What to do when your new house comes with an old hot tub

Did you just buy a new home? Congratulations! If your new home came with a hot tub, you’re not only getting a house – you’re getting easy access to fun, stress reduction and health benefits, right in your backyard. But to get the most out of your hot tub, there are a few things you need to be sure to do.

1. Find out exactly what it is. Before the seller walks away, get as much information about the spa as you can. Ideally, you’ll learn the brand and model, and the owner will make sure you have the owner’s manual – or, by knowing the brand and model, you’ll be able to get your hands on one. This is important so you’ll know what filters to buy, how many gallons the spa holds so you can calculate the appropriate amount of chemicals, and more.

2. Change the filters. The previous owner probably didn’t change the filters before listing the home for sale, and most filters only have a lifespan of 2-3 years. Clean, well-functioning filters are key to making sure you have clean, clear spa water. If you aren’t certain what size filters you need – stop. Measure the old ones carefully, and call a local spa dealer for help.

3. Inspect the cover and – if you have one – the cover lifter. A properly fitting and functioning cover is key to keeping your hot tub clean and energy efficient. If your cover is heavy, cracked or broken, it’s time to replace it. A cover lifter should sit straight on the spa, with straight arms and a straight top bar. If any of these components are bent or crooked, not only will it be more difficult to lift your cover, but it might not seal correctly, letting heat escape.

4. Purge your inherited water care products. There’s a fair to good chance the previous owner had a number of chemicals or water care products on-hand that you don’t need, or that could even be harmful to your hot tub. Caring for hot tub water really isn’t hard – it just takes some good guidance from the start.

Our recommendation? Put it all in a box – yep, all of it – and drop by your local spa dealer or give them a call. Let them give you guidance on what you need and what you don’t, based on your spa, the water in your area, and more.  

There is one other thing. Sometimes, “inherited” hot tubs turn out to be duds. If this happens to you, but you find you still really want to enjoy the hot tub lifestyle – entertaining friends, family fun, stress reduction, health benefits – may we suggest a Softub? Convenient, comfortable, easy to set up and energy efficient – it’s the perfect solution.