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Hot tub maintenance is the key to hot tub longevity. The more work you put into looking after and cleaning your tub, the more you’ll be able to enjoy it, without hassle or costly repair issues. Proper maintenance also keeps your hot tub safe and clean for all the family, and helps to protect your investment – hot tubs tend to be quite major purchases, after all.
This guide will provide straightforward hot tub maintenance tips, a clear schedule to follow, and best practices.
Daily Hot Tub Maintenance Tips
Hot tub spa maintenance is an ongoing process. It’s not just something to think about every few months or so. If you do little jobs each day (during the hot tub season, of course), you’ll reap the rewards. Your tub will be cleaner, safer, and just more enjoyable all around.
- Check the levels. Too much water and your tub could overflow. Too little, it risks problems like heater failure, clogged jets, etc.
- Get in the habit of inspecting your tub before, after, or during use. Loads of common problems have easy-to-spot signs, like cloudiness in the water or unpleasant odors.
- Get those jets running. They’re not just for your comfort and fun – they push the water around, and moving water is less hospitable to germs than still water.
- Put the hot tub cover on when you’re done. Germs, dirt, leaves, pests – the cover keeps them all away.
Weekly Hot Tub Maintenance Routine
Some hot tub cleaning tasks aren’t exactly everyday jobs, but still worth doing every week or so. Like the following:
- Cleaning the filters. It’s a big part of hot tub maintenance, and for good reason. Filters are what keep your tub clean and healthy when you’re using it, catching dirt and grime.
- Test your water with hot tub kits. They’ll let you know things like pH, acidity, mineral content, etc. And if any levels are too high (or low), you can add the necessary products to balance it out.
- Rinse and scrub the tub shell. Be sure you use proper cleaning products and gentle tools, so you’re not accidentally damaging it.
Monthly Hot Tub Maintenance Tasks
Monthly spa water care practices to conduct include:
- Deep filter cleaning: That means taking out the filters and soaking them in chemical cleaners.
- Checking the jets and pumps: Look for obstructions, damage, or other visible faults.
- Clean your tub’s cover (and other accessories for a hot tub) to remove mold and grime.
Quarterly Hot Tub Maintenance Checklist
Your tub will need more comprehensive cleaning quarterly, including:
- Draining away old, dirty water with a hose or pump
- Cleaning the shell with hot tub chemicals and products
- Refilling with fresh water from the hose
- Inspecting the electrics and pipes – you may want to hire pros for this
Common Hot Tub Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Given the complexity of hot tubs, it’s easy to make mistakes while caring for them. But most mistakes are easily avoided, once you know how.
Using Household Cleaners Instead of Spa-Specific Products
Household cleaners are fine for kitchen counters and bathroom floors. They’re not suitable for hot tubs, though. That applies to so-called “home remedy” cleaners, like vinegar, baking soda, etc. Products like these will often harm a tub more than they help it.
So, use proper hot tub maintenance products only.
Neglecting Filter Maintenance
If you asked a hot tub technician, “What’s the best way to look after my tub?” they might highlight hot tub filter maintenance. It’s important because filters keep your water clean and your tub safe. If they’re all clogged, the water suffers, and so does anyone who takes a dip.
To avoid this, rinse filters every week when you’re using the tub and remove them for deeper cleaning each month. Replace them according to manufacturer guidelines, too (usually every 12 to 18 months).
Ignoring Water Chemistry Levels
Water in hot tubs needs to be as clean and balanced as possible. If it’s too acidic, too alkaline, or has too much or not enough sanitizer, it poses risks. Those risks may harm your health or could damage your hot tub’s inner components.
Minimize these risks. Test your water often and add chemicals or treatments as required.
Leaving the Hot Tub Uncovered
This mistake is especially common in summer. People often use their tubs daily at this time of year and don’t want the bother of having to put on and take off the cover every day. But that’s a mistake. Leaving the cover off opens the way for dirt, debris, and weather to take a toll on the tub, the filter, and the water.
Make sure you always cover your tub when it’s not being used, and rinse the cover regularly.
Overusing or Misusing Chemicals
Lots of owners make mistakes with hot tub chemicals. They either add too much or too little or use the wrong chemicals at the wrong times. It’s understandable. Figuring out how to balance and treat hot tub or pool water is pretty complicated.
Use guides to learn how hot tub water is circulated, and the ideal pH and levels. Test your water often, too. And follow a tried and true treatment schedule. Not only will this keep your water clean and safe, but it’ll keep your hot tub maintenance cost down also.
Troubleshooting Common Hot Tub Maintenance Issues
Next, let’s look at some of the common problems you might encounter with your tub. We’ll look at several examples below, determining what causes each one and how to fix it.
Cloudy Water
Cloudy water is typically a sign of water chemistry imbalances. There may also be issues with clogged filters or a lack of sanitizer.
To fix this issue:
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Test the water and adjust chemicals as needed.
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Rinse or remove and deep clean the filters.
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Use a shock treatment.
Foamy Water
If the water looks foamy and bubbly, almost like someone has poured soap or detergent into the hot tub it’s usually because of soapy residue that comes off swimsuits, or oils from the bodies of the bathers. Or it may be due to a chemical balancing issue.
To fix this problem:
- Use a hot tub defoamer.
- Always rinse your swimsuits before entering the tub.
- Drain the foamy water and refill with clean water.
Strong Chemical Smell
If your tub has a strong chlorine odor, like a public pool, you’re likely using too much sanitizer or the water isn’t circulating correctly.
Here are several solutions:
- Run the jets to propel the water around.
- Use a shock treatment to clear away chloramines.
- Test and adjust sanitizer levels to get back into the target range.
Jets Not Working Properly
This is quite a big problem, as blocked or clogged jets prevent the water from circulating as it should. That means it’ll be more at risk of getting dirty, stagnant, smelly, and becoming a health risk.
There are several solutions:
- Inspect the jets and clean them with a gentle brush.
- Check the pump, as it may be broken. If it is, seek professional repair.
- Release any airlocks that might have engaged.
Water Not Heating
A hot tub that doesn’t get hot isn’t much use. If the water’s cold, there’s likely an issue with the heater or not enough water to begin with.
To fix:
- Add more water if it’s low.
- Look for error codes on the display.
- Call in a professional technician.
Hot Tub Maintenance FAQs
How often should I clean my hot tub filter?
Rinse them every week during the season you use your tub. Give them a deeper clean monthly.
What chemicals do I need for hot tub maintenance?
You’ll need sanitizing chemicals, like chlorine or bromine, as well as hot tub cleaning products.
How long can hot tub water stay untreated?
Four weeks, at the absolute most. In many cases, water will start to become unsafe after just two weeks of not being treated.
Can I use my hot tub during maintenance?
No, it’s best to complete all cleaning and maintenance tasks before you use your tub again.
