How to Maintain Your Hot Tub Like a Pro
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Owning a hot tub is one of life’s great luxuries — until cloudy water, strange smells, or neglected filters turn that dream soak into a maintenance nightmare. But here’s the good news: keeping your hot tub in top condition is easier than you think.
Whether you’re a new spa owner or a seasoned soaker, this guide will walk you through how to maintain your hot tub like a pro — so it stays clean, safe, and ready whenever you are.
🔁 Follow a Simple Maintenance Schedule
Consistency is the name of the game. Here’s a basic upkeep schedule to follow:
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Daily:
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Check the water temperature.
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Look for obvious debris or cloudiness.
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Make sure the cover is secure and free of standing water or snow.
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Weekly:
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Test your water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, sanitizer).
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Top up sanitizers and add a shock treatment if needed.
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Rinse the filters.
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Monthly:
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Deep clean the filters with a proper filter cleaner.
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Check for scale build-up or wear and tear on parts.
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Inspect jets and spa surfaces.
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Quarterly:
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Drain and refill your hot tub.
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Give the shell a full clean.
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Flush the plumbing system if needed.
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Pro Tip: Set recurring calendar reminders — or use a hot tub maintenance app to make things even easier.
🧪 Keep Water Chemistry in Check
Balanced water isn’t just about comfort — it’s about protecting your investment and keeping your water safe.
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Sanitiser (Chlorine, Bromine)
Keeps bacteria and algae at bay. Always follow the correct dosage for your system. -
pH Level
Aim for 7.2–7.8. Too low and your water becomes acidic; too high and you risk scale build-up. -
Alkalinity
Acts as a pH buffer. Ideal range is 80–120 ppm. -
Shock Treatments
Oxidise contaminants weekly or after heavy use. Use chlorine or non-chlorine shock depending on your system.
Pro Tip: Always test before adjusting — using test strips or a digital tester for accuracy.
🧼 Don’t Neglect the Filters
Your filters do the heavy lifting — capturing oils, debris, and microscopic particles.
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Weekly: Rinse with a hose to remove surface grime.
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Monthly: Soak in a filter cleaner overnight and rinse thoroughly.
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Annually: Replace your filters every 12–18 months depending on usage.
Pro Tip: Keep a second set of filters so you can rotate while one dries or soaks.
💧 Drain, Clean & Refill Every 3–4 Months
Even with perfect chemistry, water gets saturated with minerals and organics over time.
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Flush the system with a plumbing line cleaner.
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Drain the tub completely.
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Clean the shell with a non-abrasive hot tub surface cleaner.
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Refill with clean water using a hose pre-filter (to avoid introducing heavy metals).
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Balance your water again once full.
🧽 Take Care of Your Cover
Your hot tub cover is your first line of defense against debris, UV rays, and energy loss.
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Wipe down monthly with a vinyl-safe UV protectant.
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Keep it clear of heavy snow or puddled water.
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Always latch it securely when not in use.
Pro Tip: If your cover smells musty or sags in the middle, it may be time for a replacement.
⚠️ Spot Problems Before They Get Worse
Stay alert to these common red flags:
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Cloudy, foamy, or discoloured water
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Strange pump or heater noises
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Jets not working properly
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Water that won’t hold temperature
If you catch these early, you can often fix them with a simple adjustment. If not, it’s time to call a professional.
🛒 Pro-Level Maintenance Toolkit
Every hot tub owner should keep these essentials on hand:
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Water test strips or digital tester
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Chlorine/bromine or salt sanitizer
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Filter cleaner
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Shell cleaner
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Line flush
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Spare filters
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pH and alkalinity balancers
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Water clarifier
You can find all of these at Whirlpool Warehouse or through your local Canadian Spa Company distributor.
✅ Remember
Hot tub maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little routine and the right tools, you can enjoy crystal-clear water, reliable performance, and total peace of mind — year-round.
So roll up your sleeves, treat your spa like a pro, and enjoy every soak knowing your hot tub is in perfect shape.