Owning a hot tub is exciting. Whether you just bought your first one or you’re finally ready to learn how to take care of the one you already have, you’re in the right place. Hot tubs are meant to help you relax, not stress you out. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to help you understand the basics of hot tub care. You don’t need to be an expert to keep your water clean, clear, and safe. With a few easy habits and a little confidence, you’ll be able to enjoy your hot tub every day without worry. We’re here to walk you through everything step by step so you always know what to do next.

What You’ll Learn Today

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand the seven keys of hot tub care:

• Circulation
• Filtration
• Testing
• Chemicals
• Cleaning
• Covers
• Draining and Refilling

These basics will help you keep your hot tub clean, safe, and ready to enjoy.

Getting Comfortable With Hot Tub Care

If you’re new to hot tub ownership, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to do. Many people think hot tub care is complicated, but once you learn the basics, it becomes part of a simple routine. Throughout this series, you’ll get more comfortable checking your water, adding the right products, and keeping everything running smoothly.

Today, we’ll start with a quick overview of how your hot tub works and what you should focus on first. Think of this as your starting point. You don’t need to memorize everything right away. As you practice, these steps will become second nature. In future articles, we’ll go deeper into each topic so you can build your confidence and enjoy your hot tub without stress.

The 7 Keys of Hot Tub Care

1. Circulation

Circulation is one of the most important parts of hot tub care. When water moves through the system, it passes through the filters, which helps remove dirt, oils, and other debris. Most modern hot tubs have automatic circulation cycles that run on their own, so you don’t have to remember to turn anything on.

Some brands, like Beachcomber, even have a special “hush pump” that circulates water quietly all day long. This constant movement keeps your water cleaner and helps your chemicals work better. Still water can become cloudy or unsafe, so good circulation is key to a healthy hot tub.

If your hot tub doesn’t have a 24‑hour circulation pump, make sure your programmed cycles run long enough each day. More circulation usually means cleaner water and fewer problems.

2. Filtration

Your filtration system is your hot tub’s first line of defense against dirt. It has two main parts:

The Skimmer Basket

This basket sits near the surface of the water and catches large debris like leaves, hair ties, or anything else that floats in. It’s easy to remove and empty, and doing this regularly helps your system run better.

The Filter Cartridge

This is the part that traps the smaller particles you can’t see—things like body oils, sunscreen, and tiny bits of dirt. Your filter works hard every day, so it needs regular cleaning to stay effective.

Both the skimmer basket and the filter are essential for keeping your hot tub clean and safe. If either one gets clogged, your water can become cloudy or your system can struggle to move water properly. A clean filter also helps your chemicals work the way they should.

3. Testing

Testing your water is one of the simplest habits you can build, and it makes a huge difference. Hot tub water can change quickly because:

• The water volume is low
• The water is aerated (full of bubbles)
• The temperature is high
• People use it often

All of these factors affect your water chemistry. That’s why testing your water weekly is important. Test strips are easy to use and give you quick results. They help you check your sanitizer level (chlorine or bromine), pH, alkalinity, and other key readings.

When you test often, you can fix small problems before they become big ones. This keeps your water clear and safe for everyone who uses the hot tub.

4. Chemicals

Just like you clean your house to keep it safe and healthy, your hot tub needs the right chemicals to stay clean. Warm water is a perfect place for bacteria and algae to grow if it isn’t treated properly. That’s why sanitizers like chlorine or bromine are so important.

These products kill germs and keep the water safe to use. You may also need other chemicals to balance your pH, reduce foam, or clear cloudy water. Don’t worry—once you learn what each product does, it becomes easy to know what to add and when.

The key is consistency. Adding the right chemicals at the right time keeps your water clean and prevents problems before they start.

5. Cleaning

Cleaning your hot tub doesn’t have to take long. A few small tasks done regularly make a big difference:

Empty the Skimmer Basket

Check it every few days and remove any debris. This helps your system run smoothly.

Check the Waterline

If you see a ring forming around the edge of your hot tub, wipe it away before it builds up. This ring is usually caused by oils or lotions.

Clean the Filter

Rinse your filter every 1–2 weeks and use a filter cleaner every month. A clean filter helps keep your water clear and reduces strain on your hot tub’s pumps.

These simple steps help prevent bigger issues and keep your hot tub looking great.

6. Covers

Your hot tub cover does more than just keep the water warm. It also keeps out leaves, dirt, and other debris. A good cover can save you money on heating costs and reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do.

Taking care of your cover helps it last longer. Here are a few tips:

• Let it dry out if it gets heavy
• Clean it with a gentle cleaner
• Avoid dragging it on the ground
• Keep it latched during storms or windy days

A well‑cared‑for cover protects your hot tub and helps keep your water clean.

7. Draining and Refilling

Even with great care, hot tub water doesn’t last forever. Over time, it becomes harder to balance and may start to look dull. That’s why draining and refilling your hot tub every 3–4 months is recommended.

Since we’re in Canada, the timing can change with the seasons. In winter, you may want to wait longer between refills because draining a hot tub in freezing temperatures can be risky. In summer, you may need to drain more often because the heat and extra use can affect your water faster.

A fresh refill gives you a clean start and makes your hot tub easier to maintain.

Putting It Into Practice

Now that you know the basics, here are a few simple steps you can start doing right away:

• Empty your skimmer basket regularly so water can flow freely
• Keep an eye on your filter and rinse it when it looks dirty
• Make sure your chlorine or bromine level is always above 0 ppm
• Inspect your cover—does it feel heavy or look damaged? If so, it may need attention

These small habits help keep your hot tub clean, safe, and ready to enjoy whenever you want.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick recap of the seven keys of hot tub care:

• Circulation: Make sure the water is moving
• Filtration: Keep your skimmer and filter clean
• Testing: Check your water weekly
• Chemicals: Use the right products to keep water safe
• Cleaning: Do small tasks regularly
• Covers: Protect your hot tub with a good cover
• Drain and Refill: Plan for a fresh start every few months

With these steps, you’ll feel confident caring for your hot tub all year long.

What’s Next?

Check back next week for our guide on keeping everyone safe in the hot tub. If you have questions or need help with your hot tub care, call 905‑891‑8818 or email store@lakeshorepoolsandtubs.com. We’re always happy to help you enjoy your hot tub to the fullest.