a lot better than chlorine. You can still use chlorine shock with bromine sanitizer too.
What you might try is to over-chlorinate it one day where the levels are higher than normal and see if that allows you to have 2-3 days of not having to do any major adjustments. Just make sure you don't soak in levels above the norm.
Can you use liquid shock?
Any thoughts on Frog@ease floating chlorine blue and grey ball? I was told I do not need to shock my hot tub with chlorine since I am using these and was told it was bad to mix a regular Chlorine shock with the frog @ease system? Is that correct? I was going to go to Bromine but decided I might as well use the frog system and then eventually go to bromine when I do a water change.
I seem to use alot of test strips, is this normal or through time will i use less? First time hottub owner.
How do i lower the hardness in my hot tum. We have very hard well water .
Hi, I just found your channel, and I’m kind of a newbie to hot tubs. I bought a house a year ago with a 20 year-old Lifestyles Prodigy, and the owner left me all the Baquaspa products. Since it was used, I purged the lines about 4 or 5 times with Ahhsome. I also purchased expensive new filters, and test it frequently. All the levels say the water is fine; however, I have city well water, and a water softener in the house. I bought a water filter for the hose, but I keep getting a calcium deposits on the surfaces. It’s like chalk and you can write your name in it. I drain it every 4 months, and clean everything, but I don’t know how to get rid of this film. I was given a product that is a calcium hardener, but I don’t know what that’s for. I’m scared to use the hot tub, but it’s in great condition!
I do have a backyard neighbor who is on city water, and I was thinking of asking her if I could pay her to fill up my hot tub with her hose.
I also would really like pure water because I’ve had a compromised immune system and want a healing tub, if possible. I bought Aquafinnesse, but haven’t used it because I don’t know how to start up with it. I’m very discouraged. Any suggestions?
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Kathryn
I have city water and it's still pretty high in calcium (although your water could definitely be higher).
For starters, I use this product on Amazon - amzn.to/2ZrrVPI
It both removes calcium deposits but it also helps prevent future ones. I use it every time I add new water.
The other thing that occurred to be though was I wonder if, when you drain it, you clean it with a cleaner that's interacting with the chlorine when you fill it back up. Certain household cleaners do that, and do leave a sand-paper like white film on the acrylic shells that take months to wear off.
If you think that's likely, maybe try something like white vinegar to clean the shell with, wipe down thoroughly after, and then even rinse with a hose and suck out with a wet dry vac before refilling.
Thanks! Just got a hot tub. We are so confused and the water is more like a chemical bath :( ugh I feel like I should drain the hot tub and start all over.
If you added too much chlorine or bromine, just wait 2-3 days. The levels will dissipate quickly (even faster with the lid off and jets on).
That's the good news. Even being heavy handed with the chemicals, it doesn't take long for the levels to drop and you can start fresh without draining.
Just start small once the levels are low. You can always add more. For the average sized hot tub, start with, at most, 1/4 cup of sanitizer (can be chlorine or bromine, liquid, powder, or tablets in a floater). Don't add anything for pH or alkalinity unless the test strip indicates you need it.
Then, after your 1st week of using it, add about 1/4 cup of shock (can be chlorine or non-chlorine).
When you add the chemicals keep the lid off at least 10 minutes and run the jets. Wait 20-30 minutes and test again and adjust if needed.
Once you've done it for a month or 2, you'll get a lot better at gauging what your water needs and it will go quickly.
what would be the cause of having a high PH and a good alkalinity? I have difficulty getting my PH to a good level. I use spa up
Hi we just got the hottub and I put my chemicals in and now my water is a bit milky in colour, what do you think it is?
pH scale measures both acidity (low pH) and alkalinity (high pH) so it's not really clear to me why alkalinity is measured separately on test strips and is also treated differently to pH.
Thanks for the advise. Bought a 3 year old Maxx spa. Just a two person holding 140 gallons. Heard of a product called Spa Marvel. Was wondering your thoughts on it. Suppose to be a product to maintain your water quality for up to 3 months. Also helps with water scum from forming around and on tub. Any thought welcome. Will be following your videos. Thanks
Thanks! I hadn't heard of that so I checked it out. The reviews are good and it does indeed seem like you could use a lot less sanitizer and potentially go up to 6 months in between water changes.
I guess I'll have to order a bottle and test it out, but it looks great. If you try it, let me know.
Here's the Amazon link in case anyone wants to check it out - amzn.to/31fj58a
we have just taken an old hot tub from my parents that was old but like new, and had pumps replaced, filled up for first time. my husband shocked it, and it was running for a few days, then he mistakenly added baquacil algicide and we have foam like crazy. do we have to empty it or is there a solution that you know of? i thinks it's great to have your site!!!
In most cases you wouldn't have to drain it, just wait 4-10 days (depending on how bad it is). You could speed that up by using a net to manually scoop out the foam. Also make sure sanitizer, pH and alkalinity levels are decent too.
But draining and refilling would be faster.
FIRST! what should the test strips test for? Is hardness, stability?
SECOND! Is it ok to first stabilize alkylinity and then PH? Are there chemicals for that?
THIRD! Are phosphate removers important?
FOURTH! should the pool be shocked before or after use?
HELP! I have no choice but to use soft water for my hot tub. The hot tub came with the house as did the water softener. I had the water tested at a local spa dealer and was told the calcium is too low. I have a Quebec Canadian Spa that holds 900 L/238 gallons of water. I have watched all the videos I could find on the subject. I have added HT+ (calcium cloride) 20 grams/0.7 ounces at a time for a total of 160 grams/ approx 5.6 ounces and the calcium hardness is still low. What do I do? I have watched your video on this and you make it seem so easy. Please explain how to specifically add the calcium. Step by step. Perhaps I am doing something wrong. I am just broadcasting the flakes in the water and letting the water circulate 30 minutes the turning on the jets for 30 min and letting sit for 4-8 hours then repeat. Nothing is getting it past the 100pps reading on the test strip ( Aqua plus test strips) It is my first hot tub. I have a hot tub I cannot use and I am getting frustrated. I am limited to chemicals on Amazon France as that is were I am living. I appreciate any help or suggestions that you might be able to give. I have been doing this for 4 days now and just want to be able to enjoy my new space.
Do you have ozone generators on your hot tub
Would love to use bromine instead of chlorine unfortunately, my skin has a bad reaction to it.
What's the difference between shock and sanitizer? And should I use a sequestering agent like metal free? And do all of these tips work with swim spas?
Sanitizer is something you add every few days to clean and purify the water. It is most commonly bromine (what I prefer) or chlorine, but there are some all-natural enzyme-based ones too. It can be powder, liquid or tablets in a floater (what I prefer these days).
Shock is something you add every 7-10 days (depending on how often you use the hot tub) to reactivate the sanitizer. It is most often chlorine-based, but can be non-chlorine. I prefer chlorine shock with bromine tablets.
If you know your water is high in iron or other metals (often the water will turn green for a few minutes after you add bromine or chlorine), then yes, I probably would add s product like Leisure Time's Metal Gone. Here's the Amazon link if you need it - amzn.to/2Jk77DN
I also have a video coming out 11/30 that goes into the most common shock questions too that you may like.