How to Take Care of a Hot Tub: Year-Round Spa Maintenance

A hot tub is a great investment for relaxation, but keeping it in top shape requires regular care. If you’re wondering how to take care of a hot tub, this guide will walk you through everything from cleaning and balancing chemicals to preventing issues before they start. With the right routine, your spa will stay clean, safe, and always ready for a soak.

Regular maintenance not only ensures a more enjoyable experience but also extends the life of your hot tub parts. Ignoring upkeep can lead to expensive repairs, water chemistry issues, and bacteria growth. By following an easy care routine, you can prevent these problems and keep your hot tub in great shape for years.

Daily Hot Tub Maintenance: The Basics

To keep your hot tub in the best condition, small daily habits go a long way:

• Check the water temperature to ensure it stays within the recommended range.

• Look for debris or dirt floating on the surface and remove it with a skimmer.

• Make sure the water is circulating by running the jets for at least 15–20 minutes.

• Check if the water looks clear and watch for signs of cloudiness.

• Keep the cover on when not in use to stop dirt, leaves, and water from evaporating.

• Wipe down the inside of the hot tub to prevent buildup along the edges.

• Make sure the cover is tightly closed to keep heat in and reduce water loss.

Weekly Hot Tub Maintenance: Keeping the Water Balanced

Every week, spend a little extra time making sure your hot tub’s water stays balanced:

• Test the water with test strips or a test kit to check pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.

• Adjust pH and alkalinity to keep the water safe. Ideal pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, and alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm.

• Sanitize the water with chlorine or bromine to kill germs and keep it clean.

• Shock the hot tub to get rid of body oils, lotions, and other residues.

• Rinse the filter to help water flow properly and prevent clogs.

• Check the water level and add more if needed to keep the jets working well.

• Scrub the hot tub walls to stop grime from forming, which can lead to bacteria growth.

Monthly Hot Tub Maintenance: Deep Cleaning

Every month, take some extra time to deep clean your hot tub:

• Wash the filter thoroughly with a filter cleaner to remove trapped dirt and oils.

• Wipe down the inside of the tub with a mild cleaner to keep it looking fresh.

• Check all parts like jets, seals, and the heating system for any signs of damage.

• Clean the hot tub cover to prevent mold or water buildup.

• Apply lubricant to moving parts like pump seals to keep them running smoothly.

• Check for leaks in the plumbing system and fix any small problems before they get worse.

Quarterly Hot Tub Maintenance: Drain and Refill

Every 3–4 months, draining and refilling your hot tub helps remove old chemicals and dirt buildup:

1. Turn off the power to prevent damage while draining.

2. Empty the tub completely using the drain or a small pump.

3. Scrub the inside of the tub with a gentle cleaner to remove any buildup.

4. Rinse everything well so no cleaner gets into the new water.

5. Fill the hot tub with fresh water and test the chemical levels before using it.

6. Run the jets for 15–20 minutes to help mix the new water with the chemicals.

7. Check that the heater and pumps are working properly after refilling.

Preventing Common Hot Tub Problems

By keeping up with maintenance, you can avoid many common hot tub issues:

• Cloudy water happens when the pH is too high, the filter is dirty, or there are too many contaminants. Testing the water regularly and cleaning the filter will help.

• Foamy water comes from lotions, soaps, or body oils. A defoamer can help, and rinsing off before getting in will reduce foam.

• Green water or algae growth means there isn’t enough sanitizer or the water is imbalanced. Keeping chlorine or bromine at the right levels and shocking the hot tub weekly will prevent this.

• White scale or rough buildup is caused by too much calcium. Using a scale remover and balancing calcium hardness will stop this from happening.

• Bad smells are usually caused by bacteria in the water. Shocking the hot tub and cleaning the filter should fix the problem.

• Too much water loss can happen if the cover is left off too often. Keeping it closed when not in use will help prevent evaporation.

• Heater problems can be avoided by keeping the water chemistry balanced and removing scale buildup from heating elements.

• Weak jets usually mean the filter is clogged or air is trapped in the system. Cleaning the filter and removing air from the pump will solve this.

Long-Term Hot Tub Care Tips

To keep your hot tub running smoothly for years, follow these extra care tips:

• Replace the filter once a year to keep water clean.

• Check the jets regularly and remove anything that might be blocking them.

• Use high-quality hot tub chemicals to avoid water problems.

• Set the temperature correctly and use the cover to save energy.

• Check for leaks under the hot tub and around pipes.

• Prepare your hot tub for winter if you won’t be using it for a while.

• Keep a maintenance log to track when you last cleaned or replaced parts.

Enjoying a Clean, Well-Maintained Hot Tub

Now that you know how to take care of a hot tub, keeping your spa clean and well-maintained will be simple. A little routine care goes a long way in making sure your hot tub stays in great shape while giving you a safe and enjoyable place to relax. Taking care of your hot tub not only makes the water healthier but also saves you money on expensive repairs. Whether you are doing daily upkeep or a seasonal deep clean, following a schedule will help you get the most out of your hot tub all year long.