There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding hot tubs, but very few are based in reality. Here are five of the most pervasive hot tub myths:
- Hot tubs are difficult and time-consuming to maintain.
- Hot tub sanitation systems are harsh and harmful.
- Hot tubs are expensive to operate.
- Hot tubs are dirty.
- Hot tubs cost too much for normal people to buy.
Here, we’ll debunk each one of these myths — if you’re thinking about purchasing a hot tub, it’s time you knew the truth.
Myth 1: Hot Tubs are Difficult and Time-Consuming to Maintain
While hot tubs do require regular maintenance, that maintenance is neither difficult nor time-consuming to perform.
In general, your hot tub maintenance schedule will look something like this:
- Weekly: Remove debris and use test strips to measure pH, chemical, alkalinity and calcium levels, and adjust your chemicals as needed .
- Monthly: Clean your filters .
- Every three to six months: Replace or deep-clean your filters and drain and refill your tub tub.
When all is said and done, maintaining your hot tub is extremely easy, and is more about maintaining a consistent schedule rather than putting in a lot of effort.
In fact, you won’t spend more than a few minutes each week maintaining your hot tub on average.
Myth 2: Hot Tub Sanitation Systems are Harsh and Harmful
Although adding too much chlorine or bromine can result in harsh chemical levels, proper use of any hot tub chemical won’t create any issues for the majority of people. If you use the right amount of chemicals, they’ll barely be detectable.
Plus, people with extra sensitive skin or eyes have plenty of alternative options, too: Hot tub ozonators, salt water hot tubs and mineral-based purifiers allow users to reduce the amount of chemicals they use, and can even offer skin-friendly benefits.
Click here to learn about the importance of hot tub ozonators, and check out our previous blog post here to discover the benefits of salt water hot tubs.
Myth 3: Hot Tubs are Expensive to Operate
Many people believe that hot tubs consume an inordinate amount of electricity, but the truth is that they’re just like any other appliance.
With the right energy-saving practices, they can cost no more than a few dollars per month to operate, even during winter (read our previous blog post here to learn how much it costs to run a hot tub in the winter).
For instance, if you’re paying $12.95 cents per kWh (the the national average cost per kWh, according to the U.S. Energy Administration), it will only cost $4.43 to heat a 400-gallon hot tub from 65℉ to 100℉.
These tips can also help your hot tub be more energy-efficient:
- Use a thick hot tub cover to reduce the amount of electricity it takes to heat up your hot tub, as well as to prevent heat from escaping when your hot tub is running.
- Use thermal blankets to prevent heat from escaping even when you’re using your hot tub.
- Purchase a hot tub with full insulation to ensure that it retains as much heat as possible.
Click here to learn more about hot tub electricity usage, as well as how to make it run more efficiently.
Myth 4: Hot Tubs are Dirty
While a poorly maintained hot tub can certainly get dirty, regular cleaning and a properly maintained sanitation system will keep your water pure and your hot tub squeaky clean.
For example, chlorine, bromine, ozonators and mineral-based purifiers can all quickly and effectively kill bacteria, mold, fungus and other impurities, while a quick monthly wipe down can keep your hot tub’s surfaces looking and feeling like new.
Another great way to keep your hot tub clean is to always replace its cover when not in use. Hot tub covers benefits include keeping dirt and debris from getting into the water and clogging the filters, which will make your maintenance routine much quicker and easier in return.
Myth 5: Hot Tubs Cost Too Much for Normal People to Buy
If you’ve ever visited a hot tub retailer’s showroom, you might have experienced a bad case of sticker shock. After all, retailers can and do mark up their hot tubs by thousands of dollars, even if the hot tubs they’re selling are low-quality or lack high-end features.
However, purchasing your hot tub from a manufacturer rather than a retailer will allow you to buy a luxurious, top-of-the-line hot tub for a fraction of what you’d pay otherwise.
Don’t think that manufacturers don’t sell hot tubs with the very best features, either: Even if you’re look for a hot tub with an HDTV, built-in speaker system and LED-illuminated waterfall, manufacturers can provide you with exactly what you’re looking for.
Now that you know the truth about hot tubs, you can make a truly informed decision about whether a hot tub is right for you.
