7 Hot Tub Water Conservation Tips

 

Whether you’re eco-conscious or trying to save a buck, seeking ways to conserve water is good for the planet and your savings account. The world has gotten hotter and drier, and our water resources are diminishing. So, we owe it to ourselves and to Mother Nature to be as water-efficient as possible. Fortunately, you don’t have to forego the hot tub you’ve been dreaming of.

 

Some modern hot tubs – even large seven-seat units that hold 450 gallons of water – aren’t only comfortable and stylish, but water-efficient. This is because when it comes to conservation, it’s not the amount of water in a hot tub that matters; it’s how long the water lasts before it needs to be drained and refilled.

A hot tub with a standard water sanitation system has to be completely drained and refilled a few times a year. But, a modern salt water system, such as the integrated, titanium cartridge-based FreshWater® Salt System, means the water can last a whole year.

 

7 Simple Strategies for Hot Tub Water Conservation

Conserving water as a hot-tubber doesn’t involve much work. Instead, it requires regular care and maintenance, a bit of forethought, and some minor common-sense adjustments to your habits.

 

1. Reduce Draining Frequency By Investing In A High-Quality Water Sanitation System

With traditional chlorine and bromine hot tub water care systems, sanitizers require regular manual replenishment to kill bacteria and keep the water clean. They also leave behind chemical residues, which can build up and create odors, causing skin and eye irritations. As a result, hot tubs using these systems must be drained and refilled once every three to four months. The FreshWater® Salt System, available as an option on Hot Spring Limelight® Collection and Hot Spring Highlife® Collection hot tubs, offers hot tub owners a better, simpler choice.

 

The titanium cartridge-based FreshWater® Salt System generates chlorine from salt and automatically releases into the water in slow, steady amounts. The action eliminates the need to manually add sanitizers to keep the hot tub clean. This not only makes water care easier but also leaves no residue, keeping the water clear and silky on the skin and extending its life up to 12 months.* And longer water life means less draining and refilling, and less water wasted.

 

The FreshWater® Salt System is easy to use. A prompt on the control panel reminds you to test the water every 10 days. With the touch of a button, the owner can adjust the chlorine output level. Cartridge replacement is needed only once every four months to keep the water clean and always ready to use. With proper maintenance and normal use, draining and refilling is necessary only once per year. Water conservation has never been simpler.

 

 

2. Clean & Replace Filters Regularly

Even the best water sanitation systems depend on efficient filters to help keep the water clean and free of dirt, dust, insects, and leaves.

 

To keep filters working properly, they must be cleaned regularly. Most are easy to access and remove. A quick check once a week will keep you apprised of their condition. Look for cracks, wear, and tearing when you inspect. A brief rinse with a garden hose will clear them of contamination. High-quality filters will last two to three years.

 

 

3. Cover Your Hot Tub When You’re Not Using It

Quality hot tubs come with a durable cover material such as WeatherPro™ polyester. Always cover your hot tub when it’s not in use to prevent water loss due to evaporation and contamination from fallen leaves or sap, birds and insects, and particulate matter. A hot tub cover will also greatly improve energy efficiency by helping regulate water temperature and can help reduce your electric bill.

Because these covers can be heavy and difficult for one person to move, consider investing in a hot tub cover lifter. A cover lifter will allow you to easily remove and replace the cover. It will also help ensure you never leave your spa uncovered.

 

4. Check For Leaks

The best hot tubs are reliable and durable. Its shell and cabinet should not crack or warp under normal use. Your best defense against a leak is to keep an eye on the water level and inspect the outside cabinet for moisture and the area around the base of the cabinet for water every time you use your spa. When you drain and clean your hot tub, check the pipes to see if there’s any noticeable rot or wear, and check inside the compartment for moisture.

 

 

5. Aim Jets Consciously

As a hot-tubber, the most obvious way to conserve water is to keep it inside. Modern hot tub jets are powered by strong motors, so if the nozzles aren’t aimed below the waterline, some water may splash out. Over time, this could lead to a lot of water loss. Adjusting your nozzles to ensure you always get the perfect massage will help keep your water level in check.

 

6. Rinse Off Your Birthday Suit & Bathing Suit Before Using Your Hot Tub

While your water care system will remove impurities in the water, you’ll want to do your part to prevent further tainting of the water. In addition to checking the filters and always covering your spa when not in use, rinse off quickly before entering to remove oils and sweat from your body. If you soak in your hot tub in the same bathing suit you wear when swimming in a pool, river, or ocean, rinse it, too, before stepping in. Avoid a long shower, as the goal is water conservation after all. And don’t use soap; its residue will linger in the water, defeating the purpose of the rinse.

 

 

7. Reuse Water As Gray Water

Instead of draining your hot tub into the nearest sewer, reuse it as gray water. It’s not good for drinking, but it can be used to water (non-edible) plants, flush toilets, and wash your car, deck, or house. If you plan to use hot tub water this way, you’ll need to let it sit in the spa, covered, for three days without adding chemicals.

 

Ready to Save Water and Enjoy Your Hot Tub?

If you’re shopping for a spa and concerned about your water use, you can rest easy. With the FreshWater® Salt System and some due diligence, you can do your part to be as water-efficient as possible and save a few bucks along the way.

*Many factors affect the life of hot tub water, such as bather load and water chemistry. When these factors are accounted for and the hot tub is properly maintained, the FreshWater® Salt System will keep water clean and clear for up to a full year.