Hot tubs are wonderful backyard additions, creating a soothing paradise to wash the stress of your day away.
But how exactly does your hot tub do this?
With a precise mixture of premium hot tub parts!
Various elements of your spa are responsible for creating the therapeutic experience you’ve come to know and love, and with proper care, you can enjoy decades of relaxing hydrotherapy!
However, each one has its own life expectancy, with many not matching that of your spa.
While a well-maintained hot tub can last upwards of 20 years, some hot tub parts will only last five to ten years.
If you’re curious about the main hot tub parts you’ll need to inspect and monitor over the years, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, you’ll learn about five hot tub parts your spa requires to run smoothly and efficiently, their expected lifespans, and some basic steps in expertly caring for them.
We’ve even included a list of optional hot tub parts and features worth considering if you’re looking to upgrade your time in the water!
Let’s get started!
5 ESSENTIAL HOT TUB PARTS FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE
From the powerful hydrotherapy jets to the filtration system and heater, every hot tub part works harmoniously together to ensure your spa runs smoothly.
Read on to discover everything you’ll need to know about five of the most crucial parts of your spa.
1. Heating Element
One of the first things that comes to mind when you think about a hot tub is the steaming hot water that coaxes your body into complete relaxation.
And it all starts with your heating element.
This hot tub part comes into direct contact with your water, heating every drop as it circulates through your system.
Because it’s constantly exposed to your spa water, it’s susceptible to scale or corrosion, especially when your water is improperly balanced; the leading cause of heater failure!
Generally, you can expect your heating element to last around seven to ten years when your water chemistry is properly maintained.
You should inspect your heater during your seasonal water change for any potential warning signs of scale or corrosion, prompting you to monitor the pH and alkalinity of your water more closely.
2. Jets
Followed closely by the warm water, powerful jets also come to mind when the topic of spas arises…and with good reason!
These therapeutic powerhouses are responsible for the majority of your pain relief, providing target massage therapy to your problem areas.
Much like your heating element, your jets are also at the mercy of your water quality, with improperly balanced water quickly leading to damage.
While at first, this may only reduce their visual appeal, over time, this can affect their overall functioning, influencing the flow of water.
Each season during your water change and deep cleaning, you should inspect your jets for any early signs of damage.
Furthermore, you’ll want to check their seals during this inspection as well, looking for any cracking or damage that may signal your jets will need some TLC in the near future.
This becomes particularly important for adjustable jets since they are exposed to more friction day-to-day than standard jets.
3. Pump
Another hot tub part that is greatly impacted by the quality of your water is the water pump.
This pump ensures the water in your spa can circulate through your entire system, maintaining both its cleanliness and temperature.
Typically, your pump can last upwards of ten years but may need to be replaced earlier if your water is poorly maintained for extended periods of time.
Much like many other elements of your hot tub, your pump is constantly exposed to your spa’s water, so if you discover scale or corrosion on your shell, jets, or heating element, it’s likely in your pump as well.
Furthermore, your pump may begin complaining via a loud growling sound if your water level is low, signalling it’s not getting enough water.
If you ever discover issues with water pressure and circulation, checking your pump should be at the top of your list.
4. Filters
Your hot tub filters are the champions of your water, collecting debris as it moves through your system to ensure you can enjoy crystal-clear water each time you step into your spa.
However, with all this work, they are prone to becoming clogged if improperly maintained, resulting in a host of issues, including:
- Low water pressure
- Dirty, cloudy, or foul-smelling water
- Temperature drops
- Poor circulation
Luckily, keeping your filters clean isn’t hard, and only requires a few minutes of attention each week.
Once a week, pull out your spa’s filters and rinse them under your kitchen faucet or with your garden hose.
Use a filter flosser to get even deeper between the pleats.
Alternatively, if your filters are extra dirty, you can soak them for 15 minutes in a diluted mixture of filter cleaner and water, helping lift heavier set debris. Then, simply rinse and return them to your spa.
