Do you want crystal-clear water with fewer repairs and a stress-free spa that lasts for years?
This guide reveals 67 expert-level hot tub tips, including water chemistry advice and care strategies trusted by seasoned spa professionals.
Let’s dive in.
Water Care & Chemistry
Maintaining proper water chemistry is key to a safe, clean, and long-lasting spa. In this section, you’ll find expert hot tub tips for balancing pH, managing sanitizer levels, preventing cloudy water, and keeping your spa crystal clear with less effort.
1. Test Your water 1-2 Times a Week
Keeping your spa water balanced starts with regular testing.
Check your levels at least twice a week using a liquid test kit made for hot tubs.
These kits are much more accurate than a traditional test strip. This gives you more accurate readings for your spa’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels.
With the right tools, you’ll catch water issues early before they turn into costly repairs.
In Utah’s climate, spa water can change quickly. Testing once or twice a week helps catch imbalances early, preventing foam, cloudiness, or damage.
2. Balance Alkalinity Before Adjusting pH
While balancing alkalinity first isn’t required for clean water, it sure can help.
pH tends to follow your alkalinity, so adjusting alkalinity first gives you a more accurate pH reading. Adjusting alkalinity first also gives you more control over your water chemistry.
Once the alkalinity is dialed in, your chemical levels will be much easier to stabilize and maintain from there. Aim for 80–120 ppm.
3. How to Handle High or Low Calcium in Your Hot Tub
Utah is known for hard water, which often causes high calcium levels in hot tubs. This leads to scaling and long-term equipment damage. But don’t worry, we can fix that.
If calcium is too low, add a hardness increaser. To manage buildup, use a scale control product regularly. If your calcium level becomes too high, you’ll start to see white scale or flakes on your shell, jets, and heater. Use a pre-filter when filling your spa to avoid this.
If soft water is available to you, that’s even better than using a pre-filter.
What happens when hot tub calcium is high? The only real solution is to drain and refill your tub. Always test your calcium levels whenever you refill.
4. How often should you shock your spa, even if it looks clean?
Shock your hot tub once a week to kill germs, protect water quality, and keep your spa safe. Keep the cover open and run the jets for at least 20 minutes to let the shock fully circulate and off-gas properly.
Keeping your cover open is particularly important as shock makes your spa release its toxins into the air instead of them being in your spa.
Many modern spas allow you to set a 20-minute circulation cycle automatically for convenience.
Hot tubs trap heat and moisture, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria and biofilm to grow.
5. Do saltwater systems still need pH monitoring?
Yes, saltwater hot tubs create chlorine through a process called electrolysis. These systems still need regular water testing.
High levels of pH often lead to scaling or damage inside your spa. Check your pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness regularly to prevent issues and keep your hot tub running smoothly.
For more information on this topic, Epic Hot Tubs has an excellent resource on saltwater spa maintenance. Check out their guide here.
6. Low pH will corrode your heater.
Low pH means your spa water is too acidic. Here in Utah, low pH in hot tubs is more common than people know.
Acidic water corrodes the heater, pump seals, and metal fittings, which can lead to equipment breakdowns if not corrected. It also affects how your water feels.
Low pH in your spa may make your skin feel itchy, and your water may be smelly.
7. High pH will cause scaling and cloudy water.
High pH levels in your spa water leads to scale buildup, this hard white crust that forms on your spa’s surfaces. This buildup can block jets and cover your heating elements, which are problems that are difficult to fix. It will reduce circulation and cause serious equipment issues.
Now, high pH water will make your skin feel like you’re taking a shower with hard water and may dry out your skin. Keep your spa pH balanced between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent these costly problems.
8. Don’t mix chlorine and bromine systems.
Many think that switching from chlorine to bromine is pretty simple. But it may be much more complex than you think.
Mixing chlorine and bromine can create dangerous gas if not handled correctly.
To prevent this chemical imbalance you need to drain, clean, and refill your spa. Or call a professional.
Don’t risk the chance of these leftover chemicals interacting with each other.
