As the dog days of summer fade and pools close down in the Northeast, just because the weather is cooler  doesn’t mean we don’t want to be outdoors. Indeed, Fall is when people use their spa a great deal. The crisp weather makes a steaming hot tub a delightful way to enjoy the change of seasons.

The good news is that to prepare your hot tub is not complicated. Because you will be using it a good deal, it is a good time to change the water (and consider changing it again just before the hard winter arrives in December). That done, you will be good until Spring.

 

Hot Tubbing in Fall:

Hot Tubbing in Fall:

Fall is a time when the whole family wants to use the spa more regularly. Especially if the spa water hasn’t been changed in a few months, just before the chilly weather arrives, drain and clean the hot tub. Photo: Bullfrog Spas

 

Hot Tub Maintenance in Fall:

Hot Tub Maintenance in Fall:

Falling leaves and twigs are not great for your hot tub water. If during the summer you became lax in using your hot tub cover, be more vigilant in Fall. Debris can change the pH balance in your tub requiring more shocking and even changing the water more often.

 

Changing Your Bullfrog Spa Water

  1. Pick the best place in the yard to drain the hot tub’s existing water.
  2. Turn off the power at the breaker
  3. Locate the drain in the hot tub, pull it out and remove the drain cap
  4. Attach a standard garden hose to the cap and let the water flow out
  5. Once the spa is empty, you can clean the interior of the tub.

 

Draining Hot Tubs:

Draining Hot Tubs:

All it takes to empty a hot tub is a standard garden hose.  Photo: Bullfrog Spas

 

Cleaning Spa Filters:

Cleaning Spa Filters:

It’s also a good time to clean the spa filters which are very easy to remove. Just place the spa in “Hold” mode and remove the FilterCap and filter plate, take out the cartridge and use the same garden hose you used to empty the spa to spray water over the filter’s pleats.  Photo: Bullfrog Spas

 

Glass Fire Gems:

Glass Fire Gems:

If you have a natural gas fire pit/table, you can change the color of the fire gems as well. The gems come in many shapes and sizes and are easily changed to suit the season. For Fall, how about a copper glass gem (pictured here) to give an amber appearance. Photo: Outdoor GreatRoom Company

 

You might also want to add spa maintenance chemicals after filling the tub with fresh water. This is another easy-peasy DIY project. See the following video:

 

 

 

Clean Spa Water:

Clean Spa Water:

Hot tubbers are not disappointed when the weather takes on a bit of a chill. They know the best hot tub season is just beginning.

For more on how to drain the spa and clean the shell surface: http://www.bullfrogspas.com/blog/how-to-clean-a-hot-tub/).