5. Control Panel
The final hot tub part on our list is your control panel, the number one way your spa will communicate with you.
From this panel, you’ll be able to control every facet of your spa, while also being notified of any potential concerns through error codes.
This panel can look different on every spa, with some boasting stunning glass-touch displays, while others have simplified controls for improved ease of use.
Your control panel should be one of the first things you get acquainted with when your spa arrives and should be checked for any error codes each time you head out for a soothing soak.
UPGRADE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH OPTIONAL PARTS & FEATURES
Apart from the standard hot tub parts above, there are various other parts and features worth considering when it comes to selecting your spa.
While not all hot tubs offer the same optional features, with some being exclusive to a specific brand, here are some of the best elements we recommend considering in your spa.
The SmartTub®️ System
If you dream of having unmatched control over your hot tub or simply want to ensure you can rest easy while on vacation, the SmartTub®️ System is a must!
This Jacuzzi®️ Hot Tub feature connects you to your spa from an app on your phone, providing complete control over your spa from afar.
From changing the temperature, setting filtration systems, and getting advanced reposts on your spa’s efficiency, this system does it all.
It can even notify your dealer when maintenance is needed!
UV-C Technology
The cleanliness of your water is non-negotiable.
Not only does properly treated water keep your spa crystal clear, but it ensures you and your guests can soak in peace, free from worry of skin and eye irritation!
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the need for chlorine while still enjoying clean, safe water, hot tubs with UV-C technology are worth considering.
LED Lighting
The lighting elements of your spa play a much larger role than simply enhancing its visual appeal.
They can also enhance the therapeutic benefits through the power of chromotherapy; the use of light to promote favourable emotional responses.
From blue and purple to ease stress, to orange and yellow to improve your mood, the LED lights in your spa can be a powerful asset to each session.
Spa Cover with Locks
Your hot tub cover plays a crucial role in your spa’s energy efficiency, locking in heat to keep run times to a minimum.
With the bitter cold winters in Ontario, a cover is truly non-negotiable and should be given plenty of thought when purchasing your spa.
While a cover is likely to come with your spa, you’ll want to ensure it’s well-insulated and durable enough to withstand the temperature fluctuations we experience.
Furthermore, your cover is also a vital element in your spa’s overall safety, especially when paired with cover locks to keep your kids from climbing into the spa unattended.
IR + Red Light Therapy Bulbs
While you’ll need to opt for one of two specific Jacuzzi®️ hot tubs to enjoy this feature, it’s certainly worth considering.
In the Jacuzzi®️ J-LX Collection, you’ll discover the healing power of infrared and red light therapy built directly into one of the seats!
Not only do these bulbs catch the eye of every guest stepping into your water, but they can also help ease back pain, promote circulation, and enhance your overall relaxation.
Check it out in this short video:
Stereo Sound System
Are you someone who thrives when the right playlist is playing in the background?
Music can have a powerful effect on your emotional well-being, influencing your thoughts and mood.
Whether it’s cranking up a party playlist during a hot tub party or quieting your mind with a gentle ambiance playlist, a stereo system is the perfect way to transform your time in the water.
SHOP HOT TUB SUPPLIES ONLINE AT WELLNESS SHOP
Whether you need help sourcing genuine hot tub parts or require professional service to get your hot tub back up and running, the experts at Wellness Shop are here to help.
Through our convenient online shop, you’ll find everything you need to keep your spa in prime condition, without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
Want something more personal?
Our showrooms are stocked with a range of premium spas from industry-leading brands, ensuring we’ve got the perfect model at the right price for you.
We support a number of communities across Ontario, with showrooms across the province, from Hamilton and Burlington to London and even Barrie; we’ve got a team nearby to help you with all your hot tub needs.
Contact your nearest team today, or visit them in person to get started on bringing your dream oasis into reality!
