Owning a hot tub is a great way to relax, relieve stress, and enjoy your outdoor space—but like any home feature, it requires regular care to perform at its best. If you’re new to hot tub ownership in Rhode Island, this simple, step-by-step checklist will help you keep your water clear, your equipment running smoothly, and your experience safe and enjoyable.
Why Regular Hot Tub Maintenance Matters
Hot tubs use warm, circulating water—which makes them perfect for relaxation, but also a potential breeding ground for bacteria and algae if not maintained properly. Consistent maintenance ensures:
- Safe, balanced water chemistry
- Longer equipment lifespan
- Reduced energy and chemical costs
- Better comfort and water clarity
Skipping regular care can lead to cloudy water, skin irritation, unpleasant odors, and even damage to pumps and filters.
Daily Hot Tub Maintenance (Quick Visual Check)
Daily maintenance doesn’t take long but helps catch problems early. Before use, do a quick scan:
- Check water level—it should sit above the jets and below the headrests
- Confirm the cover is secure and free of water or debris
- Look for unusual odors, cloudiness, or foam
- Make sure the control panel is displaying normal temperatures and settings
If anything looks off, pause use until it’s corrected.
Weekly Hot Tub Maintenance Checklist
Set aside 15–20 minutes once per week to complete the following tasks:
1. Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Use test strips or a digital test kit to check:
- pH: Ideal range is 7.4–7.6
- Chlorine or Bromine: 1.0–3.0 ppm
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 150–250 ppm
Adjust chemicals as needed using your spa’s recommended sanitizer and pH balancers. If you’re unsure, bring a water sample to our in-store testing service for expert guidance.
2. Add Sanitizer and Shock
- Chlorine/Bromine Tabs: Refill dispensers as needed
- Shock: Add a non-chlorine or chlorine-based shock weekly to break down organics, oils, and bacteria
Shocking after heavy use helps keep water clean and clear.
3. Clean the Waterline and Jets
Use a spa-safe sponge or cloth to wipe down the waterline and around the jets. This helps prevent scale buildup and grime from accumulating.
4. Remove and Rinse the Filter (Optional Weekly, Mandatory Monthly)
If your spa sees heavy use, rinse the filter weekly under a garden hose to remove debris. A deeper clean can be done monthly (see below).
Monthly Hot Tub Maintenance Tasks
1. Deep-Clean the Filter
- Remove the filter cartridge
- Soak it in a spa filter cleaner solution
- Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry before reinstalling
Depending on usage, filters should be replaced every 12–18 months.
2. Inspect Jets, Valves, and Hardware
Look for:
- Signs of calcium buildup
- Loose jet fittings
- Leaks around valves or connections
- Cracks or wear in the shell
Catching these early helps avoid equipment damage or water loss.
Quarterly Hot Tub Maintenance (Every 3–4 Months)
1. Drain and Refill the Hot Tub
Even with excellent care, water becomes saturated with chemicals and organics over time. Plan to:
- Drain the spa completely using the built-in valve
- Clean the shell with a non-abrasive spa cleaner
- Refill with fresh water using a pre-filter if your home has hard water
- Rebalance chemistry after refilling
2. Clean and Condition the Cover
Use a vinyl-safe cover cleaner to remove dirt and mildew. Conditioning the cover extends its lifespan and improves its insulation.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Rhode Island Owners
Rhode Island’s cold winters and humid summers require some special considerations:
Winter Use
- Keep the cover on tight to preserve heat
- Monitor water levels frequently to prevent freezing
- Use a floating thermal blanket for extra insulation
- Maintain a consistent temperature to avoid system strain
Spring & Summer Prep
- Check and reset timers, lights, and features
- Consider a full drain and clean after winter use
- Inspect electrical components for rodent or moisture damage
Signs Your Hot Tub Needs Extra Attention
Call for service or pause usage if you notice:
- Water that stays cloudy after shocking
- Sudden drops in water level
- Heater not maintaining temperature
- Error codes on the control panel
- Unusual noises from the pump or jets
Let Pools Plus Inc. Help You Maintain Your Hot Tub
Don’t want to worry about water chemistry or equipment checks? Pools Plus Inc. offers:
- Hot tub opening and closing services
- Water testing and chemical supply guidance
- Filter replacements and part inspections
- In-store support for products and best practices
- Full hot tub services for ongoing care
We’ll help you keep your spa in peak condition—so you can focus on enjoying it.
Conclusion
With this hot tub maintenance checklist, Rhode Island homeowners can keep their spas clean, safe, and fully functional all year long. A little weekly effort goes a long way in preserving your investment and maximizing the health and relaxation benefits of hot tub ownership.
Need professional assistance? Contact us today to set up a service plan or get expert advice on your spa system.
