Think hot tubs are all bubbles and bliss until the scrubbing starts? Good news: they’re not a maintenance nightmare, just a little TLC goes a long way. From low-fuss Acrylic Hot Tubs to easy-clean Rotomoulded and rustic Wooden ones, upkeep is simpler than you think. Curious how? Keep reading to dive in.
If you’re worried that owning a hot tub means constant upkeep, take a breath, it’s actually much easier than it sounds. You don’t need a pool boy or a science degree. With a simple routine and a few minutes each week, you can keep your hot tub sparkling and stress-free.
Each day, give your spa a quick once-over. Check the water, is it clear? Are the jets bubbling normally? Use a skimmer to remove leaves, bugs, or floating debris, and keep an eye out for any error codes on the control panel. Also, make sure the water is circulating properly. These small checks take just 5 minutes a day but can help you avoid bigger issues down the line.
Once a week, it’s time for a little water chemistry check-in. Use test strips or a digital reader to check your pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. If things are off, make minor adjustments with your spa chemicals, think of it like seasoning your favourite recipe. Wipe down the shell to keep it clean and rinse the filter with a garden hose to remove debris. It’s your hot tub’s weekly refresh, and it only takes about 15 minutes.
Your filter is doing the heavy lifting when it comes to clean water, so it deserves a little attention. Once a month, soak the filter in a special cleaning solution overnight. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry before reinstalling. If you have a spare filter, rotate them to make the process even easier. Remember: clean filters = cleaner water = less work for you.
Every three to four months, your hot tub needs a full reset. Drain all the water, then clean the shell, jets, and corners thoroughly. Once it’s spotless, rinse and refill with fresh water, then rebalance your chemicals. While it may sound like a big job, the actual work takes just 1–2 hours, and the rest is mostly waiting for the water to drain and refill.
Your hot tub cover is more than just a lid, it’s your first line of defense against dirt, debris, and energy loss. Wipe it down once a week to prevent mildew and buildup. Use a special cover cleaner or protectant occasionally to keep it in good shape. Don’t forget to inspect for cracks or waterlogging, which can reduce efficiency. A well-maintained cover saves energy and extends the life of your hot tub.
Let’s break it down. Daily checks take about 5–10 minutes, and your weekly routine adds another 15–20 minutes. That’s less than the time it takes to watch an episode of your favourite series. Do it while your coffee brews or before bed, it’s quick, and it becomes second nature in no time.
The drain, clean, and refill process is your biggest time investment, but even that is manageable. Expect to spend 1 to 2 hours every three or four months. Most of that time is hands-off, while the tub is draining or filling. Once it’s done, just rebalance the water, and you’re all set for another few months of clean soaking.
Daily usage? You’ll want to check your water more often. But if your tub has an advanced filtration system, saltwater system, ozone, or UV, your maintenance needs drop significantly. These tech features minimize the need for frequent chemical balancing or shocking, saving you hours over time. In short, your setup matters, and choosing wisely upfront can really pay off.
Not all hot tubs are created equal when it comes to upkeep. Some require more frequent attention, while others are designed to make life easier. Understanding the maintenance differences can help you choose a tub that fits your lifestyle.
Inflatable hot tubs are a great entry-level option, but they do come with a few compromises. They usually lack robust filtration systems, which means you’ll need to change the water more frequently. They also struggle to retain heat, and their chemical balance fluctuates more easily. These tubs are perfect for short-term or occasional use, but not ideal if you're after low-maintenance convenience.
Acrylic Hot Tubs are considered the gold standard for a reason. They’re well-insulated, durable, and come with high-efficiency filtration systems. Because they retain heat better, they use less energy and have more stable chemical levels. Their smooth, wipe-clean surfaces also make routine cleaning quick and easy. These tubs offer a great balance of performance and practicality.
Some hot tubs are built with smart features that do the heavy lifting for you. Look for models with self-cleaning filters, programmable settings, and built-in sanitiser systems. Even better, many newer spas include remote water monitoring, allowing you to check chemical levels from your phone. The result? Less time cleaning, more time soaking.
These systems are your water care superheroes:
Ozone helps your sanitiser by breaking down contaminants quickly.
UV systems use light to zap bacteria, offering a chemical-free disinfection boost.
Saltwater systems convert salt into sanitiser, meaning the water stays balanced longer.
Each of these technologies reduces the amount of chemicals you need and helps cut down maintenance time.
A quality filtration system is essential for low-maintenance spa ownership. High-grade filters trap more debris, require fewer cleanings, and can last longer. Some even have self-cleaning capabilities, making maintenance virtually effortless. If you're after a “set it and forget it” experience, this is where to invest.
Want to spend less time maintaining and more time relaxing? Here are a few proven strategies to keep spa care simple.
Keep a test kit or strips handy for quick weekly checks. Testing takes just minutes, and adjustments are usually as easy as adding a dose of sanitiser or pH balancer. Use a waterproof chart or mobile app to keep track of your ideal chemical levels. Think of it as brushing your teeth, but for your hot tub: quick, essential, and easy once it becomes habit.
To keep water crystal-clear, rinse filters weekly with a high-pressure hose. Once a month, soak them in filter cleaner overnight. Always have a spare filter on hand so there’s no downtime. Clean filters mean cleaner water, better circulation, and fewer chemical issues.
