You know why these backyard getaways have become so popular if you’ve ever slipped into a hot tub that was just the right temperature after a long day and felt that “ahhhh” moment. If you’re already relaxing in a hot tub or just thinking about joining the hot tub club, there are some important tips that will save you time and money while keeping your investment bubbling beautifully for years to come.
You can’t just spend a few thousand dollars on a hot tub and hope for the best (though we’ve all thought about doing that). The truth is that a little knowledge goes a long way. Trust me, your future self will be glad you learned how to do things now instead of having to deal with murky water or a broken heater in the middle of January.
This guide has everything you need to know, from how to find the best place for your spa to how to master water chemistry without having to get a degree in chemistry. We’ll talk about maintenance routines that work, how to conserve energy and establish a safe environment, how to fix those annoying problems that come up, and how to make your hot tub experience even better.
Picking the Best Hot Tub
Different kinds of hot tubs
There are so many choices when you go to buy a hot tub that it can be hard to choose. But here’s the thing: knowing the main groups makes it much easier to decide.
Inflatable hot tubs are the first step into the world of hot tubs. They are easy to move, not too expensive (usually under $1,000), and great if you rent or aren’t ready to commit to a permanent installation. The PVC construction won’t win any beauty contests, but modern inflatable spas are surprisingly tough. With the right care, we’ve seen customers get 3 to 5 years out of good inflatable models.
The bad thing? They’re not made for Canadian winters, and the heat can be very slow to come on. But for people who live in apartments or are buying their first home, they are a good place to start.
Acrylic Hot Tubs: This is where most people who own hot tubs go. When you think of a hot tub, you probably picture the shiny, smooth shell of an acrylic spa. The fiberglass-reinforced construction is built to last for decades, not just years. These come in a wide range of prices, from simple models for four people that cost about $8,000 to high-end models for eight people that can cost $20,000 or more.
What you’re getting for your money is better insulation, longer-lasting materials, and features like different jet settings and more advanced control systems. Most of them come with good warranties. For example, the shell comes with a 5+ year warranty, which says a lot about how well they are made.
Wooden Hot Tubs A cedar hot tub is definitely attractive in some way. They have that rustic, cabin-in-the-woods look that looks great in pictures. Because cedar naturally resists rot and insects, it is great for outdoor use.
But (and this is a big but), wooden hot tubs need more care than acrylic ones. You need to keep them full so that the wood doesn’t dry out and shrink. You can heat them with electricity or, for the really adventurous, with wood-fired systems that make the soaking experience feel almost primal.
Swim Spas: These beautiful hybrids combine the relaxing effects of a hot tub with the health benefits of a lap pool. They are basically swimming pools with jets to make the water move and hot tub seating areas. They are 12 to 20 feet long. If you want to swim all year but don’t have the room or money for a full pool and a separate hot tub, these are great.
Choosing a Manufacturer
This is where doing your homework really helps. Not all hot tub makers are the same, and the difference between a good spa and a money pit that gives you a headache is often who built it.
Quality Indicators: Look for companies that use real acrylic for shells instead of cheap ABS plastic. You should use treated lumber or powder-coated steel for the frame. Stay away from anything that looks weak or rushed. Quality manufacturers also use closed-cell foam insulation instead of cheap fiberglass batting.
Warranty Information A warranty from the maker tells you how sure they are that the product will work. The shell should last at least five years, the parts should last two to three years, and the labor should last one to two years. Companies that promise lifetime warranties on everything are usually too good to be true.
Reputation Research: Look at online reviews, but don’t take every complaint too seriously. Look for patterns instead. Are a lot of customers having the same problems? What does the company do when there are problems? Local dealers can tell you a lot about which brands last and which ones give you trouble.
Over the years, we’ve worked with a lot of different manufacturers. The ones that last are all the same in a few ways: they stand behind their products, have good dealer networks, and keep making their designs better based on what customers say.
Setting Up and Installing for the First Time
Getting to know the needs of the power supply
This is where a lot of hot tub dreams come crashing down in the real world. Most hot tubs need 240V power, so you need to hire a licensed electrician instead of your neighbor who “knows electrical stuff.”
Voltage and Amperage: A normal hot tub for six people uses 30 to 50 amps at 240V. That’s a lot of power—enough to run a lot of houses in a lot of countries. Your electrical panel needs to be able to handle this load and have a separate circuit with the right GFCI protection.
