Water care: how to keep your spa water crystal clear all year round
Water is the heart of your hot tub. Clean, balanced and soft water is the key to a pleasant, relaxing experience and avoiding any unpleasant surprises. But when you become a spa or swim spa owner, one question comes up quickly: how do I take care of my water without it becoming a chore?
The good news? With the right habits and a bit of consistency, water care becomes a simple, almost automatic part of your wellness routine.
Why water maintenance matters
Spa water is warm, constantly moving, and frequently used — making it more delicate than pool water. Without regular care, it can quickly become cloudy, irritating, or even a breeding ground for bacteria.
But don’t worry, it all comes down to three simple pillars.
1. Get the water chemistry right
It’s important to test your water once or twice a week using test strips or a digital reader.
Here are the three main levels to monitor:
- pH: Ideally between 7.2 and 7.6 to avoid skin or eye irritation and ensure sanitiser works effectively.
- Alkalinity: Helps stabilise pH; should be between 80 and 120 ppm.
- Sanitiser (chlorine, bromine, etc.): Keeps your water clean and bacteria-free.
💡 Tip: If the water stings your eyes or starts foaming, pH imbalance is usually the cause.
2. Keep your filter clean
Your spa’s filter runs constantly to trap impurities. So it’s essential to:
- Rinse it every 1 to 2 weeks with clear water and a soft brush.
- Replace it every 12 to 18 months, depending on usage.
A clean filter = clear water and a longer-lasting heating system.
3. A few prevention habits that go a long way
Always keep your spa covered when not in use — it prevents leaves, insects, and evaporation.
Shower before entering, especially if you’ve used lotions, oils, or makeup.
Avoid bath products not specifically designed for hot tubs (foams, oils, etc.).
What if the water turns cloudy?
Don’t panic! Cloudy water happens, especially after heavy use, weather changes, or long periods between maintenance.
Here’s what to do:
- Check and adjust the pH.
- Clean or replace the filter.
- Add a dose of shock treatment (chlorine or active oxygen).
- Run the filtration for 24 hours.
If the issue persists, the best solution is often to drain and refill the spa usually recommended every 3 to 4 months.
Year-round use
- Pool: Typically only usable from late spring to early autumn unless heated, which can be costly.
- Swim Spa: Built for year-round use with adjustable temperatures up to 38°C. Enjoy it in summer or winter.
✅ Winner for all-season use: the swim spa.
Water care made easy
At Hot Tubs & Living, we offer a full range of water care products that are easy to use and perfectly suited to our hot tubs and swim spas.
Explore all our water care essentials here:
https://hottub.demo.cmsminds.net/accessories/hot-tub-maintenance/water-care/