A drain and refill of your spa is the safest and fastest way to protect against producing this.
9. Use Non-Chlorine Shock if You’re Sensitive to Chlorine
Non-chlorine shock is an awesome alternative for people with chlorine sensitivity, though it doesn’t replace a primary sanitizer.
You’ll still need a sanitizer like chlorine or bromine, because non-chlorine shock doesn’t sanitize the water on its own.
However, non-chlorine shock still breaks down organic waste like sweat, body oils, and lotion, without the strong smell or irritation.
Using a product like this one can reduce how much you rely on chlorine. Tired of having to remember all the moving pieces of keeping your spa clean? We’ll clean it for you!
10. What Causes Cloudy Water in a Hot Tub?
Cloudy water in your hot tub is usually caused by one of three issues:
- Dirty filters: A clogged or worn-out filter reduces water circulation and traps debris in the water.
- Unbalanced water chemistry: If your pH, alkalinity, or sanitizer levels are off, your water can look hazy or dull.
- High total dissolved solids (TDS): Over time, dissolved minerals, body oils, and leftover chemicals build up and make your water appear cloudy.
If everything looks good but your spa remains foggy, your total dissolved solids (TDS) may be too high. Drain and refill your spa when this happens to fix the problem. Avoid using water clarifiers until you’ve identified and fixed the root cause.
11. Water That Smells Off Might Just Need Shocking
Why do hot tubs smell strong or unusual?
Most of the time, shocking your spa will destroy the bacteria and contaminants responsible for the smell.
Shock your spa to return the water to its original state, breaking down unwanted waste and sanitizer residue.
I recommend that you shock your spa every time you use it. After adding shock, run your jets with the cover open for 20 minutes to circulate chemicals and release unwanted gases. It’s happened to all of us at some point or another, but it doesn’t always mean that it’s serious.
12. Rinse Your Swimsuit in Plain Water Without Detergent
Most detergents we use to wash our clothes leave behind residue that reacts negatively with the chemical levels. Always rinse swimsuits in plain water, without soap, before using your spa to keep your water clear and balanced.
13. Keep your waterline clean to avoid biofilm.
What is biofilm?
Biofilm is a slimy layer of bacteria that sticks to your spa’s plumbing and waterline. It forms when moisture and bacteria mix, creating a buildup that resists sanitizers and leads to cloudy water and poor water quality.
The CDC reports that “waterborne diseases cause millions of illnesses and thousands of deaths each year in the US, with biofilm pathogens playing a growing role in these infections”. This stresses the importance of keeping your waterline clean. For more information on this topic, you can visit the CDC’s report here.
14. Refill Your Hot Tub with Warm Water to Reduce Heat-Up Time
Draining and refilling your spa may seem very tedious and time-consuming. Refilling your spa with warm water helps it heat faster, lowers energy use, and reduces strain on the heater.
This is also an awesome opportunity to refill your spa using a prefilter or purified water to reduce some stress on your hot tub’s components.
Filters that remove minerals, metals, calcium, and contaminants keep your water cleaner for longer and protect the spa’s equipment from working as hard.
15. Keep a Log of Water Care and Chemical Usage
It’s very easy to forget the last time you cleaned your filter or adjusted your pH.
A log of these things saves you time, money, and more importantly, the guesswork. Track water tests, chemical doses, and filter cleanings to catch patterns and avoid repeated issues.
This helps you catch patterns earlier, like consistently low pH or sanitizer that doesn’t hold. A running log also makes it easier to explain issues to your local dealer if problems come up.
Have more questions on spa water chemistry? Check out our resource sheet.
Filter & Circulation
Strong circulation and a clean filter are the backbone of any healthy hot tub. This section covers practical tips to improve water flow, avoid airlocks, and keep your filters working efficiently so your spa stays clean and trouble-free.
16. Turn Jets On Before Adding Chemicals
When adding chemicals to your spa, ensure that all your jets are running. Always keep your jets running with the cover open for 15–20 minutes after adding chemicals.