Some smaller hot tubs can run on 120V (plugging into a regular outlet), but they take a long time to heat up and can’t usually run the heater and jets at the same time. Good for occasional use, but annoying for people who soak every day.
Cable Requirements: The cable that goes from your panel to the hot tub needs to meet the electrical needs. Using wire that is too small can be dangerous and against the law. Don’t cut corners here; your electrician will figure out the right wire gauge based on the distance and load.
Choices for placement and insulation
Location, Location, Location Choose your spot carefully where you can install because moving a hot tub that is already full is like moving a small building. You need a flat, solid surface. Concrete pads are best, but well-prepared gravel bases will also work.
Think about how the wind moves. If you put a hot tub where it gets the most wind, it will cost a lot more to heat and won’t be comfortable to use. We’ve seen customers move their spas after one winter because they weren’t comfortable using them where they were.
Access is also important. You will need to drain and clean your hot tub every so often. Plan for hose connections and enough room to move around the unit.
Types of insulation: This is where you can save or lose money on energy. Closed-cell foam fills the whole cabinet with full foam insulation. It uses the least amount of energy, but it makes repairs more difficult and expensive.
Thermal wrap systems use reflective barriers and insulation that is placed in the right places. They are easier to work on, but they are not as efficient. Depending on where you live, the difference could be $20 to $30 a month in heating costs.
Some companies use partial foam, which is a balance between efficiency and ease of use. We recommend full foam for most Canadian climates unless you plan to do a lot of DIY work.
Taking Care of Your Hot Tub
Things to do every day to keep it up
Daily maintenance may sound hard, but it’s really just a few quick checks that you’ll get used to doing.
Check the levels of sanitizer in the water with test strips. It only takes about 30 seconds. Chlorine levels of 1–3 parts per million (ppm) or bromine levels of 3–5 ppm stop bacteria from growing and keep the water safe. Not enough sanitizer can lead to health problems, while too much can irritate skin and eyes.
Surface Skimming A quick pass with a skimmer net gets rid of leaves, bugs, and other things that are floating around. This keeps your filter from having to work too hard and makes the spa look nice. It’s that easy for us to keep a small skimmer next to our display models.
Most spas keep the temperature stable on their own, but it’s a good idea to check. Most people should be in the 100–104°F range. Higher temperatures aren’t always better, and they can be dangerous for kids, pregnant women, and people with certain health problems.
Testing the water every so often
It’s not rocket science, but you can’t skip learning about water chemistry. Test at least once a week, and more often when you use it a lot.
pH Balance (7.2–7.8): The pH level of your hot tub affects everything else. If the pH is too low, the water becomes acidic, which can damage equipment and irritate skin. If the level is too high, sanitizers won’t work as well, and surfaces will get scaling.
When jets blow air into hot tubs and the temperature goes up, the pH level naturally goes up. Most owners have to add pH decreaser more often than increaser.
Total Alkalinity (80–120 ppm) Alkalinity is like a bodyguard for your pH; it keeps it from changing too quickly, which can mess up the chemistry of the water. When the alkalinity is right, the pH stays more stable and doesn’t need as many changes.
Sanitizer Levels: No matter if you use chlorine or bromine, you must keep the right levels of sanitizer. We tested water from hot tubs that looked perfectly clear but had high levels of harmful bacteria because there wasn’t enough sanitizer.
Taking Care of Your Filter Regularly
Take care of your filter because it works all the time to keep the water clean.
Every two weeks, take out the filter and rinse it with a garden hose at full pressure. Don’t use a pressure washer because the high pressure can hurt the filter pleats and make them less effective.
Once a month, soak the filters in a special cleaning solution. We suggest having an extra set so you can switch them out; one set can soak while the other is in use.
Replacement every year: Even filters that are well cared for wear out. The pleats start to break down after 12 to 18 months, which makes filtering less effective. Change the filters every year, or sooner if they won’t clean up even with proper care.
Cleaning and maintenance at a higher level
How to Deep Clean
Your hot tub needs more than just regular maintenance every few months. It needs a deep clean that gets rid of buildup that your daily routine can’t handle.
To clean the shell, start with it empty (we’ll get to draining in a minute). Use a cleaner that is not abrasive and is made for acrylic surfaces. Cleaning products that you use around the house can hurt the shell or leave behind chemicals that make foam or skin itch.
