Weekly Hot Tub Maintenance: Easy Tips for a Sparkling Spa

Maintaining your hot tub doesn't have to be hard. Weekly hot tub maintenance is crucial to keeping your spa clean and safe for every hot tub owner. Start by testing the water for pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. These steps help prevent bacteria growth and keep the water clear.

Clean the filter regularly to avoid clogging and remove debris. A clean filter ensures the water circulates properly. Wipe down the spa cover to keep dirt and grime out. Also, balance the water chemistry by adjusting as needed.

By spending just 15-20 minutes a week, you can enjoy a sparkling clean hot tub. Regular weekly maintenance prevents costly repairs and extends the life of your spa.

Here are the essential steps you need to take:

  1. Turn on the pumps and make sure all the jets and waterfalls are open.
  2. Add the correct amount of O-Care bottle 1 & bottle 2 to the hot tub water (check the label on the bottle). 
  3. Use your measuring equipment or test strips to check if the readings are within the bandwidth of the chart below. 
  4. Adjust the measurements such as the pH and sanitizer level (Chlorine or Bromine) and TA value on the chart below to the required levels and measure again to be sure.

1. Turn On The Pumps & Open All The Hot Tub Jets And Waterfalls

It's crucial to ensure that your hot tub pumps and the hot tub's hardware are working efficiently. This helps maintain clean water and proper circulation, keeping your hot tub in top condition.

  • Start by opening all the jets and waterfalls in your hot tub. This ensures maximum water flow, which is essential for proper circulation through the plumbing lines. It allows the pumps to push water through every part of the system, including the skimmer and filter.
  • Remove any debris, dirt, or oils that may be clogging the jets to keep your hot tub clean.
  • Use tools like a vacuum or hose to clean hard-to-reach areas.
  • Turn on the pump for at least 20 minutes.
  • Ensure the power to the hot tub is stable to avoid electrical issues.

Regularly cleaning the jets and ensuring good circulation prevents mold, mildew, and scum buildup. This keeps the water fresh and prevents smelly, unhealthy conditions. Efficient water flow also helps maintain the hot tub’s plumbing and extends the life of your hot tub components.

2. Add O-Care

To keep your hot tub clean and safe for your skin, adding O-Care is important. This routine keeps the water soft and healthy.

Steps to Add O-Care:

  1. Turn on the Pumps: Make sure all jets and waterfalls are open.
  2. Measure O-Care: Use the label on the bottle to find the correct amount of O-Care Bottle 1 and Bottle 2.
  3. Add to Water: Pour Bottle 1 and then Bottle 2 into the hot tub water.

Use test strips to check the water's balance after adding O-Care. It's necessary to make sure the readings match the suggested levels on the chart to maintain a clean hot tub filter.

Use test strips to after adding O-Care. It's necessary to make sure the readings match the suggested levels on the chart. This ensures everything is within safe limits.

Why Add O-Care?

  • Wellness: Keeps the water clean, promoting better wellness.
  • Soft Water: Makes the water gentle on your skin.
  • Safe: Prevents harmful build-up in the water.

Weekly Check

  1. Inspect the Hardware: Look at the pumps and jets. Make sure they work properly.
  2. Deep Clean: Occasionally, consider a deep clean by draining the hot tub and scrubbing the walls.
  3. Garden Hose Use: When filling the tub again, use a garden hose to avoid airlocks.

Adding O-Care also helps maintain the condition of your hot tub cover by preventing harmful build-up. Following these simple steps will help you maintain a clean and healthy hot tub.

Use our O-Care store locator to improve your hot tub experience with a product that nurtures your skin, maintains your equipment, and benefits the environment.

3. Test The Hot Tub Water

Testing your hot tub water is essential for keeping it clean and safe. Regular water tests ensure the right balance of chemicals and prevent issues.

Supplies Needed:

  • Test strips or a drop tester
  • Clean container for water samples

Steps to Test:

1. Dip Test Strips: Dip a test strip into the hot tub water. Hold it in the water for a few seconds. Follow the instructions on the test strip package.

2. Compare Colors: Compare the colors on the strip to the chart provided with the test strips.

Key Elements to Test:

O-Care Table
Weekly Water Maintenance of O-Care

Pro Tips:

Test Frequently:

  • Test water 2–3 times a week.
  • Test more often if you use the hot tub regularly.

Water Temperature:

  • Ideal temperature: 100-104°F
  • Higher temperatures affect chemical balance.

Keep a Journal:

  • Record test results.
  • Note any changes or adjustments made.

Keeping these parameters in check ensures clean, clear water for your hot tub. Regular testing is crucial for a stress-free hot tub experience.

4. Adjust Chemical Levels

You need to test your hot tub's water chemistry at least twice a week. Use test strips or a digital pH meter. These will measure pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.

pH Levels

Ideal pH range: 7.2 - 7.8. If the pH is too high, use a pH decreaser. If it's too low, use a pH increaser.