Sanitizer, shock, or balancing products all need to be properly distributed throughout your spa.
Allowing the jets to run reduces the chance of chemical residue buildup in one area and speeds up the process of cleaning the spa.
17. Always Fill Your Hot Tub Through the Filter Housing
Put the hose directly into the filter compartment to push out any air in the plumbing lines. This reduces the risk of airlocks that can stop your jets from working properly.
Your spa is unable to push out air bubbles by itself; air locking your jets may damage your internal components.
Save yourself the headache by filling through the filter housing. This protects your pump and heater from dry-start issues.
18. Fill Below the Pillows but Above the Jets
Luckily enough for us, overfilling or underfilling your hot tub won’t damage it right away.
But letting the water get too low can cause real problems.
If the water drops below the jets, it may pull air into the system or reduce how well the jets work.
For best results, fill your spa just above the highest jet and below the base of the pillows. This level keeps everything running smoothly and prevents overflow when people get in.
19. How Often Should You Clean Your Hot Tub Filters?
Depending on usage and environment, clean your filters every one to two months by rinsing them thoroughly with a garden hose. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah, and I like to rinse my filter every six weeks. If I have people coming over or multiple people have been in my spa, I rinse it every 4 weeks.
Dirty filters block water flow and reduce spa performance. This will put strain on your pump and lead to cloudy water.
This is one of the most essential and overlooked parts of hot tub maintenance is regular filter cleaning. Keep a cleaning schedule to prolong filter life and protect your spa investment.
20. Replace Filters Every 12 to 18 Months
For a majority of spas, replace your filters every 12 to 18 months, depending on how often you use your hot tub and your water chemistry.
How do I know when it’s time to replace my hot tub filter?
If your water is staying cloudy even after cleaning the old filter… It’s probably about time to get a new one.
If you don’t know the right size filter for your spa, I always recommend contacting the manufacturer or your local dealer.
You can give us a call anytime, and we would love to help you out as well.
Just like changing your car’s oil. Changing out your spa’s filter is very important for its longevity. The filter material breaks down over time, letting dirt and debris pass through.
21. How to Clean a Hot Tub Filter Without Spa Cleaner
Some recommend vinegar because of its acidity, but it’s not effective at removing body oils or embedded grime.
Instead, use a detergent mixed with warm water in a pinch.
After you let that soak, rinse the filter very thoroughly afterward to remove any and all remaining residue. This is by no means a long-term solution but can be used in a pinch.
A detergent helps break down body oils, lotions, and dirt stuck in the filter fins.
If you’re unsure about your filter size or cleaning method, stop by our store and we’ll help you find the right solution.
While we recommend using a professional-grade product, you can clean your filter in a pinch using common household items.
22. Use Jet Clean to Keep Hot Tub Plumbing Free of Buildup
Jet Clean keeps your spa plumbing clear of organic impurities, oils, dirt, and minerals.
Use Jet Clean once a year to prevent buildup that restricts water flow and damages equipment. Jet Clean is compatible with chlorine, bromine, and biguanide systems, making it versatile for any spa. It clears buildup in hard-to-reach areas and helps your system run better, protecting components from early wear.
23. Trim trees and shrubs nearby. Debris ruins filters.
For anyone who owns a hot tub, this is probably a given.
Trimming trees and shrubs in the surrounding area of your spa will keep leaves, pollen, and other debris out of your spa.
One of the fastest ways to clog a filter is with leaves and twigs.
Making the spa work harder to filter out contaminants. Reduce wear on your spa and filters by trimming shrubs and trees.
24. Floating dispensers can bleach spa surfaces.
Floating dispensers help release sanitizer over time, but if they sit in one spot, they can bleach your shell or damage the cover.
To ensure this doesn’t happen, allow the dispenser to float freely in your spa. Do not block the jets or the circulation of water from moving the dispenser around.
Running the jets during use helps distribute chemicals evenly, protecting your spa surfaces from concentrated sanitizer exposure.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Taking care of your spa doesn’t have to be hard. In this section, you’ll learn how to clean key components, prevent buildup, and avoid costly repairs. These habits keep your hot tub looking new and running strong year-round.
