A hot tub offers a fantastic escape, a place to unwind and let the day's stresses melt away. But to truly enjoy that sparkling oasis, hot tub maintenance is key. Just like any cherished possession, a little regular care goes a long way. Properly and often cleaning your hot tub or swim spa will extend its life and ensure every soak is a pristine experience.This hot tub maintenance guide will provide you with easy-to-follow guidelines, perfect for the average user (2-4 bathers, using it about 5 times a week). If your spa sees less frequent action, you might be able to adjust your cleaning schedule accordingly.
The five crucial areas of your spa that demand regular attention are your filter, shell, cabinet, plumbing, and cover. Let's dive into the best practices for keeping each of them spotless.
Your hot tub's filter is its heart, tirelessly working to keep your water clear. Investing in quality filters is essential; cheaper alternatives can quickly degrade, re-release debris, and hinder proper filtration. Regular filter cleaning is also crucial for effective debris removal, optimal water flow, and preventing bacteria, cloudy water, odors, and algae.
Cartridge filters should be cleaned every two to four weeks, depending on usage. Rinsing your filter once a week is ideal, but only our star hot tub owner's do it (you know who you are Clean Hot Tub Legends).
Here are some signs your filter is crying out for a clean:
Depending on how often your hot tub is used, you'll want to employ these three cleaning methods regularly.
You can purchase all chemicals, filter cleaning buckets, and more from Hydropool North West or your closest Hydropool dealer. We recommend having a spare filter cartridge on hand so you always have a clean one ready to go!
Online, you've probably seen a few "hacks." When it comes to your spa filter, though, steer clear of dishwashers, bleach, and general household cleaners. Dishwashers can damage the filter and won't truly clean it. Bleach weakens filter fibers, ruining their function. Household cleaners can lead to a sudsy mess in your spa. Also, do not use wire or hard-bristled brushes to clean your filters. For optimal cleaning, stick to rinsing with water and/or using a reputable filter cleaner when soaking. A soft paintbrush can help with stubborn particles.
Not sure if your filter has run its course? Just take a look! If it still looks grimy after a good soak, or if it's falling apart and losing its shape, it's probably time for a new one, especially if it's been in use for one to two years. Replace fuzzy, deeply stained filters with new ones.
Regular hot tub use inevitably leads to grime, worsened by poor water chemistry or infrequent cleaning. To protect your spa and its warranty, stick to hot tub-specific cleaners to avoid damage and foaming. For the waterline, simply wipe it with a cloth dampened with hot tub water or a hot tub cleaner on a cloth, being careful to avoid getting cleaner in the water. Sometimes, a full drain will be needed for the most thorough shell cleaning.
Every 3-4 months, drain and thoroughly clean the tub. Use hot tub cleaners after draining, rinsing completely before refilling to prevent water balance issues. Avoid household cleaners and abrasive materials, which can damage the shell or cause foaming. For mildew, diluted white vinegar or bleach can be used, but always rinse thoroughly. Use soft cloths or nylon scrubbers, avoiding abrasives like steel wool or powder cleansers.
Evidence of hydrogen peroxide use will void your Hydropool warranty.
That "ring" in your hot tub is scum from lotions, body oils, and soaps. To remove it: first, check calcium levels; high levels require draining and refilling. If calcium is normal, scrub the ring with spa cleaner or diluted vinegar on a cloth, being careful not to get too much in the water.
Prevent future scum by showering before entering the hot tub and maintaining proper water chemistry. Clean your hot tub every 3-4 months and shock it regularly.
Is your spa shell discolored? Causes include metals in the water, soap scum, mineral buildup, and poor water chemistry. First, try a deep clean with a spa cleaner. For spot treatment, use baking soda, a melamine sponge, or diluted white vinegar on a soft cloth, scrubbing gently and rinsing thoroughly. Prevent stains by maintaining proper water chemistry, keeping the filter clean, and regularly cleaning the hot tub.
Be aware that for most of the above fixes, a full drain will be necessary, as the water chemistry will be compromised by adding any of these solutions (vinegar is the only one that you wouldn’t have to drain).
Hydropool cabinets are designed to be low maintenance, easy to clean, and mold-resistant. For regular cleaning, you can spray it down with your hose every few months when you're draining your hot tub. If your spa tends to get debris on the sides from rain or dirt, just spray it off as needed. If it needs a deeper cleaning, use a mild multi-purpose cleaner and a soft cloth to soap it up, then spray the cabinet down with a hose to rinse it. Make sure these cleaners do not get into your hot tub, as it will disrupt your water chemistry and is dangerous for bathers.
Buildup occurs in pipes, just like in filters. Biofilm, a natural bacterial layer, forms in hot tub plumbing. While normal in small amounts, excessive buildup traps contaminants such as lotions and body oils, which then resist sanitizers, leading to dirty water, clogged pipes, and disrupted chemistry. Overgrown biofilm can harbor dangerous bacteria, making the spa unsafe.
You should flush your lines if:Before flushing, remove your filter and shock the water. Add the hot tub flush product, circulate as directed (expect foam), then drain. Clean the shell and filter, and refill. Clogged plumbing can cause low pressure, unsafe water, shorten filter lifespan, strain the pump/heater, and damage the spa.
To remove biofilm, use a line flush product after shocking and before draining, following product instructions. Repeat if needed. If issues persist, call a professional to avoid pump damage or illness.
Proper hot tub flushing, chemical balancing, paired with regular running of the hot tub pumps prevents biofilm buildup and all related problems.
Throughout this guide, we've suggested draining and replacing spa water every 3 to 4 months. However, with a Self-Cleaning Model with a Pure Water System, you can safely extend this to 5-6 months. Ultimately, rely on the look, feel, and chemical testing of the water. As long as the water looks clean and tests correctly, it's fine!
A swim spa has a larger volume of water, so that can be changed less often. Every 4-6 months, partially drain and refill to refresh the water. Fully drain and refill once a year. The hot tub or swim spa water must be changed when the amount of dissolved solids becomes excessive, usually indicated by "gray" or dull-looking water.
Never fill a hot tub with water from a water softener, as it could adversely affect the water chemistry, making it difficult to maintain proper water balance. If you live in an area with hard or soft water, pay careful attention to your Calcium Hardness level. Topping up with soft water is acceptable.
By following this easy hot tub maintenance guide, you'll keep your spa sparkling clean and ready for relaxation. Find more tips like how to use chemicals in your hot tub by browsing the maintenance section of our blog.
If the thought of tackling hot tub spa maintenance yourself feels like more work than relaxation, consider professional hot tub servicing. Hydropool North West offers comprehensive servicing for all Hydropool hot tubs. Our experienced technician can handle everything from routine filter cleaning and water balancing to deep-cleaning your shell, flushing your plumbing, and ensuring your cabinet and cover are in top condition. Opting for professional hot tub service means you can enjoy a consistently clean, safe, and efficient hot tub without the fuss, leaving you more time to simply unwind.