Pick a specific spa care day, like “Spa Sunday”, and stick to it. Store all your supplies in one place so they’re easy to access. Use a checklist if needed to stay organised. Establishing a simple routine makes spa maintenance feel natural and stress-free.
The big question: Is owning a hot tub high-maintenance? The answer depends on your expectations, but in most cases, it’s far more manageable than people think.
Swimming pools require daily maintenance, more chemicals, and much more water. Think skimming, shocking, brushing, and complex filtration systems. In comparison, a hot tub is smaller, easier to clean, and cheaper to run. If you’ve ever owned a pool, owning a hot tub will feel like a total breeze, it’s the tiny-house version of pool care.
In exchange for under 30 minutes of weekly care, you gain a private wellness retreat right in your garden. You get stress relief, muscle recovery, and a daily dose of relaxation, all at your fingertips. And most of the upkeep? It can be done while you're sipping your morning coffee or evening glass of wine.
If you’d rather skip the upkeep altogether, there are professional hot tub maintenance services available throughout the UK. These companies offer monthly, quarterly, or on-demand care packages, ideal for holiday lets, rentals, or just busy lifestyles. It’s a great way to enjoy all the benefits of ownership without the hassle.
So, are hot tubs a lot of maintenance? Honestly, no.
A few minutes a day, a quick weekly check, and an occasional refresh are all it takes.
If you go for a smart model, like an Acrylic Hot Tub or a techy Rotomoulded one, your job gets even easier. Even charming Wooden Hot Tubs just need routine care to shine.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing it consistently.
Hot tub maintenance won’t take over your life. But it will give you a more peaceful one.
Worried your hot tub might be louder than your neighbour’s lawnmower?Here’s the reality: modern hot tubs are designed to run quietly, especially when installed correctly and maintained well. From sleek acrylic spas to rustic wooden tubs and rotomoulded tanks, most...
Yes, you should shower after a hot tub, unless you're quite fond of stewing in chlorine soup and yesterday’s body oils. It doesn’t matter if you’re stretching out in a smooth Acrylic Hot Tub, chilling in a rustic Wooden one,...
Morning or evening? The best time for a hot tub is when it fits your mood: AM for energy, PM for pure unwind. Whether you're soaking in a sleek Acrylic Hot Tub, a quick-heating Rotomoulded model, or a rustic Wooden...
Wondering what temp makes your hot tub just right? Shoot for 36–40°C, warm enough to unwind, not so hot you melt. Acrylic Hot Tubs tend to lock in that heat, while Rotomoulded ones cool quicker, great for summer dips. And...
Not bad, but it depends. Leaving your hot tub on overnight is usually totally fine, especially if it’s an insulated Acrylic model or a well-built Rotomoulded one. If you’ve got a traditional Wooden tub, though, it might take a bit more...
Rainy skies, cuppa in hand, and your hot tub bubbling away in the garden, but is it okay to leave it out in the rain? Short answer: Yes, you can. Most modern tubs, including acrylic ones, rotomoulded types, and even...
Wondering what chemical you need for a hot tub? Short answer: you’ll need a sanitiser, pH balancer, shock treatment, alkalinity booster, and a few extras depending on your water. Acrylic Hot Tubs usually handle chlorine well. Rotomoulded ones lean toward...
Thinking of turning off your hot tub when it's not bubbling away? Short answer: usually, no, it’ll cost you more in the long run to reheat it. But that doesn’t mean you have to keep it roasting at full blast...
Yes, hot tubs do need daily maintenance, but don’t panic. We’re talking minutes, not hours. Think of it like brushing your teeth: quick, daily care keeps things fresh and avoids big problems later. Got an acrylic spa, a chunky rotomoulded...
How long should you sit in a hot tub? Roughly 10 to 15 minutes is the sweet spot, just enough to melt your stress without turning you into a lobster. Whether it’s a stylish Acrylic Hot Tub, a tough Rotomoulded...
Ever stepped into a hot tub and thought, "How does this thing work?" Here’s your short answer: Hot tubs move water through a system of pumps, plumbing, heaters, and filters to create that signature warm, bubbling soak. From sleek acrylic...
Hot tubs aren’t self-cleaning (unfortunately), but the good news is that keeping them clean doesn’t have to be hard work. The short answer? Test, scrub, rinse, and refill. Whether you’ve got a sleek Acrylic Hot Tub, a plug-and-play Rotomoulded model,...
In a rush to soak? Turn on the heater, keep the cover on, and run the jets; that’s your magic combo for heating a hot tub quickly. Some tubs, like glossy Acrylic Hot Tubs, warm up a bit faster than chunkier...
Ever stood by your hot tub, hose in hand, thinking, “Can I just let this flow into the garden?” You’re not alone. It feels like a good idea, especially on a hot day with thirsty plants and no rain in...
Ever sat in your hot tub and thought, "Hmm... this water smells a bit like old socks"? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Short answer: you should change your hot tub water every 3–4 months. Maybe more often if your tub's...
Ever climbed into your hot tub expecting pure bliss, only to find it bubbling like a poorly made cappuccino? Hot tubs foam up because of leftover lotions, soaps, detergents, and off-balance water chemistry. And yes, it can happen to any...
