Reddit mentions of Life Floating Deluxe Bromine, Chlorine Tablet Dispenser for Small Pools or Spa

I am by no means an expert but here's what I do as a hot tub owner:

• Empty and refill for sure. Don't forget to turn off electricity before you drain it. Here's a neat trick. Put one end of the garden hose inside the full tub. Turn the water on so it fills the hose and starts filling the hot tub. Then disconnect the spigot end of the hose and make sure that end is lower than the hot tub water level / base. The tub should start draining. Once you refill, don't forget to turn on the power.
  
• I use bromine instead of chlorine because bromine dissolves slower and requires less maintenance. I bought a floating dispenser like this one from Amazon. It makes maintenance a lot easier. Fill it once with bromine tablets, check weekly.
  
• Definitely buy the test strips.
  
• Here are the other chemicals I use:
  
  • SpaGuard oxidizer (shock).
    
  • Amerse PH & Alkalinity Up.
    
    The brand doesn't really matter. I get them from Amazon.
    
• I keep the hot tub at 80-85F in the winter since I don't really use it. If you're going to use it often, and want it available fast, you can keep it at 98-100F. It costs money of course. for most tubs, I'd guess about $10-20/month but do your own math.
  
• I also have a hot tub bubble cover. It's very cheap but helps quite a bit.
  
• Here's my routine when not in use:
  
  • Once a week, run the jets and use the test strip to check the water. I have a 350 gallon tub. I add 3 tablespoons of shock and 2 tablespoons of "ph & alk up" even if the levels are fine. If any of the level is low, add more. If high, add less. I inspect the floating bromine dispenser and make sure it's got enough bromine. Adjust the level of the dispenser if bromine is too high or low. Run the jets for 15-20 minutes. That's it!
    
  • If you use the tub often, do the above step more often. Do it 20-30 minutes before you use it if you can. Buy a second filter. Replace the filter occasionally (based on use) and clean the filter you're not using with a filter cleaner and water.
    
  • Replace and refill water every 6 months if you use it often. 9-12 months if not very often.
    
  • If you see any growth of algae or if you see it foaming too much when you run, you need to be proactive.
    
  • If you use the tub often, you might want to invest in some chemicals to remove body oils etc.
    
    When I first got the house, I had a guy (former pool shop guy) who came in, cleaned the tub, and gave me a rundown of the chemicals I had inherited from the previous owner. You can use the nextdoor app to find out who the reliable pool people in your area are.
    
    Good luck!