A Beginner’s Guide to Hot Tub Ownership

So, You’ve Got a Hot Tub…Now What?!

Owning a hot tub is one of life’s little luxuries, but it also comes with new responsibilities. Whether you’ve just taken delivery or you’re considering your first purchase, it’s important to understand what this means for maintenance. From balancing chemicals to keeping energy bills down, this beginner’s guide covers everything you need to know for safe, stress-free hot tub ownership.

1. Setting Up Your Hot Tub Correctly

Proper setup is key to long-term performance, and ideally this should be done by a professional. Some of the key things to think about are;

Location: Place your spa on a solid, level surface with easy access to power and drainage.
Power Supply: Make sure you have the correct electrical setup.
Filling Up: Always use a clean hose filter to prevent debris and metals from entering your spa water.

Tip: When filling for the first time, note your water level as this makes it easier to spot leaks or evaporation later.

2. Understanding Basic Water Care

Clean, balanced water keeps your hot tub safe and pleasant to use.

Sanitise: Use chlorine or bromine to kill bacteria. Keep levels within the manufacturer’s recommended range. (You can find out more about the difference here!)
pH Balance: Aim for 7.2–7.6 to prevent cloudy water and skin irritation.
Shock Treatment: Add a weekly shock dose to oxidise contaminants and freshen the water.
Filter Cleaning: Rinse your filter every week, deep-clean monthly, and replace every 3–6 months.

Learn more: Hot Tub Error Codes: What They Mean & How to Fix Them as well as our Chemical Guides.

3. How Often Should You Change the Water?

For most hot tubs, draining and refilling every 3 – 4 months is ideal. Frequent use, cosmetics, or heavy bather loads may require more frequent changes.
When draining:

Turn off power and let water cool.
Attach a hose to the drain or use a submersible pump.
Wipe the shell and jets with a non-abrasive cleaner before refilling.

Alternatively, why not take a look at our hot tub cleaning and servicing solutions.

4. Maintaining Your Hot Tub (and Avoiding Costly Repairs)

Routine maintenance prevents bigger issues later.

Inspect Seals and Jets: Look for leaks, cracks, or unusual noises.
Keep the Cover Clean: A dirty or waterlogged cover loses heat and increases running costs.
Service Annually: Book a professional service to check electrical components, pumps, and plumbing.

Spafix offers service contracts and one-off repair options, ideal if you’d rather leave maintenance to the experts.

5. Managing Energy Efficiency

Energy costs are one of the biggest concerns for new hot tub owners. Here’s how to keep bills down:

Keep the cover on whenever not in use.
Reduce the temperature slightly when away.
Check insulation and consider a thermal spa blanket.
Upgrade to a heat pump for up to 70% energy savings.

6. Safety First: Using Your Hot Tub Responsibly

Limit soak times to 15 – 30 minutes.
Keep water between 36°C – 38°C for comfort and safety.
Always supervise children and never use the spa under the influence of alcohol.
Pregnant users or those with health conditions should consult a doctor before using.

7. Enjoying the Experience

Once your hot tub is running smoothly, make it part of your relaxation routine. Add mood lighting, aromatherapy scents, or soft music for a true spa-like experience.

With a little regular care, your hot tub will deliver years of enjoyment. Remember: clear water, consistent maintenance, and professional servicing make all the difference. If you ever run into issues, the Spafix team is here to help.