If you’re considering becoming a hot tub owner, you might wonder how long you can expect your spa to last. But what if we told you that what you do can play a role in increasing the lifespan of your hot tub? Below, we’ll provide you with what you need to know about owning a hot tub long-term.
What’s the Average Hot Tub Lifespan?
The average lifespan of a hot tub is upwards of 20 years. Two distinct factors influence how long it will last: the quality of the spa you’re purchasing and the maintenance that’s upheld. It might go without saying that a hot tub made of higher quality materials and by a reputable manufacturer will likely last much longer than one that is not. This is why it’s a good idea to do a little bit of research on the company and how they make their spas. For instance, Hydropool is a top Canadian brand with more than 50 years of experience. Hydropool hot tubs and spas are known for their superb quality and features that are not only built for longevity but are also sustainable and reliable. For more information on finding a Hydropool spa near you, you can reach out to your local hot tub dealer.
The next thing that determines this 20-year lifespan is the maintenance that’s regularly done to ensure a hot tub is in good working condition. If your hot tub is well-maintained, meaning it is regularly cared for and cleaned, and any potential problems are addressed promptly, it will likely last many years. There is also the case of the various parts of your hot tub that you should consider. Although the hot tub as a whole might last upwards of 20 years, will every running part? Here’s what you should know.
The Lifespan of Different Running Parts of a Hot Tub
1. The Shell/Cabinet
Starting from the outside of the structure, the shell and cabinet will ideally last the longest. Once again, with quality materials being considered, this hot tub section will likely last between 20 to 30 years. Little maintenance will likely be needed to keep it in pristine condition. As long as you are wiping or hosing your cabinet down and taking care of any minor leaks as they may occur, this structure is pretty reliable and will last many years.
2. The Heaters and Pumps
When it comes to the lifespan of a pump or heater, it’s a bit harder to determine a set timeline. This has to do not only with the quality of the part itself but the quality of the water that is regularly in your hot tub. You will likely get about 7 to 10 years out of your heater and pumps if everything is maintained well. However, if your water is constantly unbalanced or not in a healthy state, this will affect the state of these functioning parts. This is why maintenance greatly affects how long things will last. This isn’t to say that intense maintenance is needed, but rather that you frequently check the water quality with testing strips or a testing kit, and chemicals are added as needed. It’s also wise to drain and refill your hot tub’s water about every 3 to 4 months; however, if you see that the quality is not where it should be, then cleaning before is a wise choice.
3. The Jets
The type of jet in your hot tub and, once again, the water quality are the main determining factors for how long they will last. Overall, the projected lifespan is 7 to 10 years. However, it’s important to be mindful of the state of the spa’s water, as water that is regularly too acidic can wear out the plastic backing that holds a hot tub’s jets in place. Alternatively, water on the other end of the spectrum can cause scale to build up, resulting in friction, wearing them out faster than if the water quality was between 7.2 to 7.8 pH.
What You Can Do to Extend the Lifespan of Your Hot Tub
Ensuring that you’re investing in a hot tub made of quality materials is the first step in the right direction. The next recommendation is to regularly test your spa’s water (about 2 to 3 times a week when used regularly) and make adjustments by adding chemicals and cleaning as needed. To ensure that you get the longest life out of your hot tub, you’ll want to test the water and add balancing chemicals as needed regularly. Lastly, changing your water every 3 to 4 months will significantly help with the lifespan of every functioning part of your hot tub. When it comes down to it, the maintenance needed to increase the lifespan of a hot tub is minimal, but it’s impacts are significant, so you can be sure to enjoy your spa for many more years to come.
Download our free buyer’s guide for more information on choosing the best hot tub for your home.
FREE HOT TUB BUYERS GUIDE
To learn how to select the perfect hot tub, download your free buyer’s guide now by clicking below!