Alkalinity

Alkalinity range: 80 - 120 ppm. Use an alkalinity increaser if needed. Balanced alkalinity prevents pH swings.

Sanitizers: Chlorine or Bromine

Keep sanitizer levels steady. Chlorine levels should be 1-3 ppm. Bromine levels should be 3-5 ppm.

Shock Treatment

Shock your hot tub weekly. This helps sanitize the water and removes chloramines and other compounds. Choose a non-chlorine or chlorine shock. Follow the instructions on the shock treatment product.

In addition to weekly shock treatments, include this in your annual hot tub maintenance routine. If you're unsure about the chemical adjustments or need additional help, consider scheduling professional hot tub maintenance to ensure everything is balanced correctly.

Pro tip: If you need to shock the water (quick sanitizer boost) then use non-chlorine shock a.k.a. MPS (Monopersulfate). This will oxidize organics and because of that assist the chlorine to do a better job.

 You can best add some after using the hot tub or if you haven’t used the hot tub just add some once a week. You can add about 30-60 gram or 1-2 ounces on these occasions. If you still run into issues click here for some additional help and learn about the different sanitizers and what chemical will help.

Calcium Hardness

Calcium hardness range: 175-250 ppm. Use a calcium hardness increaser if levels are low. This helps prevent scale build-up.

Dealing with Foam

Foamy water can be annoying. Use a defoamer to reduce foam. Sometimes, adjusting pH and adding sanitizer helps too. For outdoor hot tubs, dealing with foam might require more frequent adjustments due to exposure to environmental factors.

Cleaning Filters

Clean your hot tub's filters weekly. Rinse them with water. Soak them in a filter cleaner every month to remove build-up. Ensure to regularly check and clean the hot tub's cartridge filters to maintain efficient water circulation.

Bacteria and Biofilm

Keep bacteria and biofilm at bay by maintaining proper sanitizer levels. Clean your hot tub surfaces and plumbing lines regularly. Use a mixture of water and white vinegar for cleaning.

Preventing Algae

Ensure your sanitizers are at the proper levels to prevent algae. Shocking the water and cleaning the tub also prevents algae growth.

Regularly adjusting chemical levels should be a key part of your hot tub maintenance routine to keep your spa clean and safe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining your hot tub weekly ensures a sparkling, safe, and enjoyable spa experience. By dedicating just 15-20 minutes each week to essential tasks like testing water chemistry, cleaning filters, adding O-Care, and ensuring proper circulation, you can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your hot tub.

Regular maintenance keeps the water clear and safe, promoting wellness and relaxation for you and your loved ones.

To make your hot tub maintenance even easier, try O-Care. Its natural, high-quality mineral salts provide a gentle, effective solution. Visit our store locator to find a retailer near you and start enjoying the benefits of O-Care today.

For any questions or assistance, please contact us. Embrace these simple steps to enjoy a pristine hot tub all year round, making every soak a delightful retreat.

Find more information on how to maintain your hot tub water here:

  1. Download the O-Care app for weekly maintenance and step-by-step problem-solving.
  2. Use our online water assistant to diagnose your water quality issues.
  3. I need to solve an underlying contamination issue in my hot tub; maybe it's biofilm?
  4. How to avoid future problems and keep your hot tub clean?
  5. What kind of sanitizers can I choose from?
  6. What is the best way to maintain my hot tub water?
  7.  How to test the water in my hot tub?

Frequently Asked Questions

Weekly hot tub maintenance ensures your hot tub stays clean and safe. This involves setting a schedule, performing essential tasks, and following dos and don'ts.

How can I create a weekly upkeep schedule for my hot tub?

Start by setting aside a specific day each week for hot tub maintenance. Place reminders on your phone or calendar. Break down the tasks into manageable steps.

What steps should be included in a weekly hot tub maintenance checklist?

Test and adjust water chemistry. Clean the filters. Wipe down surfaces and the spa cover. Check the water level and add water if necessary. Maintain proper chemical levels. Also, ensure the hot tub cabinet is clean and free from any damage.

How frequently should I shock my hot tub to keep it clean and safe?

You should shock your hot tub once per week. This helps kill bacteria and organic matter. Shocking recharges the sanitizer, keeping the water clean.

Can you provide tips for basic weekly care for my spa?

Always test the water chemistry first. Check and clean the filter. Use a non-abrasive cleaner for surfaces. Remove debris from the water. Check the cover for signs of wear.

What are the essential maintenance tasks for my hot tub each week?

Test pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Clean filters. Shock the water. Wipe down surfaces. Inspect the cover and equipment. Adjust chemical levels to maintain balance.

Are there any important dos and don'ts for weekly hot tub maintenance?

Do use test strips or a digital pH meter. Do rinse and clean filters. Do remove debris regularly. Don't use harsh chemicals for cleaning. Don't ignore water chemistry.