25. How Can I Prevent Scum Buildup in My Hot Tub?
Spa enzyme cleaner is one of the best ways to prevent scum buildup in your hot tub. We are the reason contaminants enter the spa.
Dirt, grime, body oils, and lotions are the biggest contributors to scum buildup.
An enzyme cleaner like Leisure Time Enzyme can help break down these organics before they bond to the waterline or clog your filters. Adding an enzyme cleaner regularly to your water care routine would be a great idea for keeping your spa cleaner for longer periods. It reduces foaming and limits surface residue.
Enzyme cleaners improve water clarity and help protect your spa equipment over time. So what causes scum?
26. Remove Hot Tub Pillows Monthly to Prevent Mold and Damage
Mildew thrives behind spa pillows where moisture and body oils build up. Dark, warm, and wet.
We recommend removing and cleaning behind your hot tub pillows once a month to prevent the buildup of mold and damage. Ignoring this buildup can stain your shell or wear down spa materials over time.
Use a spa-safe cleaner, wipe the area thoroughly, and let everything dry before reinstalling the pillows.
27. Best Way to Drain Your Hot Tub Fast…
Tired of waiting hours for your hot tub to drain?
Use a sump pump to speed things up!
Using one will make most hot tubs drain in about 20 or 30 minutes. It’s the quickest and most efficient way to drain your spa.
The built-in drain is extremely slow because it only relies on gravity and a small opening in the bottom of your spa, which takes much longer to clear out the water.
Hot tubs hold 300 to 450 gallons, which is why draining without a sump pump can take hours.
Just be sure to watch the pump while it’s running and turn it off before it starts pulling in air.
28. Check Your Breaker Box After Power Outages
After a power outage, we find it pretty common that our customers have issues with their hot tub heating and/or the control panel going blank.
More times than not, the issue pertains to the breaker box. You see, your spa has a GFCI unit that protects you and your loved ones from getting shocked. The GFCI will cut power for your safety.
After a storm or outage, check if your spa’s dedicated breaker has tripped.
Resetting your spa is as easy as flipping your spa and allowing your spa to boot up again.
29. Don’t Use Household Cleaners on Your Cover
Your cover already faces UV rays and moisture, so avoid adding chemical damage.
Your typical household cleaning agent may appear harmless, but it can quietly and effectively ruin your hot tub cover. Chemical-based cleaners such as bleach strip the vinyl of its resilience, cause it to lose its color, and contribute to sun damage.
Use a spa-safe cover cleaner, or if you cannot get one, a mild soap will maintain it in pristine condition without causing lasting harm.
30. Can You Put a Hot Tub on Grass? Why It’s a Bad Idea
Grass retains moisture, which can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot under your spa. Putting in a hot tub on a solid foundation like concrete, pavers, or one of our amazing spa pads ensures safety and longevity.
But if you want to take the risk of warping and stability issues, be my guest.
31. How to Clean Your Hot Tub Acrylic Safely Without Damage
Hot tub acrylic is fairly Durable. It puts up with harsh chemicals and our dirty bodies for many years.
Now, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take care of it.
Always use a spa-safe surface cleaner designed specifically for acrylic.
Stay far away from typical household cleaners, abrasives, or ammonia-based products. This prevents your hot tub shell from becoming dull, scratched, or chemically damaged over time.
To maintain the shine of my acrylic, I regularly clean it with a gentle cleaner. If needed, I will also use a spa pad or scrubber on it, but you need to be very careful with only using spa-specific products on it.
Spa pads are designed to gently remove dirt and grime from your hot tub without causing damage.
32. Spa Steps Should Have a Non-Slip Grip
Adding non-slip spa steps is one of the easiest spa safety tips you can follow. A non-slip surface prevents slips and falls, especially when wet.
Look at these steps as an investment for our children and parents.
It reduces the risk of accidents and provides peace of mind every time you use your hot tub.
