Having a private spa in your backyard is one of the best ways to unwind and de-stress without leaving home. However, even the most luxurious hot tub experience can be interrupted when life calls you away for a trip. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, you want to ensure your hot tub stays in perfect shape. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to manage your hot tub while you’re away, allowing you to travel without worry.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with your hot tub when on vacation or how to maintain it in your absence, we’ve got you covered. With a few simple adjustments, like switching to hot tub vacation mode and lowering the temperature, you can ensure your spa stays in optimal condition and doesn’t require much attention until you return. Read on for expert tips on how to prepare your hot tub for vacation and keep it running smoothly while you’re away.
Before You Leave: Essential Steps for Hot Tub Care
To make sure your hot tub stays in top shape during your absence, take these simple steps before you leave for vacation. These tasks will make sure your spa is ready for a relaxing soak when you return.
1. Check Your Water Level
The first thing to do before leaving is to check your water level. Ensure the water is just above the highest jet in your Cal Spas hot tub or swim spa. Adding a little extra water can prevent the level from dropping too low while you’re away.
Low water levels can cause damage to your pump and heater, which can result in expensive repairs.
2. Balance Your Chemical Levels
Maintaining the proper chemical balance is crucial for keeping your hot tub clean and safe while you’re away. Use a test strip to check key parameters like alkalinity, pH, sanitizer, and calcium hardness. Ensure that the pH and alkalinity are balanced first, then add sanitizer to prevent bacteria and algae growth.
If you’re leaving in the summer months, it’s wise to shock your hot tub before vacation to destroy any lingering contaminants and give you peace of mind.
3. Clean and Rinse Your Filters
Dirty filters can make it harder for your hot tub’s filtration system to keep the water clean. Cal Spas recommends rinsing your filters monthly and replacing the cartridge every 12 to 24 months.
Before you leave, rinse your filters thoroughly and check for wear. This will help ensure the water stays clean and clear while you’re gone.
4. Secure Your Spa Cover
Make sure your spa cover is secure and properly fitted to protect your hot tub from debris and potential contaminants. Cal Spas covers come with adjustable straps to keep the cover in place, even in windy conditions. Tighten the straps before you leave to prevent unwanted visitors, such as insects or animals, from getting into your spa.
5. Adjust the Temperature
One of the most important things to consider before you leave is what temperature to set your hot tub when on vacation. The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance recommends lowering your hot tub temperature by 10 degrees if you’ll be gone for over seven days. This will reduce energy consumption without letting the water become too cold.
When you return, you’ll have a comfortable temperature without wasting energy while you’re away.
6. Monitor Your Spa Remotely or Have Someone Check In
Before leaving, check if your spa is compatible with a WiFi module. If it is, you can monitor and manage your hot tub remotely using our mobile app—giving you peace of mind wherever you are. You’ll be able to check water temperature, adjust settings, and receive alerts right from your phone.
In addition to remote access, it’s still a good idea to have someone local, like a neighbor, friend, or house-sitter stop by to physically inspect your spa. They can check the cover, water level, and even test water chemistry if needed, especially if you’re expecting storms or stormy weather.
While You’re Away: Managing Your Spa’s Energy Efficiency
Once you’ve completed the above steps, your hot tub should remain in good condition while you’re on vacation. Since you’ve adjusted the temperature and checked all the other essentials, your hot tub should run efficiently, requiring little attention until you return.
Hot tub vacation mode is all about ensuring energy efficiency, and lowering the temperature while you’re away is the best way to conserve energy without sacrificing comfort.
When You Return: How to Reboot Your Hot Tub
Returning from vacation and stepping into a warm, inviting hot tub is one of life’s simple pleasures. However, you’ll need to check a few things to ensure your spa is ready to go. Here’s how to get your hot tub back into top shape for use after an extended absence.
1. Check the Water Level
When you return, make sure the water level is still above the highest jet. Evaporation may have caused some water loss, so you may need to top it off to prevent any damage to your hot tub’s equipment.
2. Test the Water Balance Again
Even though your spa has been idle, water chemistry can fluctuate over time. Test the alkalinity, pH, sanitizer levels, and calcium hardness again. If the levels are off, adjust them to bring the water back into balance.
3. Add Fresh Sanitizer
Your sanitizer may have been used up during your absence, so it’s important to add a fresh dose when you return. If the water is cloudy after adding sanitizer, consider using a chlorine-free shock treatment to restore clarity and cleanliness.
4. Let the Spa Breathe
If your spa cover has been sealed for an extended period, it’s a good idea to let the hot tub “breathe” for an hour or two. This will help eliminate any stale or musty odors that may have developed while the spa was closed up.
5. Clean and Rinse Your Filters
Your filters may have accumulated dirt or debris during your absence. Rinse them thoroughly to ensure your hot tub runs efficiently. If your filters are worn or damaged, it might be time to replace them. Clean filters are key to maintaining good water quality and prolonging the life of your hot tub.
6. Shock Your Spa After First Use
Once your water balance is restored and your spa is ready for use, it’s a good idea to add a chlorine-free spa shock treatment after your first soak. This will help maintain the cleanliness of the water and ensure the spa remains in excellent condition for the next few months.
Effortless Hot Tub Care While You’re Away
Preparing your Cal Spas hot tub for vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these simple steps, including adjusting the temperature, balancing the water, and securing your filters, you can ensure your spa stays in great shape while you’re away.
If you need help with any maintenance tasks or have questions about hot tub vacation mode, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Cal Spas of Minnesota.
With a little planning, your spa will be ready for a relaxing soak whenever you return. Happy vacationing—and relaxing!