The 6 Best Hot Tubs of 2021

Setting up your hot tub for the first time isn’t as daunting as it may sound. Assuming you have the proper electrical outlet available (either 110V or 240V) and a level surface (preferably concrete or a specially designed hot tub pad), the process is as simple as having the tub delivered to your yard, freeing it from the delivery crate, and filling it with water.

In the case of an inflatable hot tub, take extra steps to ensure that there are no objects on the ground that could puncture the lining. Remove any rocks, sticks, or debris before inflating the hot tub. A ground cover is often included with inflatable hot tubs and serves as an additional layer of insulation and protection, but it is no substitute for a careful site evaluation before set-up.

Before you break out the hose, turn off the power to the circuit in your breaker box. Clean the hot tub using a mild, nonabrasive formula. Verify that all jets and knobs are in place. Open gate valves and close drain valves, then install the skimmer and filter. Next, use a garden hose to fill the tub with water. Restore power to the breaker. Power on the hot tub, and prime the pump (usually, there will be an option for this on the hot tub’s control panel). Finally, set the hot tub to your desired temperature and begin heating the water inside before dispensing chemicals into the water for proper hygiene and water maintenance. 

It’s usually recommended to drain and clean your hot tub every three to four months; adjust based on your frequency of use. A deep clean of the hot tub involves flushing the lines; draining the water; and scrubbing the tub shell with hot tub cleaner, white vinegar, a diluted bleach solution, or an all-purpose nonabrasive household cleaner (consult manufacturer guidelines for specific cleaning product recommendations). Thoroughly wipe the shell, seats, and jets to remove any grime or bacteria. Be sure to rinse well and dry the tub with a towel to avoid chemical contamination. Refill the tub with water. 

You should also remove the filters occasionally and spray them with a garden hose or hot tub cleaner. Rinse well before reinstalling. This should be done more frequently—even up to once per week for frequent hot tub users. 

Hot tubs need regular cleaning to maintain safe, clean water and proper functioning of the system. Test your water frequently and keep these hot tub chemicals on hand:

• PH adjusters: Muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate are used as pH decreasers. Muriatic acid (or a replacement product) also can lower alkalinity. Take note that sodium bisulfate can raise alkalinity. 
• Alkalinity increaser: Alkalinity and pH are closely related, so adjusting the pH levels of your hot tub can also impact alkalinity. If you need to raise the alkalinity of your hot tub, use an alkalinity increaser. 
• Shocking agent: Use either chlorine or a non-chlorine treatment that breaks down organic compounds in the water and also converts chloramines back into the active form of chlorine.
• Sanitizer: The most popular options include chlorine and bromine. Bromine is sometimes recommended for people with more sensitive skin. Other sanitizing options for your hot tub include biguanide (a non-chlorine and non-bromine chemical sanitizer), a salt system, or an ozone generator. 
• Calcium hardness increaser or decreaser: Depending on your water hardness, you might need an additive to either increase or decrease the amount of calcium in your hot tub water. This will give you clearer water while also prolonging the life of mechanical components.
• Enzymes: While not an absolutely essential chemical for your hot tub, enzymes help to slow the buildup of hot tub scum. 
• Filter cleaner: This is a special cleaning formula that helps to rid the filter of debris and buildup, extending its life. Use it when you do a deep clean of your hot tub every three to four months.

You can usually expect a hot tub to last between 10 and 15 years. Build quality, regularity of maintenance, and environmental conditions can all play a role in determining the lifespan of a hot tub. Some components can be repaired or replaced if they malfunction or wear out. If the cost of repair exceeds the value of the tub itself, it might be time to replace the entire hot tub.

For inflatable hot tubs, the expected lifespan is much shorter. You can expect about five years from one of these models if you take excellent care of the tub and its components, but it could also need replacement after just a few seasons of use. However, the purchase price for an inflatable hot tub is usually less than half the cost of a hard-side hot tub, justifying the shorter lifespan.