How to keep your Hot Tub water clean?
To ensure that every hot tub bath is completely safe and comfortable, it is crucial to maintain the water properly, both in terms of hygiene and quality. Neglecting this issue can lead to serious problems. In this article, you will learn about effective maintenance methods, schedules and common mistakes to avoid in order to keep your hot tub in perfect condition all year round.
Why is hot tub hygiene so important?
The water in a hot tub is usually heated to a temperature of 37–40°C, which makes it extremely comfortable, but unfortunately not only for us, but also for microorganisms. A warm, humid environment is ideal for the rapid multiplication of bacteria, fungi, algae and viruses. After just a few days of neglect, the water becomes cloudy, starts to smell unpleasant and forms slippery deposits on the surface that are difficult to remove without thorough cleaning.
Interesting fact: At a temperature of 37°C, many bacteria – including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (often found in untreated whirlpools) – multiply three times faster than at room temperature.
Daily and weekly whirlpool maintenance
A well-planned maintenance schedule is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly and time-consuming problems with the hot tub water. Regularity is key – it not only extends the life of the tub, but above all ensures the safety of its users.
Every day:
- Check the pH and chlorine/bromine levels – it is best to do this at the same time of day. The right pH (7.2-7.6) is a prerequisite for the effective action of disinfectants.
- Remove debris from the surface of the water – leaves, hair or cosmetics on the skin are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
- Wipe the cover and edges of the jacuzzi – a moist environment favours the formation of slippery biofilm, which can quickly turn into a source of mould and unpleasant odour.
Once a week:
- Perform a thorough water analysis – check the pH, disinfectant level, water hardness and metal content. Strip or digital testers are readily available and very helpful.
- Refill chemicals – chlorine, bromine or active oxygen should be dosed according to the measurement results.
- Rinse the filter – preferably with clean water or a special filter cleaner. A dirty filter can be the main reason for cloudy water.
- Wash the nozzles and submerged parts – even if the hot tub has not been used intensively. Sludge and biofilm can form even if we have not used our hot tub.
In many cases, cloudy water or an unpleasant smell are not the result of bad chemicals, but a neglected filter. A clogged filter can retain up to 90% of the impurities, which then return to the water cycle.
If you notice a deterioration in water quality despite using chemicals, check the filter first before buying another preparation.
5 pillars of clean water in the jacuzzi
| Pillars of care | What they mean | How often? |
| Filtration | Removes contaminants mechanically | Daily / according to device schedule |
| Disinfection | Destroys bacteria and viruses | 1-2 times a week |
| pH regulation | Prevents skin irritation and corrosion | 2-3 times a week |
| Decalcification | Removes limescale deposits | Every 2-3 weeks |
| Water exchange | Refreshes the entire system | Every 3-4 months |
Filtration – the first step to cleanliness
The filter in the hot tub acts as a protective shield, trapping sand, leaves, hair and other debris.
How do I clean the filter?
- Remove the filter from the circuit.
- Rinse it with water from a hose.
- Once a month, immerse it in a special filter cleaner.
Clean the filter every week and replace it every 6-12 months, depending on how often it is used. Cleaning the filter regularly can increase its lifespan by up to 50%.
Disinfection – chlorine, bromine or active oxygen?
Disinfecting the water in your hot tub is a key part of maintenance, and choosing the right method depends on your individual needs. Chlorine is the most popular solution – it is effective, cheap and readily available, although it can cause skin irritation and has an intense odour. Bromine is gentler on the skin and more effective at high temperatures, but it is slower and more expensive. Active oxygen is an odourless option that is gentle on the skin, but its effectiveness decreases when the water is heavily polluted. Modern technologies such as ozonisers and UV eliminate the need for chemicals, but they come with a high purchase cost and the need to use additional measures.
Tip: Keep chlorine levels between 1 and 3 mg/l and bromine levels between 3 and 5 mg/l.
pH balance
The ideal pH level in a hot tub is 7.2-7.6. A pH level that is too low can lead to corrosion, while a level that is too high can lead to limescale deposits and reduced effectiveness of disinfectants.
What to do?
- Check the pH 2-3 times a week (with strips or an electronic meter).
- Use pH Plus or pH Minus to stabilise the level.
| pH level | Effects |
| <7,0 | Acidic water – irritates the skin, damages the installation |
| 7,2-7,6 | Ideal – the disinfectant works optimally |
| > 7,8 | Alkaline water – sedimentation, reduced effectiveness of measures |
Descaling and clarifying water
Hard water is a problem in many regions – calcium deposits on the walls of the hot tub, reducing the aesthetics and durability of the installation.
How to prevent it?
- use anti-calc preparations once every 2-3 weeks,
- add a clarifying agent once a week to prevent cloudy water.
Water change – when and how?
Even the best-maintained hot tubs require periodic water changes. The standard rule of thumb is:
Change the water every 2-3 months or earlier if:
- the water is cloudy despite filtration and chemicals,
- an intense smell develops,
- there have been many users in a short period of time.
How do I calculate the frequency of water changes?
(Jacuzzi volume ÷ number of users ÷ 10) = number of days between water changes
Example: 1000 l ÷ 2 people ÷ 10 = change every 50 days
Tip: After draining the water, clean the tub and nozzle with a soft sponge and an antibacterial agent.
The most common water problems – how to solve them?
Even if you take care of your hot tub regularly, unexpected problems sometimes occur. Cloudy water, an unpleasant smell or a green tint are signs that something has gone wrong with the maintenance. The good news? Most of these problems can be fixed quickly.
