Hot Tub Maintenance Basics
Keeping your hot tub in great shape isn’t rocket science, but it does need a bit of regular TLC. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to what you should be doing weekly and monthly to keep your hot tub ready for a perfect soak.
Weekly Maintenance Checklist
Your weekly routine is the backbone of hot tub care. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check Water Levels: Make sure the water level is just right. Too low, and you risk damaging the pump; too high, and it messes with filtration.
- Test and Balance Water Chemistry: Grab some test strips and check the pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Adjust as needed to keep the water clean and safe. Need more info? Check out our hot tub chemical balance guide.
- Rinse Filters: Give the filters a good rinse to get rid of debris and keep the water flowing smoothly. More tips? Visit our cleaning hot tub filters section.
- Wipe the Shell’s Exposed Lip: Clean the exposed lip of your hot tub shell to stop dirt and grime from getting into the water.
| Task | How Often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check Water Levels | Weekly | Keep water level right to avoid pump damage and ensure good filtration. |
| Test Water Chemistry | Weekly | Use test strips for pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Adjust as needed. |
| Rinse Filters | Weekly | Rinse filters to remove debris and keep water flowing. |
| Wipe Shell’s Exposed Lip | Weekly | Clean the exposed lip to stop dirt and grime from contaminating the water. |
For a full rundown, see our hot tub maintenance checklist.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
Monthly tasks are about going a bit deeper to keep everything running smoothly.
- Deep Clean Filters: Give your filters a thorough clean to get rid of any built-up grime.
- Inspect and Clean Jets: Check the jets for blockages and clean them to keep the water flowing smoothly.
- Check for Mechanical Issues: Look for leaks or weird noises. Fix any problems quickly to avoid expensive repairs.
- Condition and Clean the Cover: Clean the cover and apply a conditioner to keep it looking good and lasting longer. For more tips, visit our hot tub cover maintenance section.
| Task | How Often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Clean Filters | Monthly | Thoroughly clean filters to remove built-up grime. |
| Inspect and Clean Jets | Monthly | Check jets for blockages and clean them to keep water flowing smoothly. |
| Check for Mechanical Issues | Monthly | Look for leaks or weird noises and fix them quickly. |
| Condition and Clean Cover | Monthly | Clean and condition the cover to keep it looking good and lasting longer. |
Stick to these weekly and monthly tasks, and your hot tub will stay in tip-top shape all year round. For more detailed tips, check out our hot tub care guide and hot tub maintenance routine.
Keep Your Hot Tub Happy All Year Round
Taking care of your hot tub year-round means more relaxing soaks and fewer headaches. Here’s a simple guide to keep your hot tub in tip-top shape, plus some winter tips to keep it from turning into a giant ice cube.
Hot Tub To-Do List
Regular check-ups are key to keeping your hot tub running smoothly. Here’s what you need to do every three to four months:
- Drain and Refill: Give your hot tub a fresh start by draining and refilling it every few months. This keeps the water clean and free from gunk (Leslie’s Pool Supplies).
- Deep Clean Filters: Soak those filters in a cleaning solution for about 12 hours. This helps keep the water clear and the system running smoothly (Swim World Chelan).
- Scrub the Shell: Use a good cleaner to scrub the inside of your hot tub. Get rid of any dirt or residue that’s built up (All Seasons Pools & Spas).
- Clean and Protect the Cover: Wipe down the cover and apply a protectant. This keeps it looking good and prevents damage.
- Check for Damage: Look for any cracks or leaks. Fixing these early can save you from expensive repairs later.
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Drain and Refill | Every 3-4 months |
| Deep Clean Filters | Every 3-4 months |
| Clean Hot Tub Shell | Every 3-4 months |
| Clean and Protect Cover | Every 3-4 months |
| Inspect for Damage | Every 3-4 months |
For more details, check out our hot tub maintenance checklist.
Winter Tips
If you live where it gets cold, winterizing your hot tub is a must to avoid damage. Here’s how to get it ready for the chill:
- Drain Completely: Make sure all the water is out of the hot tub and plumbing lines to prevent freezing and cracking.
- Remove and Clean Filters: Take out the filters, clean them well, and store them somewhere dry until you’re ready to use the hot tub again.
- Blow Out Plumbing Lines: Use a wet/dry vacuum to blow out any leftover water from the plumbing lines (Leslie’s Pool Supplies).
- Add Antifreeze: Pour non-toxic antifreeze into the jets and plumbing lines to keep any remaining water from freezing.
- Cover Up: Use a sturdy, insulated cover to protect your hot tub from snow, ice, and debris (Van Dorn Pools and Spas).
For a full guide on winterizing, visit our hot tub winterization tips.
Taking care of your hot tub means it’s always ready when you are. Keep these tips in mind to protect your investment and enjoy a hassle-free soak all year round. For more tips and advice, check out our hot tub care guide.
Keep Your Hot Tub Happy: Annual Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your hot tub isn’t just about keeping it clean—it’s about making sure it runs smoothly and lasts longer. Here’s a simple guide to help you keep your hot tub in tip-top shape all year round.
Swap Those Filters
Think of your hot tub filters like the lungs of your tub. They need to be clean to keep everything running smoothly. Change them out every year, or sooner if they look beat up (Swim World Chelan). Regular cleaning can help, but eventually, they need replacing to keep the water sparkling.
| Maintenance Task | How Often? |
|---|---|
| Rinse Filters | Weekly |
| Spray with Filter Cleaner | Monthly |
| Soak in Filter Cleaner | Every Three Months |
| Replace Filters | Annually |
Need a step-by-step on filter cleaning? Check out our hot tub filter maintenance guide. Keeping those filters in good shape means your water stays clear and safe. For more tips, read our article on cleaning hot tub filters.
Why Go Pro?
Getting a professional to service your hot tub once a year can save you a lot of headaches. They can spot problems early and fix them before they turn into big, expensive issues.
Here’s what the pros do:
- Thorough Check-Up: They look for leaks, electrical problems, and other issues.
- Tune-Up: Adjustments and tweaks to keep everything running just right.
- Water Test: They make sure the water is balanced and safe.
- Deep Clean: Jets, filters, and other parts get a good scrub to remove gunk.
Spending a little on professional service can save you a lot in the long run. For more tips on keeping your hot tub in great shape, explore our hot tub care guide and hot tub maintenance tips.
Keep It Up Year-Round
Regular maintenance, like changing filters and getting a pro to check things out, keeps your hot tub ready for a soak anytime. For a full list of what to do and when, check out our hot tub maintenance checklist.
Enjoy your hot tub without the hassle. Follow these tips, and you’ll keep your tub in great shape for years to come.