33. A Handrail Makes Entry Safer for Older Users
Like spa steps, a hot tub handrail provides extra support for safer entry and exit. It creates a safer, more user-friendly environment for your loved ones. The two paired together are a game changer. Check out one of my favorites here.
34. Use a Spa Vacuum for Grit and Sand
Grit and sand make your relaxing spa experience feel dirty and uncomfortable. Use a spa vacuum to quickly and effectively remove grit and sand from the bottom of your spa. Grit and sand strain your spa’s filtration system, so remove them before they reach the filter.
35. Use Spa Scents and Salts Made Specifically for Hot Tubs
Are you looking to enhance your hot tub game?
I love using salts and scents for increased recovery and relaxation. These products are formulated to be safe for your spa’s components and maintain water chemistry!
We do not recommend using a bath bomb or regular fragrance.
These products have the potential to mess with your water chemistry, and even worse, they can damage your spa’s equipment. Here are some great safe hot tub-safe scents and salts.
36. How Long Is Safe to Soak in a Hot Tub at 104°F?
Take precautions with using your spa for extended periods of time at high temperatures.
Your time will differ depending on your level of experience. Soaking too long raises your body temperature, causing dehydration, dizziness, and lightheadedness. The 30-minute guideline is a great rule to ensure that newbies have a fun and safe experience.
The most important thing to do is to listen to your body. Drink lots of water, and get out of the spa if you don’t feel comfortable.
37. What is the Ideal Range for Extended Hot Tub Use?
For longer hot tub sessions, temperatures between 98 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit are a very safe and comfortable bet for most. This range is close to normal body temperature, which is awesome for gently relaxing muscles while minimizing strain.
Lower heat reduces the risk of dehydration and overheating. This allows you to relax longer without putting stress on your cardiovascular system.
Especially if you plan to soak for over 30 minutes, reduce the risk of dehydration and overheating. And just as important, lower temperatures help you to relax longer without stressing your body.
38. Pregnant? Stick to 100°F Max or Avoid Soaking
Many people speculate on this topic.
We do know that being in steam or hot water for long periods of time prevents your body from cooling down properly.
According to BabyCenter, “Experts recommend limiting your use of a hot tub, sauna, or steam bath during pregnancy to less than 10 minutes at a time.” Which, in my eyes, means prolonged exposure to hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms can potentially increase the chance of pregnancy complications.
To protect your health and your baby’s, always consult your doctor before use, take frequent breaks, and avoid high temperatures. Or stay away from it entirely. For more information on this topic, visit BabyCenter’s guide on hot tub use during pregnancy.
39. Don’t Eat Heavy Meals Before Soaking
Soaking in a hot tub right after eating isn’t dangerous, but it can cause mild discomfort.
If you use your spa just after you eat, your body is doing two things at once. Digesting food and regulating your internal temperature.
Now, digestion is pulling blood toward your stomach, while also redirecting blood flow to your skin to cool you off. This conflict can make digestion less “efficient”, but it will not cause you harm.
Our bodies do this constantly with various tasks in our day-to-day lives.
Healthline recommends waiting about 20 minutes after a big meal before you soak.
While research on this topic is limited, it’s a good rule of thumb to give your body a bit of time to adjust before hopping in. Here is an article from Healthline on this topic.
40. Alcohol and hot tubs don’t mix well.
Consuming alcohol is destructive to your body; it kills judgment, coordination, and balance. Increased risk of falling, slipping, and drowning, combined with the hot water, is a recipe for disaster.
In addition to the loss of judgment, alcohol causes your blood vessels to swell, decreasing blood pressure, which can lead to you passing out and getting dehydrated.
For safety purposes, I would not consume alcohol before or during the use of hot tubs to protect yourself.
41. Kids under 5 shouldn’t use hot tubs without supervision
Little children and hot tubs do not mix. A child’s body heats up faster than an adult’s, increasing the risk of overheating and dehydration.
Children under five simply don’t have the same knowledge of safety precautions or the quick reactions needed in case there is an accident.
