Hot Tub Maintenance Basics

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Keeping your hot tub clean isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying healthy. Skip the upkeep, and you might end up with skin irritations, rashes, or even bacterial infections. Warm, moist environments are a playground for bacteria and mold, so regular cleaning is a must (SunSpa).

Dirty filters? They’re a bacteria and algae party waiting to happen. Regular cleaning keeps your water clear and inviting.

Your hot tub’s filtration system is the unsung hero, catching all the gunk before it ruins your soak. Keep it clean to avoid overworking your sanitizers and turning maintenance into a nightmare.

Stick to this schedule, and you’ll enjoy crystal-clear water and a smoothly running system. Ignore it, and you’ll be dealing with bacteria, cloudy water, and foam (Aqua Paradise).

Circulation and Filtration

Good circulation is like a spa day for your hot tub. It keeps the water moving, passing through the filters to catch contaminants. Aim to run your hot tub for 15 to 20 minutes twice a day, or set it to an automatic schedule if you can (Swim University).

Daily circulation helps filter out particles and bacteria, keeping your water balanced. Skip it, and you might end up with cloudy, smelly water or foam on the surface.

For a step-by-step guide on keeping your filters in top shape, check out our cleaning hot tub filters guide.

Effective circulation and filtration are the backbone of a well-maintained hot tub. For more tips, visit our hot tub maintenance tips and learn the ropes with our hot tub care for beginners.

Keeping Your Hot Tub Filters Clean

Want that hot tub to stay sparkling? Keeping those filters clean is key. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to getting it done right.

How to Clean Your Filters

Hot tub filters need regular TLC to keep things running smoothly. Here are three ways to clean them: rinse, spray, and soak. Each has its perks and fits different cleaning needs.

1. Rinse Method

• Grab a garden hose and rinse the filter.
• Focus on blasting away loose dirt and debris.
• Quick and easy, perfect for weekly upkeep.

1. Spray Method

• Use a filter cleaner spray like Leisure Time Instant Cartridge Cleaner.
• Spray it on, let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Great for bi-weekly cleaning to tackle oils, grease, and calcium.

1. Soak Method

• Use a deep cleaner like HASA Hi-Temp Spa Filter Soak (Spa Logic Hot Tubs).
• Soak the filter overnight.
• Rinse well before putting it back in the tub.
• Best for monthly deep cleaning to remove body oils and other gunk.

For more details, check out our cleaning hot tub filters guide.

Storing Your Filters Right

Storing your hot tub filters properly keeps them in top shape. Here’s how to do it:

1. Dry Completely

• Make sure the filter is bone dry before storing.
• Use a clean towel to soak up any leftover moisture.

1. Cool, Dry Place

• Store the filter somewhere cool and dry, away from sunlight.
• Avoid damp spots to prevent mold and mildew.

1. Use a Container

• Keep the filter in a clean, airtight container.
• This keeps dust and dirt off.

1. Label Filters

• If you have more than one filter, label them with the last cleaning date.
• This helps you keep track and rotate them properly.

Follow these tips to extend the life of your filters and keep your hot tub experience top-notch. For more maintenance tips, check out our hot tub maintenance guide and filter maintenance tips.

Hot Tub Maintenance Tips

Keeping your hot tub in top shape isn’t just about luxury—it’s about making sure every soak is as relaxing as it should be. Here’s how to keep your hot tub sparkling and ready for a dip, focusing on water chemistry and cleaning those jets and shells.

Water Chemistry Balancing

Getting the water chemistry right is like making sure your coffee has the perfect amount of cream and sugar. You want the pH level to sit between 7.4 and 7.6, and alkalinity should be between 100 and 150 parts per million (ppm). Regularly testing and tweaking these levels keeps your hot tub’s plumbing, filters, jets, and surfaces in good shape (Aqua Paradise).

Keeping these levels balanced prevents nasty stuff like corrosion and scale buildup. Grab a water testing kit and check these numbers often. If things are off, use pH increasers or decreasers and alkalinity boosters to get back on track.

Need more details? Check out our hot tub water chemistry page.

Shell and Jet Cleaning

Cleaning your hot tub’s shell and jets is like giving your car a good wash—it keeps it looking good and running smoothly. Over time, grime, oils, and biofilm can gunk up the works, messing with water quality and performance.

1. Shell Cleaning: Use a hot tub cleaner to scrub the shell. This gets rid of any gunk without scratching the surface. Rinse it well to make sure no cleaner is left behind.
2. Jet Cleaning: Jets can get clogged with biofilm, which is just a fancy word for layers of bacteria and other gross stuff. Use a jet cleaner for this job. If you can, take the jets out, soak them in the cleaner, scrub, rinse, and pop them back in.

For best results, do this cleaning routine when you drain and refill the hot tub at the start of each season (Spa Logic Hot Tubs).

Keeping everything clean not only makes your hot tub look great but also keeps it hygienic. For more tips, check out our article on hot tub cleaning and upkeep.

For more info on hot tub maintenance tips, including water chemistry and cleaning tricks, visit our hot tub care guide.

Seasonal Hot Tub Care

Keeping your hot tub in top shape all year round means you’ll always have a clean, relaxing soak waiting for you. Let’s break down the must-do tasks like draining, refilling, and cleaning your hot tub parts.

Draining and Refilling

Draining and refilling your hot tub is key to keeping the water fresh and the spa’s internal systems running smoothly. Experts like Outdoor Living Hot Tubs suggest doing this every three months. This helps avoid problems like a burnt-out pump motor or a clogged filter. Watson’s also recommends changing the water every 3-4 months to keep it clear and balanced.

1. Turn Off the Hot Tub: Make sure the hot tub is off at the isolator to prevent any accidental restarts.
2. Drain the Water: Use the drain plug or a submersible pump to empty the water.
3. Clean the Interior: Wipe down the shell and other parts with a non-abrasive cleaner.
4. Refill with Fresh Water: Fill the hot tub back up with clean water.
5. Balance the Water Chemistry: Adjust the chemical levels to keep the water safe and balanced. Check out our hot tub chemical balance guide for more info.

Cleaning Hot Tub Parts

Regular cleaning of your hot tub parts is crucial to keep things hygienic. A warm, moist environment can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can cause skin irritations and infections (SunSpa).

1. Filters: Clean the filters every 4-6 weeks to keep them working efficiently. Check out our cleaning hot tub filters guide for step-by-step instructions.
2. Jets: Use a jet cleaner to get rid of any buildup. Regular cleaning keeps the water flowing smoothly.
3. Shell: Wipe down the shell with a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent grime and mildew.
4. Cover: Clean the hot tub cover regularly to remove dirt and prevent mold. For more tips, visit our hot tub cover maintenance page.

Taking care of your hot tub seasonally not only makes your spa time more enjoyable but also helps your hot tub last longer. For more tips, check out our hot tub upkeep tips and hot tub winterization tips.