Filling the tub & water maintenance
Every hot tub requires water maintenance. It keeps the tub serviced and protected, and significantly extends its life span and operating life. Moreover, regular water maintenance ensures that the water quality remains at a constantly high level, preventing any health risks to the users as well as damage to the hot tub.
This background article shows you how to carry out your hot tub water maintenance properly. To come to the point: the time and effort needed to look after your hot tub is relatively low and definitely worth it. Because if you follow our tips and advice, you will be able to enjoy your Villeroy & Boch hot tub for many years to come.
Filling the tub with water
The pH of hot tub water should be between 7.4 and 7.6. When filling the hot tub with water, the pH will first increase and could even be higher than 8. Please check the pH balance of the water regularly and adjust it slowly until it is in the ideal range.
To fill your hot tub with water, remove the filter cover first and then fill the hot tub up to the water mark level on the filter wall. To do so, place the garden hose in the inner chamber of the water filter and after filling the hot tub with water reinstate the filter basket covers and the filter cover. Turn on the hot tub only after filling it with plenty of water. To ensure a new hot tub does not get damaged, fill it with water as soon as you have unpacked it and placed it in position. If that is not possible, shield it with the cover or packaging from direct sunlight to protect the tub from damage.
Please read the enclosed user guide prior to operating the hot tub. You will find important tips and advice on filling your hot tub with water as well as cleaning and maintenance. If you have any questions or doubts about your hot tub, please get in touch with your local dealer who will be happy to give you expert advice.
How do I clean the hot tub water?
It is essential to treat the hot tub water properly and regularly if you want to enjoy your hot tub and its functions for a long time. This will prevent the water quality from deteriorating, avoid possible health risks and guard against damage and defects on your hot tub. You can get the necessary disinfection and water treatment products from your official Villeroy & Boch dealer, who will be happy to answer any of your questions regarding water treatment.
Regularly check the disinfectant level and pH value of the water and adjust the values, if necessary. If you use your hot tub up to three times a week, you should test the water 2 to 3 times a week. Every time you use it after that, it is recommended to check it an additional time. You can get the appropriate test sets and water maintenance products from your dealer.
Always test the pH value of the water first and then the disinfectant level. It is important to have the right pH value to control bacteria and to prepare the water for the users. The pH value of the water should be between 7.4 and 7.6 to protect the users’ skin as well as the hot tub. A pH value that is too high can lead to scale, murky water and a prematurely soiled filter. A pH value that is too low can result in irritation and complaints while bathing and cause corrosion on your hot tub components. You can get the appropriate agents for adjusting the pH value from your Villeroy & Boch dealer.
What chemicals do I need?
Hot tub water maintenance also involves regular disinfection. Disinfectants kill the bacteria in the water while keeping the water clean and balanced. We recommend chlorine granulate (dichlor) or bromine granulate as an effective and harmless disinfectant for Villeroy & Boch hot tubs.
Please note that handling these chemicals involves risks and dangers. Consult your dealer beforehand and please read the printed safety information on the packaging on how to handle the disinfectant safely and its proper dosage.
What is important for regular water changes?
When you use your hot tub, soap and detergent residue from your skin or bathing suit will accumulate in the water. Other substances used to maintain the water chemistry in the hot tub will also make it more difficult to preserve the water quality.
If you want to keep the water clean for longer, rinse swimwear with clear water before getting in and shower using only clear water without soap. This will help you keep the water quality at a good level for longer. However, depending on how often you use the hot tub and your preferences, you will need to completely change the water 3-4 times a year. At the latest when it becomes difficult to control the chemical level in the water, then the water needs to be completely drained out and renewed.
Please take note of the following steps when draining the water:
1. Disconnect the power supply to the hot tub and make sure that it remains disconnected until the water is completely replaced.
2. You will find the drain pipe under the door of the equipment compartment. Slightly turn the drain pipe clockwise and pull it out. Use a pipe wrench, if necessary. The drain pipe is completely out after about 5 cm.
3. Remove the drain plug. Water cannot flow out when the drain pipe is completely pulled out.
4. Connect an adaptor to the drain pipe and onto that a standard garden hose, then place the other end of the hose where the water can easily drain out. Then push half the pipe back again to let the water drain out. About 20 litres per minute will flow out, so it will take about 40 minutes until it is fully drained.
5. Afterwards, pull out the complete drain pipe again and reattach the drain plug. Then push the complete drain pipe back again.
6. Fill your hot tub with fresh water again and disinfect it thoroughly so it is ready for use.
6. Fill your hot tub with fresh water again and disinfect it thoroughly so it is ready for use.
The right cleaning tools
Clean your hot tub regularly and with the right tools to enjoy it for many years to come. We recommend a weekly maintenance routine as well as cleaning it more thoroughly every four to six weeks. Moreover, you should give it a general clean roughly every three to five times a year, depending on the frequency of use.
To protect your hot tub and to keep it as flawless as possible for as long as possible, you should always put on the hot tub cover when not in use. Pull the cover right down and make sure that it completely spreads over the tub. Dirt such as bird droppings or leaves should be removed regularly and the cover cleaned with a damp cloth afterwards.
The cover is only suitable for protecting the hot tub and should not be used to lie on. When there is snow on the cover in winter, remove the layer of snow, at the latest when it has a diameter of 30 cm, to avoid damaging the hot tub cover.