1. Cloudy water
Cause: Dirty filter, low pH
Solution: Clean the filter, add clarifiers
2. Foaming water
Cause: Cosmetic residues, too much disinfectant
Solution: Replace part of the water, add foam-inhibiting agent
3. Green water
Cause: Algae growth
Solution: Chlorine shock, clean filters
4. Unpleasant odour
Cause: Disinfection level too low
Solution: Top up chlorine/bromine, clean inside
Tip: Before adding more chlorine, check what is actually not working. When did you last clean the filter? Is the pH level okay? Did you forget to rinse off the bath products?
The most common mistakes + a weekly care routine
Although it is not difficult to keep the water in your hot tub clean, many people make the same mistakes over and over again, often unknowingly. Below, we present the three most common mistakes and a short schedule we have created to help you prevent them:
1. Neglecting the pH level
Consequence: low effectiveness of chemicals
How to avoid it: regular testing 2-3 times a week
2. Cleaning the filter too infrequently
Consequence: cloudy water, unpleasant odour
How to avoid it: rinse once a week + full cleaning every 2 weeks
3. Overdosing chlorine
Effect: Skin irritation, red eyes
How to avoid it: Use a tester and follow the manufacturer’s instructions
Weekly care routine – sample plan
Here is an example of a weekly hot tub maintenance plan. You can customize this schedule to suit your individual needs and time preferences. Just treat it as a guideline to help you create your own convenient hot tub maintenance routine.
Monday: Check pH, chlorine/bromine levels. Refill disinfectant if necessary. Wipe down the cover and edges of the hot tub.
Tuesday: No scheduled activities.
Wednesday: Clean the filter (rinse under running water). Check the clarity of the water. Take a water sample for a hardness test.
Thursday: No scheduled activities
Friday: Complete water analysis (pH, hardness, disinfectant level). Correct pH if necessary. Add antibacterial agent or a gentle oxygen/chlorine shock.
Saturday: Clean the nozzles and edges of the hot tub. Top up the water level (if there has been evaporation). Cover the hot tub and check the temperature.
Sunday: Relax (no scheduled maintenance activities)
Tip: Even the best cleaning products are no substitute for regular maintenance. The key is to be consistent, not to ‘clean’ once every few weeks.
Natural cleaning products for hot tub maintenance
For many users, environmentally friendly and skin-friendly solutions are becoming increasingly important, also when it comes to hot tub maintenance. Although pool chemicals are effective, they do not always have to be the first choice. There are natural products that can help keep the tub clean, especially when used regularly.
Here are some natural and proven methods that can be used successfully:
Vinegar (white distilled)
- Excellent for descaling and removing mineral deposits from the surface of a hot tub, cover or nozzles.
- It can be diluted with water (1:1) and sprayed inside the tub, then wiped with a soft cloth.
- It is non-toxic, biodegradable and safe for most acrylic surfaces.
Baking soda
- A gentle cleaning agent for filters, seats and hot tub rims.
- It has abrasive properties but does not scratch the surface.
- Simply sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and gently wipe the dirty parts.
Tea tree oil
- A natural antibacterial and antifungal agent – ideal for fighting mould spores and bacteria.
- Just add a few drops to the water when cleaning or dilute in a spray bottle.
- Leaves a pleasant, fresh scent and is gentle on the skin.
Comparison of outdoor vs. indoor hot tub maintenance
Although the maintenance principles are similar in many aspects, the location of the hot tub – outdoors or indoors – affects the type of contamination, the frequency of cleaning and the choice of chemicals. It is worth knowing the key differences to effectively keep the water clean and the device durable.
Outdoor hot tubs – environmental factors
Hot tubs in gardens, on terraces or balconies are exposed to the weather and their surroundings:
- leaves, grass, dust and insects get into the water, even with the cover closed;
- UV radiation breaks down free chlorine and bromine, which means that chemicals need to be dosed more frequently;
- Temperature fluctuations can affect the water parameters.
Recommendations:
- Use higher-performance filters.
- Regularly clean the outer cover and edges of the tub.
- During periods of heavy rain or wind, it is advisable to filter the water and check the pH level more than once a week.
Important: change the water every 3-4 months, or even more often if the hot tub is used daily or by several people.
Indoor hot tubs – a confined space with different challenges
A spa tub installed inside a house or bathroom does not have to deal with dust, leaves and insects, but it can have other problems:
- limited ventilation promotes moisture build-up and mould formation;
- odours from the water linger longer in an enclosed space;
- deposits on walls and pipes are more likely to form if the pH level is incorrect.
Recommendations:
- invest in a dehumidifier or good ventilation;
- regularly use antifungal agents to clean the inside and nooks and crannies of the bathtub;
- monitor the pipes and nozzles more often, as they are less exposed to air than in outdoor models.
Important: change the water every 4-6 months, depending on the frequency of use and water quality.
Keeping the water in the jacuzzi clean is the key to a safe and comfortable bath. This requires regular care: daily control of the pH and disinfectant levels, weekly cleaning of filters and nozzles, and water quality analysis. High temperatures favour the growth of bacteria, so hygiene cannot be neglected.
Periodic water changes and descaling are also important. The most common problems (cloudy water, odour, algae) are usually the result of neglecting filtration or mistakes in chemical dosing. In addition to traditional products, it is worth considering natural alternatives such as vinegar or soda. The differences in maintenance also apply to the location – an outdoor jacuzzi requires more frequent checks due to the influence of weather conditions. The way to success is to be systematic and adapt the routine to the way it is used.
