Taking care of your hot tub doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but maintaining it does help guarantee that you'll be soaking in clean, safe water, while extending the life of your equipment. To learn more about best practices, we connected with Merrick Miller, Hot Tub Education & Content Lead for Leslie’s. Our main takeaway is that it's all about having a consistent hot tub maintenance routine.
By dedicating just a little time each week, you can avoid costly repairs, and make sure your hot tub is always ready for use. Whether you’re a first-time hot tub owner or a long-time owner who never felt like you got into a good rhythm, these actionable insights will keep your tub in top shape all year round.
1. Test and Balance Your Water Chemistry Regularly
Maintaining balanced water chemistry is critical for clean and safe hot tub water. "The most important hot tub maintenance task that all hot tub owners need to do is test the water and balance the water chemistry 2–4 times per week," shared Miller. "Keeping the pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, and sanitizer levels within the ideal ranges promotes healthy, safe hot tub water and prevents issues like algae."
For an easy routine:
- Use test strips or a water testing kit to measure chemical levels.
- Adjust pH and alkalinity levels as needed with designated chemicals.
- Make sure your sanitizer, such as chlorine or bromine, is effectively killing bacteria.
2. Clean Your Filter Cartridge Every Two Weeks
Your hot tub filter is the unsung hero of water cleanliness. It traps dirt, oils, and debris that would otherwise cause cloudy water or clog your system. Every two weeks, remove the filter cartridge and rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose to clear away buildup. For deep cleaning, use a filter cleaner to remove body oils and grime trapped in the pleats.
Pro Tip: If your filter is worn out, damaged, or older than a year, replace it immediately. We always like having a spare, clean filter on hand to eliminate disruptions in the routine.
3. Drain and Refill Your Hot Tub Every 3–4 Months
Refilling your hot tub is like hitting the reset button. Over time, even the most balanced spa water can accumulate contaminants that make it harder to maintain. Draining and refilling with clean water every three to four months gives you a fresh start.
- Empty the dirty water completely using a submersible pump.
- Clean the shell, waterline, and jets with a dedicated hot tub cleaner.
- Use a vacuum to remove any lingering debris from seats and floors.
- Refill it with fresh water.
4. Adjust Your Routine for High Usage
If you use your hot tub frequently or entertain guests often, your care routine may need extra attention. Spa owners should test the water quality more frequently and give the filter a weekly rinse to handle the increased load. Frequent use introduces more oils, sweat, and bacteria into the water, so staying ahead of maintenance and being consistent with the use of water treatment products is a must if you expect to be able to relax in the hot water.
5. Stock Up on Essential Supplies
Being prepared makes maintenance a breeze. Keep these essentials on hand:
- Water balancing chemicals (pH adjusters, alkalinity increasers, and calcium hardness products that prevent chemical imbalance)
- Sanitizers (chlorine, bromine granules, or an alternative)
- Spare filter cartridge for quick replacements
- Cleaning products for your hot tub shell and waterline
Having these hot tub chemicals and products readily available for regular maintenance saves you frequent trips to the store.
6. Don’t Forget Your Jets and Hot Tub Cover
Your hot tub’s jets and spa cover also need attention. Run the jets weekly to prevent buildup inside the spa pipes. If you notice reduced jet performance, it may be time for a pipe cleaner.
The cover protects your hot tub from debris and helps retain heat, but it can become a breeding ground for mildew if neglected. Wipe it down regularly with a vinyl cleaner and conditioner to keep it in top shape.
