Beginner's guide
Hot tub maintenance: complete beginner's guide
A hot tub is easy to maintain when you follow a regular routine. The essentials are maintaining good circulation, keeping the filters clean, testing the water, and cleaning the hot tub before problems appear. This guide summarizes what to do each week, each month, and at each drain.
The basics
The 4 elements to monitor in a hot tub
The water must circulate sufficiently to pass through the filtration system regularly.
Clean filters improve circulation and reduce contaminant buildup.
The pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer should be checked regularly.
The shell, waterline, cover, and plumbing all require periodic maintenance.
Start by getting to know your hot tub
Before buying products or parts, note the brand, model, approximate year, water volume, and type of sanitation system. This information makes recommendations in stores much easier.
The word “Jacuzzi” refers to a brand, while “hot tub” or “portable hot tub” refers to the product category.
Simple routine
Daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance
Make sure the water remains clear, remove visible debris, and activate an additional filtration cycle after heavy use if your hot tub allows it.
Test the water, adjust the sanitizer, rinse the filters, and clean the waterline as needed.
Deep-clean the filters and inspect the cover, jets, and surfaces.
Clean the plumbing, drain the hot tub, clean the shell, then refill it with fresh water.
How long should you filter a hot tub?
There is no universal duration that suits all models. Some hot tubs use a continuous circulation pump, while others operate on scheduled cycles.
The right duration depends on the brand, number of bathers, water temperature, and filtration system. Use the settings recommended by the manufacturer and temporarily increase filtration after heavy use if necessary.
How to clean hot tub filters
Filters trap hair, oils, lotions, and debris. When they become clogged, circulation decreases and the water can become more difficult to maintain.
Rinse the pleats with a garden hose. Avoid using a pressure washer, which can damage the filter media.
Periodically use a cleaner designed to dissolve oils and contaminants that water alone cannot remove.
Replace a cartridge that is cracked, warped, or remains dirty after thorough cleaning.
For deeper monthly cleaning, Minéraluxe Filter Revive is designed to remove oils, grease, and contaminants accumulated in the cartridges.
Testing and balancing spa water
At a minimum, monitor alkalinity, pH, and sanitizer levels. The proper balance depends on the system used: chlorine, bromine, Minéraluxe, or a salt system.
Minéraluxe 6-in-1 test strips allow for quick at-home testing. A complete in-store analysis is useful when a problem persists or after draining.
Spa cleaning
Shell, waterline, and cover
Body oils and cosmetic products can accumulate along the waterline and on surfaces. Use a cleaner designed for spas and avoid household detergents, which can cause foaming.
Dazzle Pool & Hot Tub Surface Cleanse is suitable for cleaning spa surfaces.
Also clean the cover regularly and check that it closes properly. A damaged or waterlogged cover can increase heat loss.
When to drain a spa?
The frequency of draining depends on the volume, number of bathers, water quality, and treatment system. For many residential spas, draining a few times a year is normal, but you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations and monitor the actual condition of the water.
Before draining, Minéraluxe Cleanse & Drain can be used to clean the plumbing and dislodge residue accumulated in the lines.
Minéraluxe Routine
A simple way to structure spa maintenance
For a new owner who wants an easy-to-follow routine, Minéraluxe brings together the essential products for getting started, weekly maintenance, and draining.
To get started
Minéraluxe Starter Kit
A complete solution for starting a Minéraluxe routine in a new spa.
View the kit
Seasonal routine
Minéraluxe Duo - 3 months
To simplify regular maintenance over an extended period.
View Minéraluxe Duo
Before draining
Cleanse & Drain
To clean the plumbing before draining and refilling the spa.
See Cleanse & DrainHot Spring spa
What if your spa uses the FreshWater salt system?
Hot Spring spas and certain compatible models can use the FreshWater Salt System. In this case, the routine differs from that of a spa treated with traditional chlorine or bromine.
The system automatically produces chlorine from the salt dissolved in the water. However, you must continue monitoring the water balance, cleaning the filters, and replacing the cartridges when necessary.
For spas equipped with compatible monitoring, FreshWater IQ can provide more automated monitoring of certain parameters.
Common mistakes
Mistakes to avoid with a spa
The correct dose always depends on the water’s actual condition.
A dirty filter can make the water difficult to maintain even when the chemistry appears correct.
They can cause foam and leave residue in the water.
A few minutes of maintenance each week often prevent premature draining.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about spa maintenance
How often should the water be tested?
For a spa used regularly, check the water several times a week and after heavy use. The frequency can be adjusted according to your treatment system.
Why does my water become cloudy?
Common causes include insufficient filtration, dirty filters, an insufficient disinfectant level, unbalanced pH, or a high bather load.
How often should filters be replaced?
There is no single lifespan for all spas. Replace them when the pleats are damaged, circulation decreases despite proper cleaning, or the cartridges remain clogged.
When should you drain the spa?
When the water becomes difficult to balance, after several months of use, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The number of bathers and the treatment system also influence the frequency.
Need help with your spa water?
Bring a water sample to the Piscine Hippocampe laboratory with your spa’s brand, model, and volume. We can recommend a routine suited to your treatment system.