Repairing a Hot Tub After a Storm in 6 Steps

Storms and hot tubs do not mix well. One minute, you are relaxing in warm, bubbling water, and the next, a storm rolls through, leaving your spa looking like a disaster zone. I have been there. A few summers ago, a nasty storm blew through, knocking branches into my hot tub, flipping the cover halfway off, and turning the water into a murky mess. I honestly thought I would have to drain the whole thing and start over. Turns out, with the right approach, you can bring your spa back to life without too much hassle.

If your hot tub just took a hit from bad weather, do not panic. Here is a step-by-step guide to getting it back in shape.

Step 1: Check for Damage

Before you do anything, take a good look at your hot tub. I know it is tempting to turn it on right away and hope for the best, but do not. Look for obvious damage to the shell, cover, and any nearby electrical components. If something seems off, especially with the wiring, call a professional before you try to power it up. Better safe than sorry.

A friend of mine once flipped his breaker back on without checking the wiring after a storm, and let’s just say sparks were flying. Literally.

Step 2: Clear Out Debris

If your cover stayed on, you are already in good shape. If not, you might be dealing with leaves, twigs, and whatever else the wind threw in. Skim out the bigger stuff with a net and remove any dirt or small debris sitting at the bottom. A handheld spa vacuum can help with this too.

When my hot tub got hit, I found pine needles in places they definitely should not have been. It took me forever to get them all out, but trust me, the cleaner your water is before moving on, the easier the next steps will be.

Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Filter

Your filter is probably working overtime trying to trap all the gunk that blew in. Pull it out and rinse it with a hose. If it looks extra gross, soak it in a filter cleaner for a deep clean. If it is old or damaged, now is the perfect time to replace it.

I once ignored this step after a storm, and my water stayed cloudy no matter how much sanitizer I added. Lesson learned. The filter does way more than you think.

Step 4: Balance the Water Chemistry

Even if your water looks okay, it is probably not. Rainwater, dirt, and debris can throw off your pH and sanitizer levels fast. Test the water and adjust as needed. Most likely, you will need to add sanitizer and maybe a pH increaser or decreaser to get things back in balance.

If the water is looking rough, you might want to use a spa shock treatment. It will help break down contaminants and get your sanitizer working properly again.

Step 5: Run the Jets and Monitor the Water

Once everything is clean and balanced, turn your hot tub back on and let the jets run for at least 30 minutes. This helps circulate the chemicals and makes sure everything is working as it should. Keep an eye on the water over the next day or two, testing it regularly and adjusting if needed.

After the storm I dealt with, my water looked fine at first, but by the next day, it had turned a weird greenish color. Turns out, I had not added enough sanitizer. A second round of shock cleared it right up.

Step 6: Protect It for Next Time

You cannot control the weather, but you can make sure your hot tub is better prepared for the next storm. If you do not already have a solid, locking cover, get one. A good cover keeps out debris and protects your spa from heavy rain and wind. If storms are common where you live, consider investing in cover straps or a spa cover wind strap to keep it from blowing off.

After my storm incident, I also started turning off my hot tub and flipping the breaker when I know bad weather is coming. It is a simple step that could save your equipment from electrical damage.

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Fixing a hot tub after a storm does not have to be a nightmare. With a little patience and the right approach, you can get it back to normal without too much trouble. The key is to act quickly before the water gets worse and to check for damage before flipping the power back on.

So if your spa just went through a storm and you are staring at a mess, do not stress. Follow these steps, and you will be soaking again in no time.