Keeping your hot tub clean each week helps ensure clear water and a longer-lasting spa. Start by testing and balancing your water chemistry to keep it safe and comfortable. Rinse or spray off your filters to maintain good water flow. Wipe down the shell and waterline to prevent buildup, and make sure the cover is clean and secure to keep out debris. A few simple steps each week go a long way toward keeping your spa fresh, efficient, and ready to enjoy.

To keep your hot tub water clean and balanced, it’s important to add the right chemicals each week. We recommend testing your water regularly and adjusting as needed. This means adding sanitizer (we recommend the Frog @Ease system) to keep the water safe, a shock treatment to oxidize contaminants, and balancing chemicals to maintain proper pH, alkalinity, and hardness levels, and enzymes to help break down oils and other buildup.

For convenience, you can download a handy sheet here to print and use each week.

Maintaining a clean hot tub each month helps keep your water clear and your spa running smoothly. Start by thoroughly rinsing or spraying your filter to remove trapped debris. Wipe down the spa surfaces and waterline to prevent buildup. Use a sanitizer, such as the Frog @Ease system, to keep your water safe and clear, and regularly check and balance chemicals to maintain proper pH, alkalinity, and hardness levels.

For convenience, you can download a handy guide here to keep by your spa for easy reference.

To maintain clean, safe, and balanced water in your hot tub, you’ll need a combination of key chemicals.

1. Sanitizer: Chlorinating granules or the FROG @ease system are crucial for killing bacteria and keeping the water clean.

2. pH Up and pH Down: These adjusters raise or lower the pH level to keep it in the ideal range of 7.4–7.6, which prevents corrosion and scaling while allowing sanitizers to work effectively

3. Alkalinity Increaser: This helps stabilize the pH and prevents sudden fluctuations that can throw your water out of balance.

4. Shock Oxidizer: Regularly “shocking” the water with an oxidizer removes contaminants like oils and organic materials, improving sanitizer efficiency and keeping the water fresh.

5. Enzymes: These naturally break down body oils, lotions, and organic debris, helping reduce scum lines and making the water easier to maintain.

Always follow manufacturer guidelines for chemical use, and regularly test your water to ensure it’s properly balanced.

Ohio Spa Repair carries all needed chemicals and can sell them to local customers, or you can shop our Amazon list here.

When in use, it is recommended to maintain your hot tub temperature between 98°F and 104°F, as this range provides the most comfortable and therapeutic experience for users. When the hot tub is not in use, reducing the temperature to between 88°F and 90°F is optimal.

Over time, your hot tub gets dirty mainly due to the buildup of biofilms. Biofilm formation starts when free-floating microorganisms, such as bacteria, come into contact with the hot tub’s surfaces. These microorganisms produce a sticky substance called EPS (extracellular polymeric substance), which allows them to attach and form a protective layer that’s resistant to cleaning efforts.

Biofilms are problematic because they create a slimy barrier that resists chlorine and other sanitizers, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. As the biofilm builds up, it can clog your jets, strain the pump, and reduce the effectiveness of sanitizing chemicals, ultimately leading to poor water quality. If left untreated, biofilms can even interfere with sensors and cause costly repairs. Routine maintenance and a DeepClean process are essential to remove biofilms and keep your hot tub running efficiently.

The average monthly cost of operating a hot tub or spa is typically between $25 and $40. However, factors such as the size of the hot tub, the quality of the cover, and the voltage used can cause these costs to vary, potentially increasing or decreasing expenses.

Having a good cover will help reduce cost by maintaining the heat.

We generally advise against shutting down your hot tub, as freezing water can damage the plumbing and cause leaks, even if it’s drained. However, we do offer a winter shutdown service if necessary. Read more here.

To keep your hot tub running smoothly during cold weather, make sure to check on it regularly. Monitor water levels, ensure proper circulation, and keep an eye out for any potential issues. Regular maintenance is key to avoiding freezing damage.

If you suspect something's not right, don't wait—read more here for tips on troubleshooting and protecting your spa this season!