Downside to frequent Water Changes?

[estrella]

I just got my spa a couple of months ago and have changed the water a couple of times.  Is there a down side to changing the water frequently?  I have a teenage boy who likes to bring all of his sweaty friends over to get in the tub after the skate park.  It just kind of creeps me out to think of getting in dirty water.

[The_real_Clown_Shoes]

The downsides are going to be the cost in chemicals to rebalance the water, as well as the water replacement costs (if you're on city water) and the cost increase in energy efficiency since your heater is going to be working more often to try and reheat the water.

[estrella]

I haven't had to use my heater at all since it is hotter outside than i like to keep the spa in the summer.

I use a 16 oz Stain & Scale everytime I change the water but the other chemicals seem to be about the same as I would use if I had not changed the water.

The water bill is measured jan-march and then averaged for the year so I haven't noticed any increase in my water bill.

[Bonibelle]

I would make those sweaty guys shower off first. It's nice to share your tub (I'm not nice, I don't share mine), but they should respect it as a personal item and at least use it when they are clean. They probably don't understand what it takes to keep a tub clean and healthy, so maybe a little education wouldn't hurt the either.

[Tatooed_Lady]

if it ain't broke, don't fix it.  
However, sweaty teenage boys in the tub....I think I'm with you on the drain/fill idea. OR, you could tell them it's OFF LIMITS unless they hose down first.....that might help (unless they're like MY sweaty teenage boy, in which case you're SOL.)

[TN__HOT_TUB]

I am with the others on this one.   Potential downside is the increased cost associated with refilling.

water bill
chemical cost
filter wear (your filter wear will probably increase if you did NOT replace water)
electric bill (I'd guess your tap water needs to be heated when you first refill the tub)


Do you use a sump pump to help drain the spa?  If so, that will wear out quicker.

Regardless of whether you empty the tub or not, I'd still ask the boys to hose off.

[GoBlue]

I drain and refill at least every 4-6 wks, depending on usage.  

The cost of the water for a refill will be less than all those showers(if you can get them to take 'em). Although the showers would still be a good idea.  

My cost of energy is only a few dollars to heat the water from tap temp to spa temp.  

Chemical costs are pennies.

Sump pump costs are nil.

If fresh water makes you feel better, I say change the water.  I do.

[Tatooed_Lady]

Hmmmmm......ANOTHER idea is to send 'em to a neighbor's house that has a POOL.....tell 'em to go swim/soak for a half an hour THEN feel free to use the tub. That way, they'll be clean BEFORE they hop in the tub!  

[The_real_Clown_Shoes]

Another big one is time.

That's one that's hard to put a value on.

Cue *the more you know* jingle.

[hottub.pool_boy]

Your time is the only down side I see. Get the teen to do it.