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Generally, it is more cost-effective and energy-efficient to leave your hot tub on all the time rather than turning it on and off. Reheating a hot tub from a cold temperature consumes a significant amount of energy, so maintaining a constant temperature is usually more economical, especially with frequent use.

For daily or weekly use, it's recommended to keep the water at a constant, reduced temperature, such as between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and then increase it to your desired temperature before getting in. If you know you won't be using the hot tub for an extended period, you can lower the temperature to save on energy costs. However, if you use it very infrequently, you can turn it off completely, as long as there is no risk of the water freezing.

You should put chlorine in your hot tub on a regular basis. To keep bacteria away, keep the chlorine level in your hot tub at between 3-5 mg/l, which may mean you need to add chlorine daily or at least every two to three days. Don’t add chlorine to your hot tub water more than once per day.

Hot tub repairs cost between $200 and $500 on average. You can minimize those costs by maintaining your hot tub and keeping necessary supplies on hand. An elevated shelf in the garage is a great place to store your water care chemicals so that kids and pets will stay safe and you’ll always have them around. 

Your hot tub should be drained of existing water, cleaned, and refilled every three to four months at a minimum. Follow your tub manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, and rinse thoroughly when finished to eliminate any residue from the cleaning products. This is also a good time to inspect your tub’s cover in good lighting for any leaks, tears, or other damage that might cause problems. 

Using your hot tub manufacturer’s suggested cleaners and methods, keep your hot tub filters clean to avoid a loss of water heat. This will help extend the filter’s useful life and efficiency. If the filter is more than two to three years old, replace it with a new one and buy a second filter to keep around as a spare.

Biofilm growth can cause a hot tub to feel slimy. Hot tub biofilm is a slimy substance that’s typically due to natural contaminants like makeup, soaps, skin oils, deodorants, or lotions. A hot tub can also have a slimy interior or slimy water if the tub’s filters are old or damaged, or if the hot tub isn’t properly cleaned. You should drain your hot tub, wipe away any slimy residue, then refill the water and use a spa purge product that prevents the buildup of biofilm.