How often should I change my hot tub water?

How often should I change my hot tub water?

You should be changing your hot tub water every three to four months, no matter what cleaning solutions and sanitising system you are using.

When you get into the hot tub, you will leave behind things like lotions, oil from your skin, detergent, hair products, and a whole range of other particles, known as dissolved salts. These build up in your hot tub over time, along with the chlorine build up from every time you add more to your hot tub without draining and cleaning it.

With regular use, you should be changing your hot tub water every three to four months, but if you use the hot tub less, you will get away with leaving it longer. The same goes for more regular use, in the sense that you will need to change your water more often.

How do I know when my hot tub water needs changing?

Aside from keeping a log of when your water will need changing, there are a few things you can look out for to see whether or not your water is due a change.

Water quality

Clouding of the water, foaming or a strong smell coming from the water is a sign that your water might need changing. It is often related to a chemical imbalance and, in which case, it is best to drain, clean, and refill your hot tub.

Chemical imbalances

If you consistently notice that it is difficult to maintain the chemical balances in your hot tub, then a change in water is usually necessary and the first port of call to rectifying the issue.

Discoloration

Change in colour on swimsuit materials, hot tub covers, or other items can mean that there is consistently too much chlorine in your water. This can usually be rectified without changing the hot tub water but it is one of the solutions to consider.

Your hot tub maintenance

Hot tubs need proper care and maintenance in order to function well and to prolong their lifespan.

Here is a maintenance schedule that you can use for reference.

After use

  • Check sanitiser levels and adjust accordingly
  • Check hot tub temperature to see it is working properly
  • Wipe marks and residue from the water line

Weekly

  • Test the PH, alkalinity and sanitiser levels and adjust
  • Rinse out your hot tub filters

Monthly

  • Clean the hot tub filters
  • Check the hot tub jets are in working order

Quarterly

  • Clean the pipes out using line flush
  • Drain, clean and refill the hot tub
  • Add balancing chemicals

Yearly

  • Get a full hot tub service
  • Check for wear and tear
  • Replace the filters

Related Posts

17 Hot Tub Ideas and Inspiration

hot tub is on your shopping list or perhaps you have one but need some inspiration, we have pulled together 17 of our favourites...
Post by Samuel Bramwell
Mar 06 2025

13 AMP vs 32 AMP Hot Tub - The Difference

What is the difference between a 13 amp and a 32 amp? The difference is the power and, crucially, how they are powered.  A...
Post by Samuel Bramwell
Mar 06 2025

5 Best Hot Tub Brands According To Owners

Shopping around for a hot tub? There is an overwhelming amount of choice and it can be hard to know where to start. Here...
Post by Samuel Bramwell
Mar 14 2024

Set up your hot tub in five easy steps

Set up your hot tub in 5 easy steps so you can be enjoying the bubbles in no time. Opening your hot tub Opening...
Post by Samuel Bramwell
Mar 13 2024

How to drain, flush and refill your hot tub

The task that comes around a lot sooner than you think and one that you absolutely need to make the time for. Here’s our...
Post by Samuel Bramwell
Mar 12 2024

How much does it cost to run a hot tub?

The first cost to consider is your initial investment, which, of course, factors into the budgeting. While it might seem counter-intuitive to spend more...
Post by Samuel Bramwell
Mar 11 2024

Hot Tub Safety Guide

That perfect soak after a long day, the warmth of the water while entertaining friends, or even the feeling of the jets on your...
Post by Samuel Bramwell
Mar 11 2024

What causes Hot tub scum & how to remove it?

Hot tub scum is a common occurrence for tub owners, and can be pretty off putting if you’re wanting to dip and soak. Here’s...
Post by Samuel Bramwell
Feb 20 2024