Take extra care of the waterline area where oils and lotions build up. Brushes can leave tiny scratches that bacteria can live in, so a soft cloth or sponge is better.
Plumbing System Purge: A lot of hot tub owners don’t realize that biofilm can build up inside the plumbing. This slimy layer of bacteria can hold onto things that regular sanitizers can’t get to. Use a plumbing cleaner made just for hot tubs. It breaks down biofilm and gets rid of it.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to run the cleaner through your system, which usually means turning the jets on high for 15 to 20 minutes. What comes out might surprise you (and gross you out).
Draining and refilling well
You should drain and refill most hot tubs every three to four months, depending on how often you use them. This is how to do it the right way:
The first step in draining a hot tub is to turn off the power at the breaker. Find the drain spigot (which is usually near the bottom of the spa) and connect a garden hose to it. Make sure that the drainage doesn’t go toward your house’s foundation or any landscaping that could be harmed by chlorinated water.
Depending on the size of your hot tub, it usually takes 2 to 4 hours for all the water to drain. This is a great time to clean the filters and plan how you will refill the tank while it is draining.
Refill Strategy: If your water has a lot of chlorine or minerals in it, use a hose filter when you refill it. This stops you from making your fresh water worse right away.Fill it to the right level, which is usually about halfway up the skimmer opening, and then turn your system back on. Plan ahead because it can take 4 to 8 hours to heat the water for the first time. Don’t let people swim until the water is at the right temperature and the chemicals are balanced.
Chemistry and treatment of water
Finding the right balance between pH and alkalinity
pH and alkalinity are like dance partners; they always affect each other, and it’s important to get them both right for water that is safe, comfortable, and good for your equipment.
Most hot tubs work best when the pH is between 7.4 and 7.6. This range makes the sanitizer work best while still being safe for skin and equipment. Because of aeration and higher temperatures, the pH level in hot tubs naturally rises. Because of this, most owners add pH decreaser more often than pH increaser.
When the pH is low (less than 7.2), the water becomes acidic. This can damage metal parts and irritate the skin and eyes. A high pH (above 7.8) makes sanitizers less effective and can cause scaling on surfaces and in plumbing.
Alkalinity as the Base Total alkalinity between 100 and 150 ppm keeps the pH from changing too quickly. When alkalinity is too low, the pH level goes up and down a lot. It gets hard to change the pH when it gets too high.
First, change the alkalinity, and then change the pH. You can use sodium bicarbonate to raise the levels or muriatic acid to lower them, but be careful with acid because it’s very strong.
Using Chemicals and Cleaners
The Great Debate: Chlorine vs. Bromine. Both work, but they are very different. Chlorine works quickly and goes away quickly, so it’s great for short-term use. It’s also less expensive and easier to find.
Bromine takes longer to work, but it stays active longer, even in hot water. It doesn’t smell as bad and is easier on the skin and eyes. What’s the bad part? It costs more and can’t be fixed with shock treatment like chlorine.
Bromine usually wins for families with sensitive skin or people who use it every day. Chlorine usually makes more sense for weekend warriors or owners on a budget.
Shock Treatment Weekly shocks and oxidizes things that regular sanitizers can’t get rid of, like body oils, lotions, cosmetics, and organic debris. It also makes chlorine work better by breaking down chloramines, which is the strong “chlorine smell” that means there isn’t enough chlorine that works.
If you have a bromine system, use non-chlorine shock. If you have a chlorine system, use chlorine shock. Experience the shock in the evening when the spa won’t be used for a few hours.
Fixing Common Problems
How to Deal with Cloudy or Foamy Water
Getting into water that looks like milk or feels like a bubble bath (and not in a good way) is the worst thing that can happen to a hot tub.
Cloudy Water Most of the time, cloudy water is caused by bad filtration or an imbalance of chemicals. Check the levels of sanitizer, pH, and alkalinity first. If your chemistry is right, check your filter. A clogged or worn filter can’t keep up with getting rid of contaminants.
If the water is cloudy, it might mean that you need to shock it to break down the organics that have built up. Sometimes, the amount of total dissolved solids is so high that only new water can fix the problem.
Foam Troubleshooting Foam usually comes from soap residue, body oils, or cheap chemicals that have foaming agents in them. Adding a defoamer is the fastest way to fix the problem temporarily, but it only treats the symptoms, not the causes.