It is crucial to keep a very close eye on them when they’re near a hot tub.
Following these precautions helps ensure a safe and enjoyable hot tub experience for everyone.
42. Keep dogs and pets out of the hot tub
Hot tubs are not pet-friendly. The high water temperature can overheat or burn your pet’s skin.
They will also deposit soil, hair, and bacteria into the water, making it harder to keep proper water chemistry.
To protect water quality and prevent damage, keep pets away from the hot tub and its cover.
43. Schedule professional service annually
Just think of your hot tub as your car; it takes a little upkeep to keep running smoothly.
Having a professional take care of your spa once a year is worth it.
They can pick up on small things before they turn into gigantic, expensive issues. Annual inspections help prevent costly repairs and extend your hot tub’s lifespan.
Learn more about professional spa service to keep your hot tub safe and enjoyable.
44. Store chemicals in a cool, dry place. Never outside.
Proper hot tub chemical storage is critical for safety and performance.
Store them at all times in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and moisture. Heat or moisture causes chemicals to degrade, clump, or destabilize.
Not only are they less efficient, but they can even be dangerous. Storing chemicals correctly also reduces the risk of spills, dangerous reactions, or spa damage.
For high-quality spa chemicals and water care products, visit our spa chemicals collection.
45. Why You Should Use Spa Test Strips Instead of Pool Strips
Getting your hot tub water just right is all about accurate testing, and that’s where accurate test strips come in.
Pool test strips are made for bigger volumes of water with different chemical needs, so they’re not suited for hot tubs.
Spa test strips measure lower chemical concentrations and smaller water volumes for precise results.
Using the right spa test strips ensures clean water and extends the life of your hot tub. For the best results, shop for quality spa test strips in our chemical collection!
46. Use Gloves When Handling Spa Chemicals
Hot tub chemicals are a necessity, but can be harsh on your hands. Drying them out or irritating them.
The simple solution is to wear gloves, preferably nitrile gloves when you are mixing or adding them.
Another way to go is using scoops and dispensers so you never have to touch them at all.
Whether you wear gloves or avoid contact altogether, it is important to protect your hands when handling spa chemicals for proper and secure spa maintenance.
Winterization & Cold Weather
Cold weather can do serious damage if your spa isn’t protected. In this section, you’ll learn how to winterize your hot tub, avoid freeze damage, and keep it running strong through Utah’s toughest months.
47. In Utah, always keep your spa heated in winter or properly winterize it
Living in Utah means coping with cold weather, and freezing can ruin the plumbing, pump, and shell of your hot tub.
In Utah, we really only have two options.
Use your spa or fully winterize it before temperatures drop.
Otherwise, the crucial components will crack due to freezing water, and that will cost you an arm and a leg for repair.
If you’re unsure how to winterize your spa the right way, watch this winterization video we created just for you!
Energy Efficiency
Running a hot tub doesn’t have to mean high power bills. These tips will help you reduce energy use, protect your equipment, and get the most out of every soak without wasting electricity.
48. Lower the temp when you're away for extended periods
If you’re going out of town for a while and won’t be using your hot tub, it’s best to drop the water temperature by a few degrees.
Most hot tubs also have an “economy” or “vacation” setting that will keep water at a level that won’t freeze but save on energy.
It’s also easier on your heater and pump!
Just make sure your cover is on and the water is balanced when you leave.
49. Keep your spa out of direct afternoon sun to protect the acrylic and prevent heat stress
Nobody wants a cracked, faded hot tub!
Direct sunlight wears out your spa’s shell over time. UV rays and heat accumulation put stress on the acrylic and may prematurely age your spa.
Whenever possible, place your hot tub in the shade or use a pergola, umbrella, or screen. Keeping your spa cool protects internal components and extends its lifespan.
50. LED lights use less power and last longer
While LED lights won’t necessarily make your spa last longer. They will definitely upgrade the experience.
LEDs use less power and last longer than standard bulbs.
