Epic Hot Tubs | Outdoor Products Store

How to Prepare Your Hot Tub for a Water Consultation

Did you order a water consultation from Epic Hot Tubs? You need to follow our five simple steps to prepare for your consultation.

This blog is a step by step guide on how to prepare for a Water Consultation from Epic Hot Tubs. Epic Hot Tubs provides a variety of water treatment & maintenance packages for hot tubs and swim spas in North Carolina.

A water consultation is a great way to learn about your hot tub and how to provide regular water maintenance. In order to get the most out of this consultation, you need to complete the steps below.

Water consultation prep at a glance
85°Fminimum
water temp before we arrive
7.2–7.8target
balanced pH range
30–60min
typical consultation length

Step 1: Fill Your Hot Tub

In order to properly perform your water consultation, we need a filled-up hot tub to work with. Before we arrive, make sure your hot tub is filled with water.

If you’re unsure how to fill your hot tub with water, we have a quick how-to available below:

  1. Remove the bracket and take your filter out.
  2. If your tub has a bleeder valve, open that up to ensure no air bubbles are trapped.
  3. Make sure all of the jets are set to the open position.
  4. We recommend buying a pre-filter to attach to your garden hose especially if you’re using an unfiltered water source.
  5. Fill the hot tub to the appropriate fill level. Make sure all jets are covered with water.

Step 2: Raise The Temperature of Your Tub to at Least 85 Degrees

To properly dissolve the chemicals, your hot tub’s water temperature should be at least 85 degrees Fahrenheit before we arrive. You can raise the temperature of your tub from your hot tub’s control panel. If you’re unsure how, check your owner’s manual. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, please follow the guide on our help page.

Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team

“The one thing that shortens a consultation is a tub that is not ready. Under 85 degrees or only half full and the chemicals will not dissolve, so our first readings come back off and we lose time waiting on your heater instead of teaching you your water. Fill it and let it reach temperature the day before, and the whole visit goes to your questions.”

Step 3: Make Sure Your Chemicals are Accessible

Hot tub chemicals set out and ready for a water consultation

If you have your own chemicals, make sure they are readily accessible. If you do not have chemicals, you need to let us know beforehand and we can bring some. If you have a test kit that’s different from ours, make sure it’s available so we can walk you through how to use it as well.

We sell Spa Chemicals at our Raleigh & Durham locations. You can order online and pick up in store.

Step 4: Make Sure Your Owner’s Manual is Accessible

Your hot tub came with an owner’s manual that may contain useful information that our service technicians may want to reference. We can circle important information that you may need to reference frequently. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, please follow the guide on our help page.

Step 5: Write Down Questions and Have a Pen and Paper Ready

Our technicians can provide you with a lot of information and insight into how to properly manage your hot tub. Make sure you have a list of any questions you might have so you don’t forget, and a pen and paper you can use to write down the responses. We do not allow video recordings.

Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team

“Set out the actual bottles and test strips you use, not a written list of names. We match our advice to the exact sanitizer and balancers already in your cabinet, and if your kit differs from ours we will show you how to read it. Keep your questions on paper so nothing gets forgotten, since we cannot allow video recording of the visit.”

Why a Water Consultation is Essential for Your Hot Tub

A water consultation is more than just a routine check, it’s your ticket to a clean, safe, and enjoyable hot tub experience. At Epic Hot Tubs, our experts analyze your hot tub water to ensure it’s properly balanced, free of contaminants, and safe for soaking. Regular hot tub water maintenance prevents issues like cloudy water, skin irritation, or equipment damage. During the consultation, we’ll test pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels, and provide personalized tips for ongoing hot tub care. By preparing your hot tub correctly, you’ll maximize the benefits of this service and keep your spa sparkling for years to come.

Common Hot Tub Water Issues and How a Consultation Helps

Cleaning a hot tub filter as part of ongoing water maintenance

Hot tub water can face a variety of issues, from cloudiness to unpleasant odors, often caused by imbalanced chemicals or bacterial buildup. For example, high pH levels can lead to scale buildup, while low sanitizer levels might allow bacteria to thrive. A water consultation includes professional hot tub water testing to identify these problems and recommend solutions. Our technicians will check for issues like green water, foam, or skin irritation risks, ensuring your hot tub is safe and inviting. By preparing your hot tub as outlined in the steps above, you’ll help us get accurate test results and tailored advice for your specific setup.

Choosing the Right Hot Tub Chemicals for Your Consultation

Using the right hot tub chemicals is key to maintaining balanced water, and a water consultation can help you understand what your hot tub needs. Common chemicals include sanitizers like chlorine or bromine, pH adjusters, and alkalinity balancers. If you’re unsure which products to use, our technicians can recommend the best options during the consultation. Make sure your chemicals are accessible, as outlined in Step 3, so we can review them and ensure they’re compatible with your hot tub. You can explore our range of spa chemicals at our Raleigh and Durham locations or order online for convenient pickup.

Tips for Ongoing Hot Tub Water Maintenance After Your Consultation

Once your water consultation is complete, maintaining your hot tub’s water quality is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience. Regularly test your water using a reliable test kit, aiming for a pH between 7.2 and 7.8 and appropriate sanitizer levels. Clean your hot tub filter every 1–2 months, as outlined in our maintenance guides, and drain and refill your hot tub every 3–4 months, depending on usage. Keep your owner’s manual handy for model-specific tips, and don’t hesitate to contact Epic Hot Tubs for follow-up support. Consistent hot tub care ensures your spa remains a relaxing oasis year-round.

What to Expect During Your Water Consultation

Wondering what happens during a water consultation? Our Epic Hot Tubs technicians will arrive at your location, assess your hot tub’s water quality, and provide hands-on guidance. We’ll test your water for pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels, inspect your hot tub’s equipment, and answer any questions you have. The consultation typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on your hot tub’s condition and your questions. By following the preparation steps above, you’ll ensure a smooth and productive visit, leaving you with a clear plan for hot tub water maintenance.

Conclusion

As always, you should frequently reference your hot tub’s owner manual and the back of your chemical bottles for the most accurate information about your tub’s water maintenance and balancing. If you have any more questions, please make sure to check out our other resources available on our help page, or give us a call at 888-884-3742.

Have questions, or want to see options in person? Stop by any of our five North Carolina showrooms and talk it through with our team: Raleigh, Durham, Sanford, Charlotte, or North Charlotte. We are open 7 days a week, no appointment needed.

About The Author:

Richard Horvath

Hot Tub & Spa Expert

Richard has been in the hot tub & spa industry for years. As a long hot tub & swim spa owner himself, Richard has a passion for helping homeowners create their dream backyard.