To keep foam from building up over time, you should shower before you soak (to get rid of lotions, oils, and soap residue) and use good chemicals made for hot tubs. Regular shocking also helps break down organic matter that makes foam.
Dealing with Bad Smells
If you take care of your hot tub, it should smell like… Well, not much. Or maybe a little like the relaxation products you choose to add. It shouldn’t smell like chemicals or anything worse.
Chemical Smells That strong “chlorine” smell usually means there isn’t enough chlorine that works, not too much. Chloramines, which are made when chlorine reacts with organic pollutants, smell bad and can make you feel bad. Shock treatment usually fixes this.
If you smell chemicals with the right chemistry, check your ventilation. Indoor spas need good air circulation to keep chemicals from building up in the air.
Musty or sour smells usually mean that bacteria are growing, often in places that your regular cleaning doesn’t get to. To get rid of biofilm in pipes, check the filter to make sure it’s clean, shock the water, and think about using a plumbing system cleaner.
If the smells don’t go away, you might need to drain the tank and fill it up with fresh water. Sometimes you just have to start over.
How to Handle Hard Water Issues
Hard water, which has a lot of minerals in it, can cause scaling, make sanitizers less effective, and damage equipment over time.
The total dissolved solids (TDS) in water hardness test strips are what they measure. When the level is over 1,500 ppm, it’s usually time for fresh water. High levels of calcium (more than 400 ppm) could mean that there will be scaling problems.
Prevention Strategies A hose filter when filling lowers the mineral content right away. Water softeners can be helpful in places with very hard water, but they’re not always needed.
Stain and scale preventers, also called sequestering agents, keep minerals in solution instead of letting them settle on surfaces. It’s better to use something regularly than to try to fix it after it breaks.
Making the Hot Tub Experience Better
Finding the best water temperature
People have different preferences when it comes to temperature, but there is science behind the comfort zone.
The Sweet Spot Most adults think that 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit is the best temperature for relaxing. Higher temperatures aren’t always better. They can make you dehydrated, dizzy, or uncomfortable, especially if you soak for a long time.
People who are pregnant, children, or older should use lower temperatures (no higher than 100°F). People with certain health problems should talk to their doctors about what temperatures are safe.
Changes for the seasons In the summer, many owners lower the temperature a little (98–100°F), and in the winter, they raise it (102–104°F). The weather changes how much heat your body can handle, and the cost of energy changes with the seasons as well.
Hot Tub Features and Extras:
Hydrotherapy and Jets Not every jet is the same. Directional jets work on certain muscle groups, while swirl jets give a gentle, relaxing massage. Deep tissue jets apply a lot of pressure to help with healing.
You can change the pressure and direction of the jets. Customers have found their perfect mix after months of trying different things, so don’t expect to get it right away.
Lighting and Atmosphere LED lights have changed the way hot tubs look and feel. Modern systems can make millions of color combinations, run light shows on a schedule, and save energy.
For relaxing in the evening, soft, warm light usually works better than bright colors. Use the party colors only on special occasions when you want to liven things up.
Integration of entertainment You can stream music without worrying about getting water on your Bluetooth speakers. Some systems work with smart home automation, so you can use your phone to control the lights, music, and temperature.
Sustainability and Efficiency
Ways to Save Energy
Hot tubs use a lot of energy by nature, but smart ways to run them can cut costs by a lot.
Timing Systems Programmable timers let you set when your heating will come on during times when electricity is cheaper. Many utilities offer time-of-use pricing, which means that electricity is 60–70% cheaper at night than during peak hours.
Set your spa to heat up when rates are low and keep the temperature steady when rates is high. Customers have saved 30–40% on their heating bills, so the savings can be big.
Cover Discipline A good cover can cut your energy costs in half, but only if you use it. Every minute that is uncovered wastes energy and lets dirt in.
Modern covers with hydraulic lifters make it easy to put on and take off. Yes, they cost more at first, but because they’re so easy to use, you’ll use the cover all the time.
Equipment that works well Variable-speed pumps don’t always run at full speed; instead, they change how much energy they use based on how much is needed. They usually cost more up front, but they save you money on your electricity bills over time.
Heaters that work well also make a difference. New heaters work 95% of the time, while older ones only work 75–80% of the time.
