Like any pool used by humans and filled with water, the water in a whirlpool becomes cloudy. This is caused by a lack of water changes, which should always be done at regular intervals. This means you only bathe in fresh water that is free of numerous impurities. How often and when you should change the water in the hot tub is extremely important.
Why change the water?
Many hot tub owners wonder what the purpose of changing the water is? This is especially the case if you are setting up a whirlpool in the garden for the first time or if it is on the terrace and is being used. Changing the water is necessary because of the numerous deposits that lead to water contamination. These contaminants range from a slight cloudiness to the formation of foul odors that are very unpleasant. In addition to regular maintenance measures, water changes are necessary to maintain the quality of the water. Since in this case you drain slightly to heavily used water from the whirlpool and replace it with fresh water, you can enjoy your time in the pool again. The following causes are responsible for cloudy and unpleasant smelling water:
- used disinfectants
- used care products
- Care neglected
- organic materials such as leaves
- dead insects
- Body Fluids
- Oils and fats
- Hair
- wrong pH value
- high temperatures
- intense sunlight
- Pollen
- Rainwater
Whirlpools in gardens in particular that are not covered after use quickly become cloudy. Summer in particular proves to be difficult for whirlpool owners if, for example, they are placed near a tree. In this case, a lot of dirt particles get into the water. No matter which of these causes is responsible for cloudy water in the whirlpool, changing the water will help you eliminate it.
Frequency
In addition to the actual time of the water change, it is important to know how often it needs to be done. The water change obviously depends on the degree of contamination of the water, which can become very cloudy within a short period of time if care is neglected. Of course, you should change the water immediately if it is very cloudy or really stinks. But you can counteract this problem if you change the water in the whirlpool regularly. Precisely defined intervals are recommended as they are particularly effective against dirt. The following list gives you an overview of how often water changes are recommended based on the level of contamination:
- slightly cloudy: twice a year
- slightly to moderately dirty: three times a year
- heavily soiled: immediately or every two months
As you can see, the frequency depends heavily on the water quality and for this reason these are isolated cases. If you find slightly cloudy water within several months that doesn't really smell unpleasant, you only need to consider changing the water every six months. However, if the hot tub is used heavily or is not protected from the elements, a bi-monthly change may be necessary. Whirlpools that are used particularly often fall into this category. Especially when many different people enjoy the whirlpool, numerous dirt particles settle in the water. You can delay this by following the tips below.
Time
As with a pool, you should choose the right time for each change interval. This will maximize the effect of the change and at the same time reduce the amount of cleaning required over the coming months. The timing does not depend on the degree of contamination of the water in the whirlpool, but rather on the seasons. Especially over the summer months, it is important not to let the water spill, which you can do by changing the water at the right time. Depending on the interval you select, you should start with one of the following water changes:
- early spring
- after intensive pollen counts
- End of Autumn
The first water change of the year is particularly often done in spring. This removes dirt from the winter and at the same time refreshes the water for the coming summer. If your hot tub is well protected over the winter, mid or late May is a better time to change, as the pollen count is over in many regions at this time. If the water is changed every six months, the water in the whirlpool is changed according to the frequency in spring and at the end of autumn. These dates make implementation easier and optimize the result.
Note:
If you have a constantly filled whirlpool in your home, you can of course decide the timing of the change intervals yourself. However, it is worth changing before summer, as more people use the hot tub during this time, especially if you have frequent visitors.
Make cleaning easier when changing water
Changing the water always involves cleaning the pool, which can be quite time-consuming depending on how you have previously cared for the whirlpool. The reason for this is the deposits mentioned above, which can get out of hand due to a lack of care. This is especially possible if you only clean the whirlpool while changing the water and pay little attention otherwise. In this case, the change is necessary much earlier. With the following tips you can delay the time of water changes for a full six months:
1. Showering: Don't underestimate the power of a quick but thorough shower. This removes many cloudy water triggers from your skin, leaving the water significantly cleaner. Especially if you have washed yourself with soap, you should never get into the whirlpool without showering.
2. Swimwear: Don't forget to shower off your swimwear next to your body if you wear them in the hot tub. A lot of soap residue, sweat and oils can accumulate, especially in men's swimming trunks.
3. pH value: Yes, the pH value in a hot tub is important if it is constantly filled with water. If this is not correct, the water becomes unstable within a short time and can tip, which can lead to strong cloudiness and a foul smell. Hot tubs should have a pH value between 7.0 and 7.5 so that the water remains stable and does not need to be changed as often.
4. Filter Cleaning: Don't forget to clean your filter regularly. A water change every two months is necessary if you do not clean the filter often enough to ensure optimal performance. Clean the filter every four weeks, even in winter if you use it during the cold season. A clean water filter saves you a lot of work if you spend a lot of time in the hot tub.
5. Disinfection: It is worth treating hot tubs with a disinfectant every week or two. Disinfection is particularly effective in summer, when there is more frequent use. The products only need to be added to the water to work. This is a pretty good way to prevent cloudy water.
With these tips it will be easy to maintain the quality of the water over a longer period of time. This is particularly necessary in frequently used or unprotected whirlpools and can save you a lot of work.
Tip:
Get a cover for your hot tub that is primarily used during the annual pollen season and autumn leaf fall. In this way you protect the pool from organic materials that would cloud the water, which at the same time delays the necessary change.
