5 Ways Summer Heat Wrecks Your Hot Tub

Summer is a time for relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors, and for many, this includes taking a dip in a hot tub. However, the intense summer heat can negatively impact your hot tub, affecting its performance and longevity. Understanding these effects can help you take necessary precautions and maintain your hot tub in top condition. In this post, we will explore the various ways summer heat can affect your hot tub, and explain why you should consider a hot tub moving service.

1. Chemical Imbalance

Hot tubs rely on a delicate balance of chemicals to maintain clean, clear, and sanitized water. Unfortunately, summer heat throws a wrench into this balance. Here's why:

• Increased Chemical Breakdown: Hotter water temperatures accelerate the breakdown of chlorine and bromine, the primary sanitizers used in hot tubs. This can leave your hot tub vulnerable to bacteria and algae growth. A study found that the chlorine residual necessary for proper sanitation drops considerably as water temperatures rise.
• Off-Gassing: As water temperatures climb, the rate of evaporation increases. This evaporation process also removes some of your sanitizers' volatile components, further reducing their effectiveness.

Solution: Test your hot tub water more frequently during the summer, ideally daily or every other day. Adjust your sanitizer levels as needed to maintain the recommended chlorine or bromine residual levels. You might also consider using a stabilizer, which helps prevent chlorine and bromine breakdown from ultraviolet (UV) rays and high temperatures.

2. Algae Growth

Algae thrives in warm, stagnant water. Summer's heat creates the perfect breeding ground for these unwelcome guests. Here's how:

• Ideal Breeding Conditions: Algae spores are constantly present in the air and can easily settle into your hot tub water. Hotter temperatures provide the ideal environment for these spores to germinate and rapidly multiply.
• Reduced Sanitizer Effectiveness: As discussed earlier, the high temperatures associated with summer can decrease the effectiveness of your hot tub's sanitizer. This creates an opportunity for algae to flourish without the usual chlorine or bromine defense.

Solution: Maintain a proper sanitizer residual to keep algae at bay. Shock your hot tub regularly – typically once a week during the summer – to kill any existing algae and prevent future outbreaks. Maintaining good circulation and filtration will also help by removing algae spores and debris from the water.

3. UV Damage

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are relentless, not just for your skin, but also for your hot tub's exterior components. Here's what you need to know:

• Faded Shell and Cover: Over time, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause your hot tub shell and cover to fade and become brittle. This not only detracts from the aesthetics of your hot tub but can also compromise its functionality.
• Cracked Acrylic Shells: In extreme cases, UV damage can lead to cracks in acrylic hot tub shells, resulting in leaks and costly repairs.

Solution: Invest in a high-quality hot tub cover made from UV-resistant materials. When not in use, keep your hot tub covered to minimize sun exposure. Consider positioning your hot tub in a shaded area whenever possible. Additionally, some manufacturers offer UV protectant sprays that can be applied to the hot tub shell for added defense.

4. Cover Damage

Your hot tub cover is more than just a place to sit. It plays a crucial role in protecting your hot tub from the elements, including the summer heat. Here's how cover damage can affect your hot tub:

• Increased Water Evaporation: A damaged hot tub cover won't seal properly, allowing more water to evaporate. This not only wastes water but also necessitates more constant refilling, which can affect the chemical balance and increase your operating costs.
• Debris Accumulation: Tears or rips in your hot tub cover can allow leaves, dirt, and other debris to enter the water. This can clog your filters and complicate water maintenance.

Solution: Inspect your hot tub cover regularly for any signs of damage, such as tears, rips, or loose stitching. Address minor tears promptly with a hot tub cover repair kit. If your cover is heavily damaged or already several years old, consider replacing it with a new, UV-resistant cover.

5. Increased Evaporation

As mentioned earlier, summer's heat accelerates the rate of evaporation from your hot tub. Here's what this means for you:

• Frequent Refilling: With increased evaporation, you'll need to refill your hot tub more often. This can be time-consuming and can also disrupt the chemical balance of your water, as freshwater typically doesn't have the same sanitizer levels as your existing hot tub water.
• Mineral Buildup: As water evaporates, the dissolved minerals in your hot tub water become more concentrated. This can lead to scale buildup on the shell, jets, and other components, reducing efficiency and aesthetics.

Solution: Minimize unnecessary heat loss by keeping your hot tub covered when not in use. Consider lowering the water temperature slightly during the summer months. Maintain a proper chemical balance to prevent scale buildup. Finally, refill your hot tub with fresh water gradually, adding a proper amount of sanitizer to match your existing water chemistry.

Consider a Hot Tub Relocation

While proper maintenance can help mitigate the effects of summer heat on your hot tub, there might be a more permanent solution: a hot tub moving service.  If your hot tub is currently placed in a location with direct sunlight exposure for most of the day, consider moving it to a shaded area. This could be under a patio cover, a pergola, or even mature trees that provide ample shade.

Here's where Platinum Hot Tub Movers can help!

Our team can safely relocate your hot tub to a cooler, more shaded location on your property. We understand the delicate nature of hot tubs and have the expertise to ensure a smooth and stress-free move.

Benefits of Relocating Your Hot Tub:

• Reduced Water Evaporation: A shaded location will dramatically decrease water evaporation, saving you money and minimizing the need for frequent refilling.
• Slower Chemical Breakdown: Shade helps protect your sanitizer from UV rays, allowing it to function more effectively for a longer period.
• Extended Lifespan: Minimizing sun exposure can help prevent premature fading and cracking of your hot tub shell and cover, extending the lifespan of your investment.

Contact Platinum Hot Tub Movers Today!

Don't let the summer heat turn your hot tub into a scorching liability. By following the tips outlined above and considering a strategic relocation with Platinum Hot Tub Movers, a hot tub moving company Buford residents trust, you can ensure a cool, clean, and refreshing hot tub experience all summer long.  Call us today at (678) 679-7016​ or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation and discuss your hot tub relocation needs!