Planning an extended vacation away from home? Don’t forget about your hot tub when you’re gone. Before leaving on a trip, take steps to ensure your hot tub will be in good working order when you return. The good news is that it only takes a few simple steps. Here’s how to prep your hot tub before you go on vacation or won’t be using your hot tub at your vacation home for an extended period of time.
Test the Water
Before you spend time away from your hot tub, you’ll need to test the water. Adjust the balance for alkalinity, chlorine, calcium, and pH as needed. Also change or clean your filter thoroughly. If the water in your hot tub has been there for several months, take time to drain and refill it with fresh water to assure the water is as fresh as possible prior to your departure.
Take Seasonal Precautions
How you prepare your hot tub for your absence depends largely upon the season of the year. In summer, guard against algae growth by adding more than the usual amount of shock right before you leave. In the winter, you may decide to drain and winterize your hot tub—especially if you will be gone for several months—or keep the hot tub running but heat the water at a lower temperature. If you winterize your spa incorrectly, however, it could cause costly damage to your hot tub. Your safest bet would be to have a spa professional do it for you.
Stay Secure
Just as you would lock the doors of your house, it’s important to lock your control panel and your hot tub cover to keep it secure and inaccessible to others. Also make sure gates leading into your backyard or spa area are similarly locked and secured.
Rely on Neighbors
Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your hot tub while you’re away. Sometimes unexpected weather events such as storms or heavy winds can cause damage; having someone reliable who can check in occasionally will ensure that everything is OK. If there is rain or snow build-up on the cover, ask them to remove it for you.
Get Smart with the SmartTub™ App
The Jacuzzi® SmartTub™ app allows you to have ultimate control of your hot tub even when you are far from home. Using an app of your smartphone, you can remotely adjust key settings such as energy efficiency and temperature, and even receive notifications about power outages. The app also will alert you and your local authorized Jacuzzi® dealer whenever your hot tub needs attention so you can spend your time away worry-free.
You’ve made an investment in your hot tub, so take care of it when it’s not in use or when you’re away from your year-round or summer home. Taking the necessary maintenance steps before departing, and relying on the help of technology while you’re gone, will give you peace of mind that your hot tub will be in tip-top shape when you return.
Being away from your hot tub doesn’t mean you have to be out of control. Find out more about the Jacuzzi® SmartTub™ System, which makes it easier than ever to use and maintain your hot tub.