If you have an old hot tub that is not in very good shape, a restoration project can bring it back to life for some years to come. The process involved in repairing and restoring a hot tub is not difficult by any means, but it does require having the right materials, which are listed below. Keep in mind that while you may not be able to bring your hot tub back to a "like new" state, restoring your old hot tub with the following practices can improve its quality considerably.

Step 1: Determine Status of Hot Tub

There are two types of refurbishments for a hot tub. Is your hot tub in decent working order and simply in need of a face lift, or are there mechanical problems or risks that are going to need to be sorted out before you can begin the aesthetics part of the refurbishment? Determining where you stand with your spa is the first step to determining what materials will be needed for the rest of the refurbishment and repair job. 

Step 2: Repair Electricals

If your spa is not working as it should, there are a couple of different things that you are going to want to check and subsequently repair. You should check the power and the circuit breaker. Flip each of the breakers off one at a time if there is an electrical issue. If the hot tub is not powering up as it is supposed to, a fuse problem may be the culprit.

If you believe that it is a fuse problem, you can check the fuse if the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupteris) not staying set. If the fuse happens to be blown, now is your chance to replace it. If the fuse is continuing to blow, there may be an internal wiring problem that needs to be addressed. While you are working on the electrical aspects of the hot tub, you should also check the heater to make sure that it is in good working order. 

Step 3: Add Aesthetic Value

Now you can work on the face lift for your spa. This may involve replacing boards, revitalizing the hot tub cover, repairing leaks, sanding out scuffs and numerous other cosmetic repairs. You can bring a worn hot tub cover back to live with some Armor All. A belt sander and some basic sand paper will smooth out wooden elements, and you may consider staining the wood to bring out its color and grain. Take your time improving the aesthetic value of the hot tub to restore it to its former beauty. 

Step 4: Check for Leaks

Before you refill the tub, check for cracks and potential sources of leaks. A leaking hot tub is more than just an annoyance, as it also happens to be an electrocution risk considering all of the electrical hookups. Once you are satisfied with the stability of the tub you can refill the water and start soaking.

Protecting your hot tub with hot tub covers will save hot tub owners a lot of hassle. A hot tub cover does two things. 

Firstly, it insulates the water so that the heat stays in the hot tub so you don't use more energy than is needed to heat water. Secondly, it keeps dirt out.

Hot tub covers that are neglected will quickly show fading from the sun, cracking caused by heating up and cooling down, and even begin taking on water from the evaporation underneath and rain from above. 

In order to keep your hot tub looking new and last for a long period of time, great care should be taken in the hot tub cover itself. You can easily keep your cover clean with a few basic cleaning techniques.

Clean Cover on a Regular Basis

A hot tub cover is usually made with marine grade vinyl so that it will better handle the constant moisture is is subjected to. You can buy several different vinyl cleaners that can get the job done, the best way to get your hot tub cover clean is to use regular soap, hot water, and a good stiff scrub brush.

Procedure

1. Take the cover off of the hot tub and set against a wall or something stable. Rinse off with water first before doing any scrubbing.

1. After cover is pre-rinsed, begin in an upper corner and with small circles begin scrubbing with the brush and hot soapy water.
2. Go across the top and begin moving down the cover.
3. Rub gently while steadily progressing into a harder motion for more stubborn dirt.
4. Rinse one side completely of all soap.
5. Begin on other side in same manner and rinse thoroughly.

Check Vapor Barrier Inside of Cover

Hot tub covers will often have a zipper access to the inner foam and vapor barrier. Periodically check this vapor barrier to ensure it is still functioning and not ripped. If the barrier is ripped, then using a strong tape, or seam sealer can fix the barrier for continued protection. 

Keep your hot tub cover clean, and functioning for a long time by periodically checking it for any tears or dirt. Clean at least three times a season and check the barrier twice a season.

Your hot tub cover is more than just a decorational piece, or something to protect the water and save on your energy bills. Your hot tub cover can also be used to protect your animals or young children from falling into the hot tub. One way to ensure this is to keep a lock on your hot tub. 

Padlock for Safety
For some added protection you can install a small padlock on two sides of the hot tub cover and hot tub so that it can not be lifted off without a key, or knowing the combination. 

Add a Gate
Without doing any cosmetic work to the hot tub itself you can install a small fence with a locking gate near the entrance of the hot tub. Doing this you can easily prevent, and control, those who are near the hot tub itself. A locked gate can keep out small animals and children. 

Keep Hot Tub Cover On
Any amount of locks will not work unless you keep the hot tub cover on when not in use. Make it a priority that when the hot tub is not being used, that the cover will be replaced and locked. If you do have a gate, that should also be closed and locked. Safety around your hot tub should also be discussed with your children.

Framing in a Jacuzzi tub is a little intimidating, but can be done. Of course, Jacuzzi is a name brand, but the same general instructions apply to any jetted tub.

Step One – Measure and Assess

Before you install a Jacuzzi tub, measure the area you have a available for the purpose. If you are removing an existing tub, you will likely need a larger area for a Jacuzzi. When you are measuring, be sure to leave extra space for the support enclosure.

Step Two – Plumbing

Many of the plumbing parts come with a tub, but you will need to bring the supply line to the tub. If you are competent at plumbing tasks, then you can attempt this part of the project yourself. Follow the directions for your particular tub.

However, the plumbing will need to meet code requirements, so call in a professional if you are unsure.

Step Three – Electrical

Similar to the plumbing, the electrical work to install a switch for the jet motors is a job that needs to be done according to code. You need to use a GFCI switch and wire the tub properly. If you are able to do the work correctly, follow instructions that come with the tub.

Step Four - Frame the Support Enclosure

This step requires the most planning and know how of any part of the process. Measure carefully to ensure that you are providing an enclosure of adequate size. Decide on the finish, such as tile or paint, which you will use on the exterior of the enclosure. Any horizontal surface around the rim of the tub will need to be finished with tile, vinyl, or other water-resistant material.

Since each bathroom is different, each design for a Jacuzzi support will be different. 

Make the support about 1/8 inch lower than the tub will stand on the bedding material. The term “Jacuzzi support” is somewhat misleading, since the support actually provides merely structure and stability. The bedding material supports the tub. There is no wood frame that can support the weight of the tub, the water to fill it and a person. Therefore, the support needs to be framed slightly shorter than the tub. Use a quality silicone caulk to fill the 1/8 inch gap.

Finish the frame with cement board. You will cover the cement board (such as Durock) with tile, gloss paint, or other water resistant material. Tape and sand.

Step Five – Create the Bed

If you are replacing a former tub, there is likely already a concrete or masonry bed. Make sure it is of the right height for your Jacuzzi. If there is no bed, pour a 2 inch concrete or mortar support bed for your tub. There may also be support pads that come with the tub, and you should also use these pads.

Put a layer of thinset with a vapor barrier on top of the bed before installing the tub. This will limit squeaks.

When the bed is finished, set the tub in place.

Step Six – Decorative Finish

Finish the drywall surround with tile or with a primer and two coats of latex paint. You may choose some other type of decorative and waterproof finish. Remember that any horizontal surface next to the tub will need to be covered in tile, vinyl, or other water-resistant material.