Enjoy richer lighting with less upkeep. An easy way of upgrading your spa experience and saving on power costs is by switching to LED lights.
51. A spa with a 24-hour circulation pump saves energy
If you’re looking for a more energy-efficient spa with lower electricity costs… I would definitely look more into a spa with a 24hr circulation pump.
These systems constantly filter out contaminants, helping to keep water clean and reduce chemical use.
The constant circulation will maintain an even water temperature, reducing the need for the heater to cycle on and off frequently.
Spa Covers & Accessories
Your spa cover and accessories do more than just look good. They protect your spa, save energy, and make daily use easier. This section covers how to care for them, when to upgrade, and what features matter most.
52. A cover and cover lifter add years to your spa
A great spa cover keeps your hot tub away from worries of the outside world, and a cover lifter lets you remove and replace the cover without adding wear or strain. Preventing tears and damage.
Both keep your spa clean, retain insulation, and reduce energy loss. Hence, saving you on heating expenses while protecting your investment for years to come.
53. Upgrade or replace your cover every 6 to 8 years
Replacing your hot tub cover every 6–8 years protects insulation, lowers energy bills, and extends your spa’s life.
Over time, exposure to weather and moisture wears out your cover, which causes it to lose insulation and become less effective.
Regularly inspect your cover for cracks, sagging, or waterlogging, as these are signs it’s time for a replacement.
A well-maintained cover prevents damage to your spa components, saving you money on repairs in the long run.
Replace your hot tub cover every 6–8 years to protect insulation, lower energy bills, and extend your spa’s life.
54. Flip the foam inserts in your spa cover yearly to reduce sagging and extend its life
Flip the foam inserts inside your hot tub cover once a year to prevent sagging and extend insulation performance.
Trust me, this tiny chore keeps your cover from looking like a sad, saggy pancake and helps it last way longer.
If you skip it, water starts pooling, the insulation tanks, and suddenly you’re shelling out for a replacement before you know it.
55. Clean and condition your spa cover every few months
Cleaning and conditioning is one of the most overlooked ways to protect your spa long-term.
Here in Utah, we have pretty vast and harsh weather conditions.
Use a spa-safe vinyl protectant to block UV damage, prevent mildew, and extend the life of your hot tub cover.
Consistent care extends the life of your cover and keeps it looking good while maintaining its insulating properties.
56. How Cover Clips Protect Your Hot Tub from Wind Damage
Hot tub cover clips lock your spa cover in place, preventing wind damage, heat loss, and debris buildup.
Not only does this prevent heat from escaping and debris from entering, but it also adds to safety as it prevents the cover from becoming loose.
Purchasing strong cover clips will save you costly damage and wasted energy.
Safety & Usage
Using your hot tub the right way keeps everyone safe and extends the life of your spa. In this section, we’ll go over smart habits, safety tips, and what to avoid during your soak.
57. Shower Before Entering Your Hot Tub
Showering before using your hot tub removes sweat, lotion, and oils.
Helping maintain water clarity and reduce chemical use. Less gunk = cleaner water and less work for your filters and chemicals.
This simple step improves water quality and enhances your overall hot tub experience.
Not to mention all the health benefits of a hot tub!
58. Stay hydrated. Hot tubs dehydrate you fast.
Warm water raises body temperature and induces sweating. Your body utilizes water to sweat out when your core body is too warm.
The evaporation of your sweat is what removes the sweat.
In this scenario, it is extremely hard for sweat to evaporate because our spas remove the sweat for us.
I always recommend keeping a water bottle on hand to prevent dehydration and taking regular breaks. Drinks like alcohol or even soda, will actually dehydrate you further.
I always pay very close attention to how I’m feeling, and I recommend that you do the same. Dizziness or dry mouth are signs. you may be getting dehydrated.
Staying hydrated keeps your body temperature regulated, improves circulation, and makes your hot tub experience even more enjoyable.
59. Always remove jewelry before getting in
Rings and jewelry can scratch the acrylic, clog filters, or fall into the jets, which will permanently pockmark the shell over time.
