Which Hot Tubs Are Easiest to Maintain?
Owning a hot tub is sure to be a luxurious addition to any home. Relaxation is merely steps away, hydrotherapeutic relief is always available, and there’s always a comfortable place to let off steam and gather with friends and family. However, if you’re constantly having to conduct hot tub maintenance or test your water, the joy of ownership can quickly diminish. Luckily, advancements in technology, hot tub maintenance platforms, and spa design have ensured that low-maintenance, high-performance spas are easier than ever to find. In this article, we’ll explain what features to look for in a low-maintenance hot tub, and then explore a variety of different spa designs.
What are Some Characteristics of Low Maintenance Hot Tubs?
Before we dive into specific models, let’s understand exactly what makes a low-maintenance hot tub so easy to maintain. These key features prioritize convenience without sacrificing performance:
Efficient Filtration Systems
A high-quality filtration mechanism is essential in maintaining clean, hygienic water and reducing the amount of testing required as an owner. Look for hot tub models with multiple filters, which improve the water quality by capturing more debris, and automated cleaning cycles, which automatically clean the water at set intervals.
Advanced Water Treatment Options
High-end spas often come equipped with advanced water treatment functions, reducing the need for chemicals and extra maintenance. Examples include oxygen sanitizers, which harness the power of oxygen to sanitize your water, and smart apps, like SpaSense™, which minimize maintenance and excessive water treatment by automating the chemistry testing process.
Self-Cleaning Technology
Many tubs come equipped with autonomous cleaning systems that actively clean the floor, skim the surface, and filter your hot tub’s water. These significantly reduce the amount of time needed for spa upkeep. They’re also sure to turn a few heads when you have guests over, because who doesn’t want a robot automatically cleaning their hot tub for them?
Durable, Easy-to-Clean Materials
Resistant, durable materials are essential in enforcing a low-maintenance profile. Shells and exterior paneling of these spas can resist staining, discoloration, and scratches, with materials that will maintain their durability soak after soak, storm after storm. Examples include acrylic and vinyl shells and composite or synthetic exteriors, all popular options for their low maintenance requirements.
Well Insulated and Energy Efficient Design
Models with effective insulation better retain heat, reducing your energy costs and the workload on your tub’s heating system. This not only extends the lifespan of your spa - it also promotes cost savings. Energy-efficient hot tubs often have more durable, thoughtfully engineered components, meaning less frequent replacements and minimal upkeep.
Types of Hot Tubs Based on Maintenance Needs
The ease of maintenance on your hot tub largely depends on its type and design. Certain materials and components require less maintenance than others. Here are some of the primary hot tub types and their upkeep requirements:
Inflatable Hot Tubs
Pros
- Budget Friendly: These tubs have a lower price tag, making them an ideal entry-level tub for those with a cost-conscious budget.
- Portable: These spas can be easily inflated or deflated, making them easy to move from one place to another.
Cons
- Limited Filtration: A basic design means more frequent cleaning from owners due to the lack of advanced water filters.
- Minimal Sanitation Features: Manual cleaning is often required with these spas, requiring more effort from spa owners.
- Simple Design: Due to their inflative nature, these hot tubs are much more susceptible to wear and tear, often necessitating repairs or replacements over time.
The Bottom Line
While cost-effective, inflatable hot tubs aren’t the best option for those looking to minimize maintenance requirements due to their simple design and lack of advanced filtration.
Plug-and-Play Hot Tubs
Pros
- Easy Set Up: Just like the name suggests, these spas are simple to use from the start. All you need is an outlet and some water.
- Smaller Footprint: While this may be a con for some, smaller size means less upkeep and maintenance requirements.
- User-Friendly Controls: These spas are still typically considered entry-level, meaning they are easier to use and maintain.
Cons
- Basic Filtration Systems: Although a step up from inflatable hot tubs, these spas still require additional water upkeep compared to their more expensive counterparts.
- Minimal Features: Plug-and-play tubs have minimal electrical requirements, meaning they lack the automation and advanced cleaning features of more advanced hot tubs.
Explore Spas
The Bottom Line
Plug-and-play spas are a step up from inflatable tubs, but still lack the advanced features and design of modern spas that make them easier to maintain.
Traditional Acrylic Hot Tubs
Pros
- Designed for Long-Term Use: These tubs are built to last with durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of excessive use and seasonal weather patterns.
- Advanced Filtration and Sanitation Systems: Built-in systems significantly reduce the need for manual maintenance efforts, keeping your water clear and hygienic with minimal upkeep.
Cons
- More Expensive: Less maintenance comes at a price. These spas are significantly more expensive than their entry-level counterparts but still remain in reach for many.
- Still Require Manual Effort: While significantly reducing the physical upkeep needed, traditional acrylic hot tubs still require regular chemical balancing and periodic deep cleaning.
The Bottom Line
Traditional Acrylic Hot Tubs are an ideal choice for those seeking to balance luxury with convenience, significantly reducing the amount of upkeep needed with materials and systems that are built to last.
Wooden Hot Tubs
Pros
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Wooden spas are often associated with a rustic or traditional experience, making them highly sought after.
- Durable: High-quality timber like cedar and teak is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and weathering. Timber is also a natural insulator, helping retain heat and reduce energy usage.
Cons
- High Maintenance: Wood requires regular cleaning, oiling, and maintenance to prevent warping, cracking, and other forms of aging.
- Lacking in Modern Systems: Most wooden tubs are without modern filtration and sanitation systems, meaning they require significantly more water maintenance and overall upkeep.
The Bottom Line
While aesthetically pleasing and naturally durable, wooden tubs might not be the best choice for those looking to minimize spa maintenance requirements.
Tips for Simplifying Hot Tub Maintenance
Owning a low-maintenance hot tub is just the beginning. These tricks and tips can simplify your hot tub care even further:
- Set a Maintenance Schedule: Come up with a routine for your hot tub care, including checking your water chemistry, cleaning filters, and inspecting components on a set schedule. Staying consistent will prevent potential problems from escalating.
- Incorporate a SmartApp Integration: Linking your hot tub with your smartphone can take the guesswork out of hot tub maintenance and even automate many of the most daunting upkeep tasks. Systems like Spa Sense™ have significantly simplified the water care process with automatic chemistry testing and personalized reporting.
- Choose a Quality Cover: Hot tub covers provide more than just aesthetics. A high-quality, durable spa cover is essential in preventing harmful debris from contaminating your water. Covers also reduce evaporation, which can impact your water chemistry and complicate maintenance.
- Keep Supplies Nearby: Store brushes, cleaners, and other essentials near your tub for quick touch-ups when needed.
Choosing the right hot tub takes time and it’s important to do your research before jumping into a significant investment. Whatever route you choose to go, being informed and understanding upkeep requirements are sure to simplify your hot tub maintenance process. If you’re looking for guidance or need help with maintenance, local retailers are great resources to assist you along the way. We hope this article has led you one step closer to finding the right hot tub for your relaxation needs.
To learn more about hot tub maintenance and the Sundance Spas brand, visit us online.
