Hot tub maintenance is relatively straight forward, especially in this digital age. Thanks to on-board control panels, monitoring devices, saltwater chlorine generators and filter replacement alert systems, taking care of a hot tub comes down to good water chemistry and the occasional shock treatment. Unless, of course, you are using well water to top up or fill your hot tub.

Minerals & Metals
Ask any rural property owner about their tap water and you may hear a horror story or two: "The water was rusty orange!", "Our hard water ate through our hot water tank anode rods.", "You should see what comes out of the hose when we turn it on in the spring." This is not to say that well water is undesirable. It is more a case of a homeowner learning to cope with the realities of a ground source for their water, especially when compared to treated city water. Well water across Canada is known for being high in minerals and metals. A quick peek at Health Canada's "What's In Your Well?" gives some indication of the concerns: sediment, phosphates, iron, cadmium, chlorine, copper, iron oxide, V.O.C.'s and so much more. Which leads potential hot tub owners to question how their well water will impact a hot tub and its system.

pH Up and pH Down
Hard water, water with high iron and water with manganese deposits is known for causing issues with water pH. pH is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline (basic) the water base. Without getting into too many details, poor pH levels can impact how chemicals or salt function in the hot tub or spa water. If you've filled up a hot tub with well water and find yourself struggling with cloudy, murky or ghoulish green, purple or brown water, you may want to have the water tested at a local pool and spa supplier. In most cases, a hardness test can identify the cause of poor water conditions and the professionals should be able to offer tips, tricks and products which can help clarify the water.

Hose Filters
Mechanical filters are popular with many rural homeowners who rely on well water for filling and refilling their spas, hot tubs and pools. When looking at the various options, consider a model that focuses on reducing minerals, metals and sediment. Many filters can be fitted as a hose-end attachment, but there are premium models that can be plumbed in-line with a filter. These are great for homes with multiple leisure products requiring water fills at startup or frequent refills.