Hot Tub Maintenance Tips and When to Schedule a Service

A hot tub offers relaxation, therapy, and entertainment. To keep your hot tub running smoothly and safely, it’s important to carry out regular maintenance. Proper hot tub maintenance not only extends the life of your hot tub, but it also ensures a safe and enjoyable soaking experience.

Here’s a straightforward guide to keeping your hot tub in top shape and knowing when to call in the pros for hot tub servicing.

Weekly hot tub maintenance checklist

Maintaining your hot tub doesn’t need to be overwhelming – with just a little attention each week, you can avoid bigger issues down the road.

Test and balance the water

Check your water’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels (e.g. chlorine or bromine). This is important because if you put too many chemicals in your hot tub you can damage the shell, the pump seals, and the jet body seals. Balanced water prevents corrosion, scale build-up, and skin irritation. When adding chemicals ensure the hot tub cover is fully off and run the jets on high speed circulate the chemicals.

Water should be:

pH: 7.2 to 7.6

Total alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm

Sanitiser: As recommended by your product

Clean the filters

Your filters trap debris and keep the water clear. If you are using your hot tub every day then rinse them every 1-2 weeks with a hose and give them a deep clean every month using a filter cleaner solution.

Wipe down the surfaces

Use a non-abrasive cloth to wipe the waterline and outer shell. This prevents scum build-up and keeps your spa looking fresh.

Shock the water

“Shocking” your hot tub (with non-chlorine shock) involves adding a higher dose of sanitiser to kill off bacteria and break down organic contaminants. This should be done weekly or after heavy use.

Seasonal hot tub maintenance

Besides weekly upkeep, some tasks are best tackled seasonally (depending on how often your hot tub is used):

Drain and refill the hot tub

Over time, dissolved solids and chemicals build up, making water difficult to balance. Draining and refilling gives you a clean slate and is a vital part of any hot tub maintenance routine.

Inspect the hot tub cover

Check for water logging, tears, or mold. A good cover helps retain heat and keep debris out, but a damaged one can drive up energy costs and introduce contaminants.

When to schedule professional hot tub servicing

While DIY care handles some of your hot tub upkeep, certain tasks should be left to professionals. Knowing when to schedule hot tub servicing can save you from expensive repairs down the line.

1. Pump or heater issues

If your hot tub isn’t heating properly, is making unusual noises, or has poor jet pressure, it may indicate a failing pump or heater. At South West Spas, we can diagnose and fix the issue before it gets worse.

2. Water not staying clean

If you’re constantly battling cloudy or smelly water despite regular maintenance, there could be underlying plumbing or filtration problems.

3. Leaks

Even small leaks can lead to bigger problems, like water damage or electrical hazards. A hot tub engineer can locate the source and repair it safely.

4. Annual inspection

Even if everything seems fine, scheduling an annual hot tub servicing is a smart preventative measure. Our hot tub engineers will inspect electrical components, plumbing, and seals to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

By keeping up with weekly and seasonal hot tub maintenance you’ll enjoy cleaner water, more efficient performance, and fewer headaches. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call South West Spas for hot tub servicing, hot tub maintenance, and hot tub repairs – it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and a perfectly bubbling spa!