A hot tub is a luxury that needs regular care — the warm water is a perfect environment for bacteria and scale if the chemistry isn't maintained. A simple routine keeps the water safe and clear and the equipment healthy.
Balance the water
Test the water several times a week and keep sanitizer (chlorine or bromine), pH, and alkalinity in the recommended ranges. Warm water consumes sanitizer fast, so it needs more attention than a pool. Unbalanced water causes cloudy or smelly water, scale, and skin irritation.
Clean filters and surfaces
Rinse the filter every couple of weeks and give it a deeper soak-clean periodically — a clogged filter strains the pump and lets the water go bad. Wipe the waterline where oils and scum collect.
Drain and refill
Even with good chemistry, dissolved solids build up, so drain and refill the tub every few months. Clean the shell while it's empty, and check the cover — a worn cover wastes heat and lets debris in. Keep the tub covered when not in use to retain heat and keep it clean.