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How do I Choose the Best Hot Tub Supplies?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

The enjoyment you can gain from having a hot tub at home can quickly be negated if the water is not properly cared for. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the wide variety of hot tub supplies available that can keep the water sanitary even with regular use. A hot tub cover is another important addition to hot tub supplies that can keep the tub safe from debris and unwanted visitors such as animals. Be sure to choose a high quality cover that will not become heavy if exposed to water, and one that is resistant to mold and mildew.

Spa chemicals are the mainstay of hot tub supplies. Chlorine and bromine are chemical treatments that kill bacteria in the water, especially after regular use. These chemicals can be skin and eye irritants, however, so all natural alternatives such as colloidal silver are available to do the same job as chlorine or bromine without irritating the skin or eyes. Colloidal silver is also non-toxic, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to the more caustic and toxic chlorine and bromine. An ozonator is another option for hot tub supplies that can work in conjunction with other cleaning chemicals to keep the water bacteria-free.

A hot tub.
A hot tub.

Perhaps one of the most important hot tub supplies you can purchase — if your hot tub did not come with one to begin with — is the hot tub cover. Choose one that fits snugly over the hot tub, and that is heavy enough that it won't blow off in the wind. Animals should not be able to push the cover off, either, but stay away from covers that are so heavy that an average person cannot remove it. The cover should be made of a tough material that is resistant to tearing, mold, and mildew, and the core of the cover should be made of a lightweight foam that will not get heavier if exposed to water. Choose a cover that moves easily; many are hinged at the center to allow chemical treatments of the water without having to remove the entire cover.

Accentuating your hot tub space with key accessories will make the spa experience much more pleasant. Hot tub supplies such as stairs or ladders should be made from wood or other sturdy materials that are resistant to mold, mildew, and warping from exposure to water. Non-slip mats are a good idea for the area around the hot tub, and deck chairs can add a touch of convenience for bathers both before and after a dip in the tub.

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    • A hot tub.
      By: Goran Bogicevic
      A hot tub.