Autumn Spa Prep — Keeping It Cosy and Efficient
Max PiggottAutumn is a good time of year to own a hot tub. The evenings are cool, the leaves are turning and a hot soak feels well earned. Before the season gets going, a few jobs will keep your spa clean, efficient and ready for regular use.
1. Give your spa a seasonal clean
Start by draining and refilling the hot tub. Over the summer, lotions, oils and sun cream build up and throw off the water balance, so fresh water makes the next few months easier. While it is empty, clean the shell with a gentle, non-abrasive spa cleaner. Wipe down the cover and check it for tears or waterlogging. Rinse the filters thoroughly, or replace them if they are worn. If you are unsure, here is how to tell when a filter is worn out.
For the full decision on timing, not just the autumn drain, read how often to drain and refill a hot tub in UK conditions.
Tip: Use Canadian Spa Filter Cleaner to keep the filters working well, which makes the water easier to keep balanced.
2. Check the heating and insulation
As temperatures drop, the heater has to work harder. Check the cover for signs of heat escaping. A tight-fitting, well-sealed cover makes a big difference to running costs. Make sure the cabinet panels are secure and the insulation inside is dry and intact.
If your spa supports it, consider adding a heat pump. Heat pumps heat water far more efficiently than a standard heater, which can noticeably lower running costs in the colder months.
3. Keep the water balanced
Cooler weather can make the water balance drift. Check your pH, alkalinity and sanitiser levels at least once a week. Balanced water protects the spa's components and is more comfortable to sit in.
Quick guide:
- pH: 7.2–7.6
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Sanitiser: follow the levels for your system (chlorine, bromine or active oxygen)
4. Deal with leaves and debris
Falling leaves look lovely but cause problems in a spa. Keep the cover on when the spa is not in use. A cover lifter makes it easier to take on and off. If the spa sits near trees, a canopy or pergola will catch a lot of debris and add some shelter. With autumn storms on the way, read how to secure your hot tub before high winds.
Use a spa net or skimmer regularly to lift out leaves and insects before they sink and clog the filters.
5. Make it cosy
A few touches make autumn soaks more enjoyable: warm LED lighting, outdoor lanterns and soft towels or robes close by. Scented candles or essential oils add to it too, as long as they are used safely and kept out of the spa water.
If you like hot and cold, try alternating your soak with a Chill Tub or cold plunge session. Many people find it refreshing on a cold evening.
6. Keep running costs down
Set the temperature to around 37–38°C for regular use, and lower it slightly if you are away for a few days. Economy or sleep modes on the control pack keep the spa warm without the heater running constantly.
If your spa has Wi-Fi control, check the pump cycles and settings too. Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference to your energy bill. Once the clocks go back, check your filter cycles still fall in the hours you want. Our dark evenings guide explains how.
Summary
A little preparation keeps your spa cosy, clean and efficient through the autumn. Look after the water, check the insulation and set the space up the way you like it, and you can enjoy plenty of relaxing evenings in your own garden.
Canadian Spa Company: hot tubs for every season.
Autumn checklist
| Area | Job | Done |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Drain, clean the shell and refill | |
| Water | Balance alkalinity, then pH, then sanitiser | |
| Filter | Soak in filter cleaner; replace if due (hard-shell spas every 6 to 12 months, Glacier every 6 months for best performance or up to 12 for economy) | |
| Cover | Check for tears, a sagging middle or extra weight from water | |
| Cover | Check the straps and clips | |
| Cabinet | Check panels are secure and there are no gaps at the base | |
| Surroundings | Cut back overhanging branches; clear gutters on any shelter | |
| Electrics | Test the RCD using its test button | |
| Supplies | Stock up on chemicals and test strips before winter |
If the cover is heavy or damaged, a new one will save energy all winter. See our replacement covers.
Energy-saving settings
| Situation | Setting |
|---|---|
| Using it most evenings | Keep a steady 37 to 38°C |
| Weekends only | Drop a few degrees midweek and plan the reheat: water warms at about 1 to 2°C an hour with the cover on |
| Away for a few days | Economy or sleep mode; leave the spa on for frost protection |
| Time-of-use tariff | Set filter cycles in the cheaper hours where you can |
Each degree you heat costs money. As a guide, raising 1,300 litres by 1°C takes about 1.5 kWh, around 40p at the October to December 2026 Ofgem cap rate of 26.32p per kWh. A heat pump such as the Balboa Clim8zone II Mini can bring that down.
A weekly routine for autumn
| Day | Task | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Every use | Clear leaves off the cover before opening; net any that fall in | 2 minutes |
| Once a week | Test and balance the water | 10 minutes |
| Once a week | Rinse the filter | 5 minutes |
| Once a week | Vacuum the footwell if grit has built up, using a spa vacuum | 5 minutes |
| Once a month | Soak the filter in cleaner and wipe the waterline | 15 minutes |
Frequently asked questions
Should I winterise my hot tub in autumn?
Only if you won't use it over winter. A spa left running is protected against frost. If you plan to shut it down, our winterising service drains and protects it properly.
Why does my water go cloudy in autumn?
Leaves, pollen and rain add organic matter. Shock the water, rinse the filter and keep the cover on.
Is it worth getting a shelter?
A shelter keeps leaves and rain off and cuts wind chill. Our guide to pergolas, gazebos and canopies compares the options.
Keep your water clear
Find the right filters and water-care chemicals, or book a service.
