Owning a hot tub is a point of pride for many Americans. In fact, Hot Spring reports that hot tubs are a part of nearly 6 million homes in the United States. It's not surprising that so many families own their own hot tub when we consider how versatile a home spa can be.

Hot tubs are a great addition to any home, as they can be enjoyed year-round. They also have many health and restorative benefits. If you're considering a hot tub installation and are curious about what goes into maintaining one, here are five of the basics.

Whether you choose to keep your hot tub open for use year-round or only plan to use it seasonally, it's important to set a schedule for its upkeep. Hot tubs require a few maintenance tasks that vary in frequency. Setting up a calendar to remind yourself of what tasks need to be accomplished when will alleviate confusion and make sure your hot tub is always safe to use!

Your hot tub's water should be tested regularly — most experts suggest weekly pH and sanitization tests. Treating the water with the appropriate amount of chlorine and/or bromine is necessary to ensure that bacteria and other harmful compounds do not flourish in your tub. Weekly shock treatment is also recommended in order to maintain the right pH balance. The process of water softening can be intimidating, but your hot tub installation should cover which products are necessary.

Your hot tub has a filtration system that eliminates some microorganisms in addition to catching larger debris. It's good practice to empty out your catch-filter before or after each use to minimize the buildup of these larger materials. This will also prevent things like hair and leaves from breaking down and becoming more difficult to eliminate. At a minimum, each filtration component of your hot tub should be removed and rinsed monthly. Some filters will need to be replaced at this time.

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Because of the high temperatures and chemicals that are necessary for a hot tub to function, there will be items that should not be used in the water. If you're not sure if something is safe to be used in your hot tub, ask. That being said, investing in a hot tub cover can help minimize debris and prevent some algae growth, as it keeps the water out of direct sunlight.