Long-lasting maintenance methods
Chemicals that are good for the environment Mineral-based sanitizer systems keep water safe while using fewer chemicals. Instead of adding liquid or granular chemicals, salt water systems make chlorine from salt.
Ozone generators cut down on the amount of chemicals needed by adding extra cleaning. They don’t get rid of the need for regular sanitizers, but they do cut down on the amount needed by a lot.
Keeping water clean When done right, partial water changes can make spa water last longer. Instead of changing the water completely every three to four months, change 25 to 30 percent of it every month.
When you can, use spa water for landscaping (after the chlorine has gone away). The water in a hot tub usually has fewer harmful chemicals than the water in a swimming pool.
Care and storage for each season
Getting Ready for Times of Heavy Use
Parties and get-togethers in the summer can put a lot of stress on your hot tub’s systems. Planning ahead stops problems from happening when things are busy.
Getting Ready for the Party Before guests arrive, test and change the water chemistry. Don’t wait until problems arise. Shock the water a day ahead of time to make sure it is clear and the sanitizer works.
Get a lot of chemicals and extra filters ready. Using sanitizers a lot makes them run out and clogs filters faster than usual.
When Used a Lot During busy times, test chemistry every day. Instead of waiting for scheduled testing, add sanitizer as needed. Run filtration cycles longer and skim debris more often.
It’s not rude to ask guests to shower before soaking; it’s just good upkeep.
Getting Your Hot Tub Ready for Winter
Some people who live in very cold places winterize their spas instead of heating them all year.
The Process of Winterization Complete drainage is very important because any water that stays behind can freeze and break pipes or tools. Use a wet/dry vacuum to blow water out of plumbing lines and jets.
To keep water from freezing, add hot tub antifreeze (never car antifreeze). Take out the filters, clean them, and put them away in a dry place.
Make sure the cover is tightly fastened, and if your area gets bad weather, think about getting more protection.
Starting in the spring Before refilling, make sure to clean and check everything. Look for any damage from freezing that happened even though you tried to winterize it.To start up in the spring, you need fresh water, clean filters, and balanced chemistry. Before you can use the spa, it needs to be heated for 6 to 8 hours.
Using Hot Tub Covers for Accessories and Maintenance
Choosing a Cover
Your hot tub cover is probably the most important thing you’ll buy. Make sure you pick the right one that retains heat and take care of it.
Choosing a Cover Marine-grade vinyl that doesn’t crack or get damaged by UV light is used in high-quality covers. The foam core should be dense enough to keep water from getting in and keep its insulating value.
It’s very important that things fit right; gaps around the edges waste energy and let dirt in. Custom-fitted covers last longer and work better than generic ones, but they cost more.
Cover Care
Clean covers once a month with mild soap and water, paying special attention to the bottom where chemicals and moisture can cause damage. To keep the vinyl from cracking and fading, put on vinyl protectant every three months.
If your covers get wet or damaged, you should replace them every five to seven years. A heavy, sagging cover isn’t just annoying; it’s also wasting energy and costing you money.
Smart Ways to Clean
The Tennis Ball Game When you’re not using the spa, throw in a tennis ball. It will soak up the oils and lotions that are floating on the surface. Change it every month or when it starts to look dirty.
Instead, some people use fabric softener sheets, but be careful because they can make the water foam in some situations.
System for rotating filters Have two sets of filters and switch them out every month. You can soak the other set in cleaning solution or let it air dry while using the first set. This makes the filter last longer and makes sure you always have the right amount of filtration.
Preventative Maintenance Schedule
Instead of trying to keep everything in mind, you can just create a simple calendar of maintenance activities. A schedule keeps you on track, and prevents little issues from becoming big, expensive issues. Examples including daily, weekly chemistry checks, or monthly deep cleans.
Education & Learning: Somewhere to Find Good Video Courses
There are thousands of hot tub “how to” videos on YouTube, but it is a bit of a mixed bag of quality. Instead of random hot tub owners sharing their limited experience, look for channels run by real spa professionals.
Online courses in water chemistry, troubleshooting, and maintenance are often offered by companies that train professionals. These cost more than free YouTube videos, but they offer structured, in-depth learning about jacuzzi as well.
Talking to Experts
Dealers in the area Your dealer should always be there to help you out. If they don’t, find one who will. Good dealers will help you with troubleshooting, maintenance training, and testing your water.
A lot of dealers hold maintenance workshops for their customers. You can’t learn these practical skills from videos or books, but you can learn them in these hands-on sessions.