Are you willing to take the risk?
Jewelry, both complete pieces and individual pieces, can fall off and clog your filtration system or ruin internal parts.
Failing to remove your jewelry before every soak will prevent your spa from costly damage and keep things running smoothly.
Spa Repairs & Monitoring
Catching small issues early can save you thousands in repairs. This section covers what to look for, how to prevent damage, and how to keep your hot tub running safely and efficiently year-round.
60. Regularly inspect the spa cabinet for wear or leaks
Panels warp, crack, and loosen over time, most notably in places of very low or high temperatures or places of high humidity.
I can not even begin to count how many times we have had people come into our store with $1,000s of dollars in repairs because of a small leak.
Monitoring for wear on a regular basis, like water spots or soft spots, can be an indicator that there is a leak or issue internally.
These issues will be prevented sooner to save more repairs in the future and extend the life of your spa.
61. Know your spa’s make, model, and serial number
Keep your hot tub’s make, model, and serial number stored in your phone. It speeds up service and part replacements. Most of the manufacturers place the serial number on a tag in the cabinet or near the equipment compartment.
Write it down, take a photo, or store it in your phone. When something gets broken, this data enables your dealer or technician to quickly identify compatible parts and provide proper guidance.
62. Look for fading, cracking, or bubbles in the shell
Inspect your spa shell regularly for early indications of deterioration in the form of color change, small cracks, or bubbling at the surface. These signs may indicate UV damage or unbalanced water chemistry.
Spot this stuff early, and you’ll dodge the bigger headaches like leaks or the whole thing going kaput.
If you see anything funky, call your dealer before it gets out of hand.
63. Don’t use household bleach in a hot tub. Ever.
Household bleach may be easy to use, but it is too harsh for application in hot tubs.
It will destroy the acrylic shell, dehydrate gaskets, rust metal components inside, and destabilize water chemistry.
Always use spa-grade sanitizers made for hot water.
Household bleach damages components and ruins water balance.
64. Keep extra filters and key parts on hand.
Ever had something break on a Friday night when everything’s closed? Yeah, me too.
Keep a backup filter, a few O-rings, and whatever other doodads your spa needs.
That way, you can make quick repairs without delay, instead of waiting days for shipping while your hot tub sits there collecting bugs. You can get your chemicals for the cheapest price possible on our online store.
65. Check your water level weekly.
Your water level in your spa has an impact on how well it operates. When the level is too low, air is drawn into the pump, which ruins it and can even shut down the system. A weekly check helps avoid expensive repairs and keeps your system working right.
Dealer & Pro Tips
Even seasoned spa owners run into questions. This section shares expert advice from real dealers and technicians to help you solve problems faster, avoid downtime, and get more out of your hot tub investment.
66. Take photos of your spa settings and equipment.
Take clear photos of your spa’s control panel, plumbing, and wiring. They help your dealer troubleshoot problems faster. When something goes wrong, Photos lets your dealer or technician diagnose problems faster and more accurately.
67. Your local dealer knows more than Google. Use them.
When you need assistance or have a question, cut out the forums and go to your dealer directly. A trusted dealer brings hands-on experience, factory training, and access to real solutions.
With repairs, parts, or water care, they’ll get you the right answer faster than an indiscriminate search ever will.
Maintain your hot tub like a pro with these expert tips.
Use these 67 expert-backed hot tub tips to protect your investment, enjoy cleaner water, and reduce repair costs. Regular care, smart habits, and balanced water chemistry prevent issues like cloudy water, scaling, and equipment damage.
Now I want to hear from you. What’d I miss?
Got a genius spa hack or a disaster story?
Feel free to email me your best advice or any questions you have at calvind.takeabreak@gmail.com.
Your input helps me improve this list and keep the content fresh and relevant for everyone. Sharing your thoughts also supports other spa owners in enjoying their hot tubs longer and cleaner.
For personalized advice or quality spa products in Utah, visit Take A Break Spas & Billiards.
Our experienced team is here to help you maintain your spa for years of enjoyment.