Weekly maintenance
You should clean the water filter once a week and check the water quality two to three times a week by using classic water treatment products such as chlorine or bromine. Only use and measure out the care products as specified by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Even when the hot tub is used normally, oils, lotions, and skin and hair products will build up on the surface of the water. Over time, they can leave a visible scum line around the inside of the tub. To remove this scum gently but thoroughly, please use a special hot tub cleaner or a standard liquid cleaning product. You can remove minor scratches with very fine sandpaper and the appropriate polish. Please contact your dealer if you have any questions. They will be able to recommend the right cleaning products and give you tips and advice on how to clean your hot tub gently and effectively.
You can use standard liquid household cleaners to clean the outer panelling. You can (pre)treat stubborn stains with a steam jet, but please make sure it is not too close to the surface in order to avoid mechanical damage.
Avoid using cleaning agents that leave behind lather in water. Never allow your hot tub surface to be exposed to rubbing alcohol or other solvents (e.g. acetone, petrol, lacquer thinner), pine oil, dry cleaning solutions, nail polish, abrasive cleaners or other household chemicals. Using any of these chemicals will void the warranty as damage to the surface cannot be ruled out.
Thorough cleaning
When you clean your hot tub, e.g. to change the water, use a mild detergent, window cleaner or a cleaning product recommended by your official Villeroy & Boch dealer. Use a mild acrylic cleaner or a mild chemical detergent to remove stubborn stains. Always apply the cleaner with a soft damp cloth or a sponge and rinse the cleaned spot thoroughly and with a lot of clear water. Afterwards, dry the hot tub wall with a clean cloth. If there are stubborn stains or minor scratches on the surface, contact your dealer to find out how to avoid damaging the surface and to protect the tub.
Remove the water filter every four to six weeks and treat it with filter cleaning tabs available from specialist retailers. Before replacing the water, clean the piping thoroughly to ensure the water quality is perfect when you refill the hot tub.
How do I prepare my hot tub for winter?
The energy-saving construction and the full insulation of our hot tubs makes them well-prepared for use in winter, so they are energy-efficient and economical even in frosty conditions. It is especially important to unwind and recharge your batteries in winter, when the days are shorter and colder because the sun rarely shines. Targeted breaks and moments of relaxation will help you lower your stress levels and calm your mind and body.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to use your hot tub regularly during the cool winter months. The warm water combined with the fresh air stimulates your immune system, improving physical strength, so in turn you can better withstand colds and other typical infectious diseases.
The parasympathetic nervous system – the so-called resting nerve – is important for the metabolism, regeneration and developing the body’s own reserves, thus providing rest and relaxation. The parasympathetic nervous system is controlled by hormones such as the happiness hormone dopamine. For instance, you can encourage dopamine production with a relaxing soak in warm water or a soothing massage that relieves and eliminates tension. In a hot tub, you can enjoy the pleasant effect of the water as well as a massage (gentle or powerful) and that at the same time and right in your own garden.
Incidentally, bathing is not only good for the mind, but also for the body. Because when you immerse yourself in water, hydrostatic pressures affects your entire body, including the veins and arteries, and improves blood flow and therefore circulation. The heart increases the stroke volume so that even the finest blood vessels are better supplied with oxygen. Studies have shown that applying hot water regularly can normalise blood pressure. This benefits anyone whose blood pressure is too high or too low blood.
Moreover, hydrostatic pressure can reduce swelling on the feet and ankles and people who suffer from arthritis or knee/hip problems can reduce their joint stiffness and in turn increase flexibility by bathing in pleasantly warm water. The latest jet technologies enable a more individual and targeted massage of every part of the back and are therefore perfect for preventing and treating back pain.
You can enjoy these Villeroy & Boch hot tub advantages throughout the year. But especially in winter, being able to take some time out in hot water will do you the world of good.
If you don't want to or can’t use your hot tub during the winter months, then you will have to make it winterproof by following the measures below:
1. Thoroughly disinfect the hot tub, still filled with water, to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria, algae and fungi in any water that may still be in the pipes.
2. Completely drain the water after successfully and thoroughly disinfecting the hot tub.
3. If your hot tub has JetPaks, open all lower valves to drain the water out of every JetPak. As soon as the hot tub is completely empty, close all the valves again.
4. Use a wet vacuum cleaner to remove any water that has not drained completely out of the pipes. To do so, hold the end of the water suction tube over every jet ring in the hot tub that is located on or under the seat height.
5. Remove the drain plug(s) on the pump(s) and loosen all plastic pipe connections in the equipment compartment.
6. Clean the tub and if necessary the JetPaks.
7. Remove the filter elements and clean them before reinserting them.
8. Secure the hot tub cover with tensioning straps and the locking system. If you live in a region where heavy snow is common, place a large piece of plywood (or similar) on top of the hot tub cover to better spread the added weight of the snow. Remove the snow from the cover every time it snows.
9. Remove the remaining water from the filter pipe using a wet-dry vacuum cleaner or pour 2 to 4 litres of non-toxic antifreeze into the filter hole.
10. To start using your hot tub again after winterisation, follow these instructions in reverse order and then fill your hot tub with fresh water up to the water level mark again.
If you have any questions about filling your hot tub with water and water maintenance that aren’t addressed in these FAQs, please contact your official Villeroy & Boch dealer. They will be happy to answer all of your questions as well as help you implement specific measures, if required.
Enjoy your Villeroy & Boch hot tub!