How often have you come across the term ‘eco-friendly’ on the internet? Most likely, a lot more times than you can remember. But these environmental conversations are helpful because they challenge us to look at our lifestyles and change them for the better. Even something simple like your hot tub, for example, contributes to environmental degradation in ways that you might not imagine. Does it mean that you should do away with your hot tub? No. Read through the following tips and you can make your hot tub more eco-friendly.
Invest in Waste Management
A hot tub is a place where you might end up after a long day at work, and you are piled up with different kinds of dirt. There is a lot of waste that comes out of a typical tub after you are done with the bath. The water coming from the hot tub could thus be treated with different types of chemicals such as bromine and chlorine. Ensure that such water does not enter your clean water drain as it may not be good for your health. The best place to direct water coming from the hot tub is your sewer system.
However, if you have not used any chemicals for treatment, you can recycle the water. Using minerals, or an ozonator, can reduce or eliminate the need for chemicals like chlorine. If you’ve managed to eliminate chemicals from your hot tub, a good starting point for recycling your water can be your lawn or garden.
The chemicals that you use to clean the hot tub should also be gentle. The polypropylene and fiberglass liners do not demand much as you can use soft scrub or sponge with either baking soda or white vinegar. You can put the vinegar in a spray bottle, spray it and wait for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing. Add some water to baking soda and follow the same procedure.
Learn How to Clean Your Hot Tub
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Imagine sitting in a dirty hot tub, and you want to come out of it clean! That can never be a good feeling and that is why you need to ensure that your hot tub is always clean. However, the cleaning substances that you are using today could contribute to environmental degradation.
There are different materials used to make hot tubs. The materials used to make your hot tub will determine the cleaning approach that you should take. Some materials are simpler to clean than others.
Acrylic Hot Tub
People love these hot tubs as they are versatile, durable and more affordable. Acrylic tubs have a vacuum and sheets that are reinforced with fiberglass. They also have a non-porous surface that is easy to repair in case of damage. Cleaning such a tub is a delicate matter because acrylic plastic can be damaged by abrasive chemicals. A natural baby shampoo is one of the best substances that you can use to clean such a tab. You can wax your tub after the cleaning process.
Porcelain Enameled Steel Hot Tub
It is one of the inexpensive options for those who want an elegant hot tub. Such hot tubs are easy to clean and durable. However, these hot tubs tend to be heavier than their acrylic counterparts. Porcelain-enameled hot tubs should not be cleaned using abrasive chemicals, either. You should also avoid using white vinegar, steel wool, and scouring powder, as they will damage the finish of the hot tub. Ensure that the natural cleaning agents you use are recommended for porcelain, and clean the surface using a soft sponge. Deep cleaning should be only once per month.
Fiberglass Hot Tub
It is also an inexpensive option for homeowners. Some of the materials that make up such tubs include fiberglass reinforcements, polyester resins, and surface coat layers. Fiberglass hot tubs can be easily scratched and cracked, which means you have to take extra care when cleaning.
You can use baking soda mixed with a chemical-free dish soap to clean the hot tub. Apply the mixture to the hot tub and wait for it to sit there for at least 30 minutes. You can then scrub the surface with a brush and rinse the surface with cold water afterward. Get rid of the excess mixture by wiping with a towel. You can then wax the surface of the hot tub to give it a shiny look.
Get a Hot Tub Cover and Insulate
A typical hot tub will produce heat. However, its heat tends to get lost when it rises in your hot tub. A cover ensures that the heat stays in your hot tub, which means that you will need less energy to keep the tub hot.
A typical hot tub comes with insulation, but it might not be enough to maintain energy consumption at low levels. The ideal cover should be thick to ensure that heat does not get away. The cover also protects your tub from other elements, especially if it is in an outdoor setting.
Ensure that Your Hot Tub is Energy-Efficient
The relaxation that you enjoy in your hot tub after a long day from work comes at a price. Your hot tub needs an energy source, and so, it will contribute to higher electricity bills at the end of every month. Some of the items that you need to ensure are energy-efficient include heating elements, jet pumps, insulation, LED lights and circulation pumps. The most energy-efficient hot tubs will allow you to program heating cycles and filtration cycles based on usage.
When ensuring your hot tub is energy-efficient, it’s important to periodically inspect components like pumps, heaters, insulation and the spa jets for hot tubs, since these directly influence performance and water circulation.
Use Solar Power
You want to relax in a hot tub but still ensure that your electricity bills are low? Solar energy can be the answer. Some hot tubs are designed only for solar energy. However, you can still convert your existing unit and utilize solar energy to power it. Ensure that you get an expert who understands the task at hand to work on the conversion.
Making your hot tub more eco-friendly is easier when you follow the above tips. Ensuring that the hot tub is switched off whenever it is not in use is a simple approach to ensure that you do waste energy. Ensure that all the fixtures you buy for your hot tub contribute towards environmental conservation.
Feature image: Cloris Ying; Image 1: mana5280
The word “not” in the following sentence should be removed.
A cover ensures that the heat stays in your hot tub, which means that you will not need less energy to keep the tub hot.
Thanks for pointing out that error!