In Louisville, Kentucky, it’s usually warm and humid up through September and sometimes into October. The winters can be cold, but usually, there’s more rain than snow, with temperatures not usually getting frigid. 

If you have a hot tub, you can use it from one season to the next relatively easily with adequate maintenance. 

With summer-like conditions extended beyond August, what are some things to look out for with hot tubs Louisville produces as a homeowner? Before the summer season hits, it’s vital to ensure the spa is ready for the heat. 

With the hot water and the UV rays beating down along with the humidity, extra precautions are necessary to protect the spa, prevent overheating, and ensure proper chemical management. Let’s look at some things to be more mindful of in the summer and early fall more so than at other times of the year.

What Challenges Does Summer Present for Hot Tubs in Louisville

Louisville’s summer heat extends beyond August into September and sometimes goes to October. The heat isn’t the only concern moving into the fall. The humidity and fluctuations in temperature result in “storms, poor air quality, dry conditions.” 

The nooks and crannies of a hot tub can fill with a multitude of “pollutants and allergens” that are more prevalent in these seasons.

That means doing due diligence with care and upkeep and taking extra precautions to protect the unit from the sun, prevent overheating, and maintain a proper chemical balance.

Find a guide on hot tubs and humidity at https://www.weekand.com/home-garden/article/hot-tub-humidity-18069892.php.  Consider the challenges presented for hot tubs in the heat and humidity of summer moving into the early fall.

·        The intense sun’s rays

The spa cover is meant to protect the water, maintain the temperature of the water, keep the heat in, and reduce contaminants, helping to decrease the maintenance schedule. The cover should stay on the tub whenever it’s not being used. 

However, in the same way that UV rays damage a person’s skin with burns, they can also create extreme heat by beating down on a pool cover’s surface. It eventually dries out and grows brittle, making it prone to tears and cracks. In this condition, the cover is ineffective at protecting the hot tub.

·        The humidity and warm air

The hot tub water is hot, making the environment in the spa steamy and humid. The warmest it can safely be, according to experts, is 104 degrees F. 

Because the water is already evaporating, the extra humidity and warmth of the summer-like weather in the early fall need to be considered to prevent significant evaporation. The water should be at a consistent level, tested regularly, and stay at a steady temperature.

Heatwaves are still possible into the early fall. If there’s a heat warning with temperatures too great, it’s unsafe to be in the hot tub. It’s okay to use the spa when there’s a light rain shower, but being outside is dangerous if there’s a lightning storm.

·        Air quality

With humidity and warm air, the quality can be poor, presenting difficulties for those suffering from allergies or other respiratory challenges.

Stagnant air is typically not moving fresh air around the garden, including the area where the spa is. It’s critical in these conditions to keep the cover on when you’re not in the tub.

But it’s wise before and after each use to test the water routinely to ensure it remains balanced and clean. Extra precautions and more careful monitoring are vital to health and safety when there are excess pollutants and contaminants in the air.

·        Storms

Thunderstorms are more prevalent when the temperatures and humidity are high. If you have a simple rainstorm, enjoying a leisurely soak in the gentle rain is invigorating. But where there’s thunder, usually lightning isn’t far behind. It’s dangerous to be caught outside with lightning happening.

Even without lightning, heavy storms and downpours will bring the likelihood of flying debris with water puddles accumulating on the hot tub cover. 

These storms can affect the cleanliness of the water if a cover is not securely fastened in place and the spa is fitted with the right cover. Visit here for details on placing a hot tub in an outdoor structure.

Final Thought

While the summer season extends into the early fall in Louisville, bringing extra warm and humid days, in any season, an inspection of the hot tub and its many components should be inspected routinely to keep it functioning at peak performance.

The filtration system should be checked along with the jets, the structure’s interior, water cleanliness, and the cover. As a rule, these things should be gone over each day before using the system. 

Additionally, you’ll want to have professional inspections with your hot tub service tech. This preventive maintenance will detect defects that can be fixed before significant problems develop. 

While the humidity might stick around a little while longer, as long as the hot tub is protected in the warmth of the daytime hours, you can enjoy a calm cool evening watching the sun go down.