Keeping the water in a hot tub clear is not only about its appearance, but also about the user’s comfort, hygiene and long-term performance of your spa. With continuous maintenance and the correct upkeep procedures, you can enjoy clean and comfortable water quality every time you soak. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you keep the water in your hot tub spa clear throughout the year.
Maintaining appropriate water quality is the foundation of all hot tub spa maintenance. The three key balancing factors are pH, total alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. The pH value should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH value is too high, sanitizers will lose their efficacy. If it is too low, the water quality will be acidic and irritate the skin.
The total alkalinity should be maintained between 80 and 120 ppm to stabilize the pH value. After balancing the alkalinity and pH value, please maintain the concentration of the sanitizer (whether it is chlorine, bromine or other disinfection systems) within the recommended range to eliminate bacteria and harmful contaminants. Test your spa tub two to three times a week using test strips or liquid test kits to ensure it remains balanced.
Filtration is one of the most important steps in hot tub spa maintenance, as filters can capture grease, emulsion, dirt and fine particles, preventing them from recirculating back into the water. For the best results, please flush the filter with a hose every week and remove the debris between the folds. Soak the filter in the filter-specific cleaning solution every month to remove deep dirt. Replace the filter every 12 to 18 months, depending on the usage and the condition of the filter.
Proper filter maintenance can enhance water transparency, improve water circulation, and reduce the load on water pumps and heaters, thereby extending the service life of your hot tub.
Good circulation allows water to pass through the filters, evenly distributes sanitizers, and prevents stagnation. Many modern spa tubs are equipped with programmable circulation systems that can operate automatically throughout the day.
If your hot tub cannot circulate continuously, please turn on the jet function twice a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time to keep the water flowing and ensure effective filtration. Continuous circulation helps reduce the risks of water turbidity, algae growth and scaling around water lines.
Even water with a well-balanced quality can accumulate organic pollutants from human body oils, sweat, cosmetics and environmental debris. These pollutants can cause water to become turbid, produce unpleasant odors and reduce the efficacy of disinfectants. To solve this problem, it is recommended to conduct a shock treatment of the spa tub with a chlorine shock agent or a non-chlorine oxidant once a week.
Shock treatment can decompose organic waste, restore water clarity, and restore the efficacy of sanitizers. After extensive use (for example, when receiving multiple guests), an additional shock treatment can help keep the water fresh and clear.
Over time, dissolved solids in chemicals and pollutants will accumulate in water. This will make water quality balance increasingly difficult. To keep the water clear at all times, please empty and refill the spa tub every 3 to 4 months, depending on the usage.
Before emptying, using a pipe flushing cleaner can help remove biofilm and residues inside the pipes, ensuring that you start using it with the cleanest fresh water. After refilling, immediately balance the water quality to prevent the formation of scale and deposits on the surface and equipment.
Your spa’s shell and cover can collect oils, grime, and waterline residue. Regularly wipe these areas with a special spa cleaner, which will not cause foam or chemical imbalance. At the same time, the inner side of the spa cover should also be cleaned to ensure it stays free of mildew and remains insulated and protective.
By following these key hot tub spa maintenance steps, such as balancing water quality, cleaning filters, regulating water circulation, performing shock disinfection, draining regularly and maintaining surfaces, you can keep the water in your hot tub always clear and transparent. A well-maintained spa tub not only has a longer service life but also offers you a healthier and more comfortable soaking experience every time.