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When your hot tub is not in use, you can keep it at a constant soaking temperature of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. For extended periods of non-use, you can lower the temperature by about five degrees. This slight decrease makes it easier and quicker to heat back up to a desirable level when you're ready to use it again. Additionally, you might consider lowering the temperature by a couple of degrees during the summer to avoid feeling overheated.

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.

A hot tub cover's lifespan is typically between three and seven years, with an average of five to seven years for a well-maintained one. The quality of the cover is a major factor; lower-quality polyester or vinyl soft covers can tear easily with regular use.

To extend the life of your cover, proper maintenance is key. This includes:

• Keeping the cover clean, dry, and out of the sun. Use a soft cloth and mild dish soap for cleaning.

• Applying a vinyl protectant spray.

• Cleaning the underside with a chlorine spray.

• Using a cover lift to prevent damage from rough handling.

• Protecting it from harsh weather.

• Keeping children and pets off the cover.

Investing in a high-quality cover and checking for a warranty at the time of purchase can also contribute to its longevity.

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.