There’s nothing quite like slipping into a hot tub at the end of a long day - especially when the water is perfectly clean and inviting. Keeping your hot tub water crystal clear isn’t hard, but it does take a bit of regular attention. Here are some easy tips to help you keep your water fresh and your hot tub ready to enjoy, any time.
1. Check Your Water Balance
Clear water starts with balanced water. You’ll want to test the pH, alkalinity, and sanitiser levels a couple of times a week.
- pH should be between 7.2 and 7.8
- Alkalinity should sit between 80 and 120 ppm
- Sanitiser levels (like chlorine or bromine) should be in the recommended range for your hot tub
If anything’s off, don’t worry - just adjust with the right chemicals. It only takes a few minutes and makes all the difference for water that’s gentle on your skin and easy on your hot tub.
What About Salt Water Systems?
More and more hot tub owners are turning to salt water systems. Instead of adding chlorine or bromine directly, salt water hot tubs use a special salt cell to generate chlorine automatically. This can make the water feel softer and smoother, and many people find it easier on their skin and eyes.
Even with a salt water system, you’ll still need to test your pH and alkalinity levels regularly to keep things balanced. You’ll also want to clean the salt cell every few months to keep it working properly.
One of the best parts? Salt water systems often need fewer chemical adjustments, so they’re a great option if you’re looking for lower-maintenance water care. If you’re thinking about switching to a salt water system or aren’t sure if it’s right for you, we’re always happy to chat and help you decide.
2. Keep Your Filters Clean
Your hot tub’s filters do a lot of heavy lifting to keep the water clean. Give them a quick rinse every week or so, and treat them to a deeper clean once a month with a special filter cleaner. A clean filter doesn’t just keep the water clear - it helps your whole hot tub run more efficiently.
3. Rinse Off Before You Get In
We all carry a bit of the day around on our skin - lotions, deodorant, and natural oils. A quick rinse in the shower before you hop in the hot tub can keep that stuff from clouding up your water and putting extra strain on your sanitiser.
4. Watch the Water Level
It’s normal for your water level to go down a bit over time, especially if you’re using the tub often. Just keep an eye on it and top it up when needed to make sure your jets and filters are always covered.
5. Refresh Your Water
No matter how carefully you look after your water, it still needs to be changed out every few months. One of the nice bonuses of salt water systems is that the water tends to last longer. We recommend draining and refilling your hot tub every three months if you’re using bromine or chlorine, and every six months if you’re using a salt system. Fresh water always feels better and gives you a chance to give the inside of the tub a quick wipe down, too.
6. Use a Good Cover
When you’re not using your hot tub, keep it covered. A cover does double duty: it keeps leaves and debris out, and it helps hold the heat in, so your water stays warm and ready for next time.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Taking care of your hot tub water doesn’t just make it look good - it keeps it healthy for you and your family and helps your spa last longer. Clean, balanced water also means fewer repairs and lower running costs over time.
How We Can Help
At Hot Tubs Oxfordshire, we’re always here to help you keep your hot tub in top shape. We stock everything you need, from filters to chemicals, and we’re happy to offer friendly advice any day of the week. We also offer maintenance plans, so if you’d like the experts to drain down and clean your spa, just let us know and we can quote accordingly.
Ready to make your hot tub feel as good as it looks? Drop by our Bicester showroom or give us a call. We’re here to help you enjoy your hot tub to the fullest.
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