Communities on the Internet Forums for hot tub owners have years of advice from people who have used them before. Before you post, do a search. Your question has probably already been answered.
Be careful when you take advice from forums. Some members really do know what they’re talking about, but others think they do and don’t. If you’re not sure, ask a professional.
Help from the manufacturer Most good manufacturers offer technical support for their products. When you call, have your model and serial numbers ready. It makes things go much faster.
Some companies make mobile apps that remind you to do maintenance, help you fix problems, and let you talk to customer service directly.
Last Thoughts
If you know the basics and keep up with maintenance, owning a hot tub doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. The key is to make routines that you don’t even think about instead of treating every task like a big deal.
Start with the chemistry of the water. If you get that right, most other problems will go away on their own. Check often, make changes quickly, and don’t let little problems turn into big ones.
Pick good tools and chemicals. Cheap filters, covers, and chemicals cost more in the long run because you have to replace them often and they don’t work well. Buy once, and buy the right thing.
Most importantly, you should use your hot tub a lot. Things that don’t get used get broken. Water that doesn’t move around becomes stagnant. You shouldn’t just look at hot tubs; you should enjoy them.
A well-kept hot tub can give you years of relaxation and fun, whether you’re soaking alone after a long day or having friends over for the weekend. The time and effort you put in will pay off in fewer problems, lower operating costs, and many hours of stress-free soaking.
Want to step up your hot tub game? For expert advice, high-quality products, and ongoing support that keeps your spa running perfectly all year long, get in touch with Canadian Home Leisure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to take care of my hot tub so that it stays in good shape?
The truth is that consistency is always better than perfection. Check the chemistry of your water two to three times a week (more often if you use it a lot). Replace filters every year and clean them every two to four weeks. You should change all of the water every three to four months, but if you use it a lot, you may need to do it more often.
Instead of making a complicated schedule that you’ll stop following after two weeks, the key is to make a routine that you’ll actually stick to.
What should people who are new to hot tubs do to take care of them?
Begin with the basics and work your way up. First, read your manual (really—every model is different). Before you start worrying about more complicated maintenance, you should learn how to test water and change chemicals.
Pay attention to the three most important things: the level of sanitizer, the pH balance, and the cleanliness of the filters. Until you know these basics inside and out, nothing else is important. It’s not possible to become an expert on hot tubs overnight. It takes time to learn.
What chemicals do you need to keep the hot tub clean and safe?
You need a sanitizer (usually chlorine or bromine), a pH adjuster (usually a pH decreaser for most hot tubs), and an alkalinity increaser. That’s your main set of tools.
Weekly shock treatment, a stain and scale preventer for hard water areas, and a water clarifier for when the water gets cloudy are all optional but helpful. Don’t give in to the urge to buy every chemical on the shelf. In hot tub chemistry, more isn’t always better.
What are some good ways to keep a hot tub clean without using chemicals?
It’s not possible to run a chemical-free business if you want safe water, but you can cut down on the chemicals you use a lot. Salt water systems make chlorine from salt. This is still a chemical way to clean, but it’s gentler. Mineral sanitizers, which are made up of silver and copper ions, lower the amount of chlorine needed.
Ozone generators help with cleaning and cut down on the need for chemicals by 50% to 70%. UV systems can also help, but they are more common in bigger installations.
Instead of relying on just one “chemical-free” solution, the key is to use a combination of different methods.
What can I do to make my hot tub experience even better?
Start with the basics: clean water, the right temperature (100–104°F for most people), and balanced chemistry. Then add the good stuff: speakers that sound good for music, lights that can be changed to set the mood, and spa pillows and other comfortable things.
Think about how you use it. Daily soakers and weekend entertainers both get different benefits from their activities. Some of our customers like big, fancy light shows, while others like simple, warm lighting. There is no perfect setup that works for everyone.
Is it a good idea to keep the hot tub jets on all the time? What happens?
It wastes energy to run jets all the time. Most spas need 2 to 4 hours of circulation every day, which can include running the jets. Jets during the filtration cycle help keep the water moving through the system and stop bacteria from growing in dead spots.
But some companies say that low-speed circulation should happen all the time. Look in your manual for specific advice, since each system is made differently.
The bottom line is that circulation is important, but having full-power jets all the time is not necessary and costs a lot of money.
