Key Takeaways:
- Simple Routines: Small steps keep things running smoothly. Consistent testing, cleaning, and inspections help prevent problems before they start and keep your hot tub in great condition.
- Balanced Water: Essential for clean and comfortable soaks. Properly managing your pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels is key to maintaining safe, clear, and inviting water.
- Lasting Performance: Maintenance extends your hot tub’s life. Regular upkeep protects internal components, prevents wear, and helps you get the most out of your spa for years to come.
Hot tubs are more than just a place to relax — they’re a personal space for unwinding, recovering, and reconnecting. But like any investment, they require a little care to perform their best. For new owners, the idea of maintaining a hot tub might feel overwhelming at first. The good news? With a simple routine and the right tools, keeping your spa clean and comfortable becomes second nature. A little effort goes a long way in preserving water quality, extending the life of your spa, and making every soak more enjoyable.
At AquaRest Spas, we’ve designed hot tubs that are easy to own and even easier to maintain. With energy-efficient features, durable materials, and user-friendly controls, our spas are built to fit into your lifestyle — not complicate it. Every tub is backed by our commitment to quality, comfort, and simplicity, so you can spend more time relaxing and less time troubleshooting.
In this piece, we’ll be discussing hot tub maintenance basics — from water care to cleaning schedules — to help you get started with confidence.
Why Hot Tub Maintenance Matters
Hot tub maintenance is essential to keeping your spa safe, clean, and functioning properly. It’s not just about water clarity — it’s about protecting the entire system and your overall experience. Here’s why regular upkeep matters:
Preserves The Life Of Your Hot Tub
Regular maintenance helps prevent the buildup of minerals, grime, and debris that can wear down key components. Pumps, jets, and heaters all last longer when they’re not straining against dirty or unbalanced water.
Keeps Water Safe And Enjoyable
Balanced water chemistry prevents irritation, cloudiness, and odors. Clean water is more comfortable for the skin and eyes and minimizes the risk of bacteria or algae growth.
Prevents Costly Repairs
Ignoring simple tasks like filter cleaning or chemical checks can lead to larger problems, such as clogged plumbing or damaged equipment. A little attention today can save high costs down the line.
Supports Consistent Performance
When your hot tub is clean and properly maintained, it runs more efficiently. That means consistent water temperature, stronger jets, and a better all-around spa experience.
Daily, Weekly, And Monthly Hot Tub Upkeep Checklist
Staying on top of a simple routine makes hot tub care more manageable and helps you catch small issues before they become major problems. Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of how often to perform key maintenance tasks:
Daily: Quick Visual Check
Take a quick look at the water for clarity and check that the cover is secure. If your hot tub is in use daily, give it a quick skim to remove any floating debris.
Weekly: Test And Balance Water
Use test strips or a testing kit to check pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Adjust as needed with the right chemicals to keep the water balanced. This is also a good time to clean the waterline and check for buildup.
Monthly: Clean The Filter And Inspect Components
Remove and rinse the filter with a garden hose to clear out trapped debris. Do a visual inspection of the jets, heater, and control panel to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Every 3-4 Months: Drain And Refill
Fully draining and refilling the hot tub helps reset water chemistry and removes contaminants that build up over time. Take this opportunity to give the interior shell a thorough wipe-down before refilling.
Understanding Hot Tub Water Maintenance
Water quality is at the heart of hot tub care. Learning how to manage water chemistry might seem intimidating at first, but it’s easier when broken into a few core concepts:
pH And Alkalinity Balance
The pH level determines how acidic or basic your water is. Aim for a pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Total alkalinity acts as a buffer for pH and should be kept between 80 and 120 ppm to avoid fluctuations.
Sanitizing With Chlorine Or Bromine
Sanitizers are essential for keeping water clean and free of bacteria. Chlorine is fast-acting and popular, while bromine is gentler on skin and more stable in hot water. Choose one and stick with it — don’t mix the two.
Shocking The Water
Shocking means adding a large dose of sanitizer to oxidize contaminants like sweat, oils, and leftover particles. This should be done weekly or after heavy use to refresh the water and prevent cloudiness or odor.
Dealing With Hard Water And Scale
Hard water contains excess calcium, which can lead to scale buildup on your spa’s surfaces and equipment. Use a scale control product if needed, and monitor calcium hardness levels to stay within the 150–250 ppm range.
Hot Tub Cleaning: Surfaces, Filters, And Covers
Regular cleaning keeps your hot tub looking great and functioning at its best. From the shell to the filter and even the cover, each part plays a role in overall maintenance:
- Cleaning the Interior Shell: Wipe down the shell with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge using a gentle, hot tub-safe cleaner. This prevents buildup of oils and residue, especially around the waterline. Avoid using household cleaners, which can throw off your water chemistry.
- Rinsing and Replacing the Filter: Filters should be rinsed every month and deep-cleaned every 2-3 months using a dedicated filter cleaner. Replace them every 12 to 24 months, depending on usage and manufacturer guidance. A clean filter supports clear water and efficient circulation.
