Welcome Hot Tub Newbies!

The blog is dedicated to sharing my experiences and learnings as a first-time hot tub owner.

During the panemic, my wife and I decided to add a covered patio to our back yard for our family to enjoy.  While doing this project, we couldn't help but add something we've always wanted--a hot tub.  As we started to figure out what it would take to make this happen, that's when the learning began.  

On the internet there's lots of resources around hot tubs.  That said, finding them and separating them from the noise of the internet is hard.

I also ultimately decided upon a Hot Spring Limelight Flash Hot Tub with Freshwater (Salt System) Chlorine Generator.  Given that not many people choose salt water chlorine generation systems, it was even harder to find resources that discussed some of the specific nuances.  

This is the guide that I wish I would have had available when I started my journey.  I hope it is helpful on yours--especially if you chose a salt water system like me.

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Testing 1,2,3

There's quite a few resources online comparing testing methods and which is "the best".  There's so many to pick from.  I won't try to repeat those discussions here.   At this point, I've come to the following conclusions: Don't strive to hit targets perfectly.  Testing is about staying within acceptable ranges.   Each test and testing method will give you different results, even on the same water.  Actual values will be different than what an individual test reads (every test has a confidence range around it / mistakes can be made when testing / some tests sample more water than others). Your best bet is to test regularly, use multiple testing methods, and look at averages / clusters of those testing methods. Strips These are the cheapest/easiest to use.  That said, I sometimes have trouble matching colors.  They tend to work well for a quick spot check to see if anything is way off. I personally recommend the Freshwater 5-Way Test Strips, Freshw...
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Helpful Online Communities / Resources

Many people's first sources of information is their hot tub dealer.  I was incredibly fortunate to have an amazing sales person who was willing to answer my questions and continue communicating via phone/text messaging to help me be successful.   I recommend that everyone start with their dealer and follow their advice (after all, they'll be the one servicing your tub).  That said, not everyone is as fortunate as I was.  I also didn't want to be constantly bothering my sales person.  So I set out to see what I could find online. One of the first things I started looking for online was sites to learn about hot tub care and use.  At first I was surprised that many web sites didn't answer the questions I had.  Then, I discovered communities.  Hearing first hand from others and being able to ask questions of the communities was the fastest way that I learned. Communities Facebook Hot Spring Freshwater Salt Hot Tub Owners Facebook Hot Spring Spas Custo...
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Dealing with Mice

When my electrician was wiring up my hot tub, he mentioned that mice are particularly fond of the nice warm inside during the winter.  They also have created quite a bit of repair work for him.  It makes sense, heat, insulation, moisture, and plenty of things to chew on.   Sure enough, when the weather turned cold, I turned on my hot tub only to see a mouse scurry away from it.  And where there's one, there are more. So what can be done?  I don't particularly like mouse traps, so I did a little research and one of my co-workers mentioned having great luck with this ultrasonic device.  It emits a sound that scares mice away.  The only downside is that it's directional--you need to point it at the hot tub.  An extension cord can be a potential solution for better placement.  I'm unsure if it's rated for the outdoors--but so far it's working for me. https://www.victorpest.com/victor-pestchaser-rodent-repellent-with-nightlight In the event you do...
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