Should I Leave My Hot Tub Running While I’m on Vacation?

Should I Leave My Hot Tub Running While I’m on Vacation?

Raise your hand if you’re ready for a vacation. Yes, our hands are up, too! Thankfully, spring and summer breaks are just around the corner and you can scratch your itch to travel. While away from home, though, don’t forget to take proper care of your hot tub. 

At Texas Hot Tub Company, we frequently hear from spa owners who want to know how to care for their spa while they’re out of town. Most commonly, people ask, “Should I leave my hot tub running while I’m on vacation?” Keeping your pump running is not necessary. In fact, as long as the outdoor temperatures will be above freezing while you’re gone, you can turn the circulation pump off. There are some other ways you should prepare your spa for your absence though. Let us answer all your vacation-related hot tub maintenance questions here!

Before You Leave On Vacation

First and foremost, do some basic hot tub maintenance shortly before your trip. Test and balance the pH in the water, clean the filters, and add your preferred sanitizer.

Additionally, we recommend that you also shock the water to extend the life of your other spa chemicals. Sign up for Texas Hot Tub Company’s chemical auto-ship delivery. With this service, we will deliver your preferred chemicals every four to six months so you always have them on hand. The night before a big trip is not the time to run out! 

As we mentioned before, you can turn off your circulation pump while you’re gone if the temperature will be above freezing. For winter travels, consider a freeze protection control that will automatically turn the pump on if the temperature dips too low. It is also a good idea to arrange for a neighbor or friend as a backup should the weather change or in case of an emergency. 

If You’re Taking a Short Term Trip (1-5 days)

For those quick getaways of five days or less, you are all set to go for hot tub maintenance. We do recommend that you ensure the spa cover is properly in place and lock it if possible. Once you return home, all tan and rested, repeat the same process again: test, balance, and shock the water. After this, you can continue in vacation mode with a relaxing soak in your spa.

If You’re Taking a Long-Term Trip (5-14 Days)

For longer trips up to 14 days long, we recommend that you lower the water temperature to its lowest setting. For a Hot Spring® Hot Tub, this is 80 degrees. This will save you the cost of heating a spa that no one is using. Additionally, your spa chemicals are able to maintain their effectiveness for longer at this temperature.

What to Do if You’ll Be Gone More Than 14 Days

When taking an extended trip of more than 14 days, you may want to consider draining the water to prevent damage to your spa equipment. However, with a Hot Spring Hot Tub, it’s possible to leave your hot tub for up to a month before this is necessary.

Impressively, the Freshwater® Ozone System can keep your hot tub sanitized for up to 4 weeks. Additionally, the Freshwater System is good for your skin, hair, and eyes, and does an excellent job of keeping your spa clean and clear. 

From all of us at Texas Hot Tub Company, we wish you a happy and safe vacation. If you have further questions about hot tub maintenance or caring for your hot tub equipment, contact us. To learn more about Hot Spring Hot Tubs, stop by one of our stores in Dallas, Fort Worth, or Austin. Choose from the incredible features and designs in the Highlife®, Limelight®, and Hot Spot® Collections. Bon voyage!

LIMELIGHT OWNER'S MANUALS

The 2019 Limelight Collection Owner’s Manual will help you understand your spa’s features, and answer questions you might have regarding spa operation, water care, and maintenance. There is also a troubleshooting section included for your convenience.  

Download Previous Limelight Owner's Manuals