- Caring for the Hot Tub Cover: Your hot tub cover protects the water from debris, UV exposure, and heat loss. Wipe it down regularly with mild soap and water, and let it dry completely before closing it. A high-quality hot tub cover also helps improve energy efficiency and extend the life of your spa.
Spa Maintenance Tips For Long-Term Enjoyment
Maintaining a hot tub isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about creating habits that keep your spa running smoothly year-round. These simple tips can help extend its lifespan and ensure every soak is stress-free:
Stick To A Consistent Schedule
Creating a routine makes it easier to stay on top of hot tub maintenance. Use a checklist or set reminders for weekly testing, monthly filter cleaning, and quarterly water changes to avoid letting things slip.
Use The Right Products
Always choose spa-specific chemicals and cleaners. Generic household products can cause imbalances or damage surfaces. Following the instructions on your products ensures proper dosage and effectiveness.
Watch For Signs Of Trouble
Unusual odors, cloudy water, or a drop in water level can signal something’s off. Catching these early often means a quick fix instead of a bigger issue down the line.
Keep The Water Circulating
Running your pump regularly helps filter the water and distribute chemicals more evenly. If your hot tub has an automatic circulation setting, use it to keep things moving even when the spa’s not in use.
Common Hot Tub Maintenance Mistakes To Avoid
Even with the best intentions, some common habits can work against your hot tub care efforts. Avoiding these simple mistakes helps keep your water clean and your equipment in good shape.
Ignoring Water Testing
Skipping regular water checks can lead to imbalanced pH or sanitizer levels. This not only makes the water unpleasant but can damage components over time.
Overusing Chemicals
More isn’t always better. Using too much sanitizer or shock can irritate skin and make it harder to balance the water later. Always follow product instructions.
Neglecting The Cover
A dirty or damaged cover can allow debris and moisture to affect water quality. Keep it clean, dry, and in good condition to protect your hot tub between uses.
Forgetting To Rinse Off Before Entering
Lotions, sweat, and detergents from clothing can throw off water chemistry. A quick rinse before entering helps reduce buildup and keeps water clearer longer.
Tools And Accessories That Make Hot Tub Care Easier
The right tools can make hot tub care faster, simpler, and more effective. Here are a few items that help take the hassle out of regular maintenance:
Water Testing Kits Or Strips
Accurate water testing is key to hot tub water maintenance. Test strips are convenient for quick checks, while liquid testing kits offer more precise readings for pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
Spa Vacuums And Skimmers
Handheld spa vacuums are useful for removing dirt or sand that settles on the bottom of the tub. A simple skimmer net helps collect leaves, bugs, or debris floating on the surface, especially in outdoor setups.
Filter Cleaner Tools
Spray-on cleaners and cleaning wands can help remove oils and buildup from your hot tub filter more effectively than water alone. These tools help maintain strong water flow and filtration performance.
Replacement Parts And Accessories
Keeping an extra filter on hand and replacing worn parts promptly helps avoid downtime. You can also find upgrades like a 2 person hot tub or 4 person hot tub depending on your space and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Getting started with hot tub maintenance doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a consistent routine, the right tools, and a basic understanding of water care, anyone can enjoy a clean, safe, and relaxing spa experience all year long.
If you’re still exploring options, check out our hot tub for sale collection to find a model that fits your space and lifestyle. Wondering how much does a hot tub cost? We’ve broken it down to help you plan. Whether you’re caring for a compact model or a full-size spa, investing a little time into upkeep goes a long way toward keeping your hot tub ready whenever you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Tub Maintenance
How often should I change the water in my hot tub?
Typically, hot tub water should be drained and replaced every 3 to 4 months. This timing can vary based on usage and the number of users.
Can I use regular household bleach or vinegar to clean my hot tub?
No. Household cleaners can disrupt water chemistry or damage components. Always use spa-specific products designed for hot tubs.
What causes foamy water in a hot tub?
Foam is usually caused by body oils, lotions, detergent residue from swimwear, or low calcium levels. A defoamer can help, but prevention is key.
How do I prevent mold or mildew under the hot tub cover?
Keep the cover dry and well-ventilated. Clean it regularly and let it air out fully before sealing it back over the spa.
Is it okay to leave my hot tub unused for a long period?
If leaving it unused for weeks, keep the water circulating and sanitized. For longer absences, consider draining it and storing it properly.
Can I use softened water in my hot tub?
Using only softened water can lead to low calcium levels, which may damage the spa. Mix it with hard water to maintain balanced calcium hardness.
Why does my hot tub water keep getting cloudy?
Cloudy water is often a sign of imbalanced chemistry, dirty filters, or poor circulation. Regular testing and cleaning should help resolve it.
What is the ideal temperature to keep a hot tub when not in use?
For energy efficiency, keep the temperature between 95°F and 100°F when not in use. Avoid turning it off completely if you're using it regularly.
Can pets go into a hot tub?
No. Hot tub water can be harmful to pets, and their fur can clog filters. It’s safest to keep them out of the spa area.
Do I need to shower before using the hot tub?
Yes. Showering helps remove oils, lotions, and personal care products that can affect water quality and lead to faster buildup in the water.
