While a quick skim or adding a few chemicals may seem like enough, keeping your spa water in top condition requires more thorough care, including regular water changes. One of the most important aspects of maintaining a hot tub is knowing when and why to change the water. In this guide, we'll break down everything hot tub owners like you need to know to keep your hot tub water fresh, clean, and ready for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Why Regular Water Changes are Crucial for Hot Tubs
Imagine stepping into your hot tub after a long day, only to find the water cloudy, grimy, or worse – smelling off. Regular water changes help you avoid that scenario, ensuring the water stays clean and safe.
When you don't change your hot tub water regularly, it can lead to more than just unpleasant water. Issues like unbalanced water chemistry can lead to corrosive damage to the hot tub itself, and bacteria and algae growth can occur. Minerals like calcium can accumulate and cause scaling, affecting the comfort and longevity of your spa. By routinely changing the water, you prevent the buildup of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), keeping your water crystal clear and soothing.
Factors Affecting Hot Tub Refill Frequency
The general rule of thumb for hot tubs is to change the water every 3-4 months. However, the frequency at which you should change your hot tub water will vary based on several factors.
Usage Frequency
How often you use your hot tub plays a major role in how frequently the water needs to be changed. If you're using it daily, your hot tub is constantly exposed to body oils, sweat, and other substances. All of these can affect the water quality, even with regular chemical treatments. The more you use your hot tub, the faster the water's quality will degrade, meaning you’ll need to change it more often to maintain balance and clarity.
Bather Load
The number of people using the hot tub at any given time, or the bather load, also impacts the water change schedule. A hot tub that's regularly filled with guests or family will have more unwanted substances entering the water, from lotions to hair products, requiring more frequent changes. On the other hand, a hot tub used by only one or two people will have fewer and can typically go longer between water refreshes.
Hot Tub Size
Larger hot tubs generally have more water and can better handle higher bather loads without needing frequent changes. Smaller hot tubs, however, may need more frequent changes because the ratio of contaminants to water is higher. For example, a small two-person hot tub will require more frequent refills than a six-person hot tub, even if both tubs are used the same number of times.
Water Quality
Water quality is another key factor, especially when you consider whether you’re dealing with hard or soft water. Hard water, rich in calcium and magnesium, can lead to scaling, cloudy water, and damage to your hot tub's components. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to change the water more often to prevent buildup.
Soft water tends to be less problematic, but it may still require adjustments to your water chemistry to avoid issues like corrosion. Keeping a close eye on water hardness and other local water conditions will help you determine the best frequency for changing your spa water.
While the best way to know the recommended refill frequency is to check your hot tub owner's manual, these factors can also help you determine when your hot tub needs fresh water to keep it in pristine condition.
Calculating the Best Water Change Schedule for Your Hot Tub
When it comes to determining how often you should change the water in your hot tub, relying solely on a set schedule can sometimes feel a bit vague. To get a more personalized approach, hot tub manufacturers often recommend a simple calculation based on your hot tub's size and usage. This method takes into account how much water your hot tub holds and how many people regularly use it, helping you find a more tailored water change routine.
Here’s how you can calculate it:
Start by dividing the number of gallons your hot tub holds by the number of people who typically use it. Then, divide that result by 3 to find out how many days should pass before changing the water.
For example, if your hot tub holds 450 gallons and is used by two people daily, you would need to change the water every 75 days. This calculation provides a practical guideline, ensuring that your water stays fresh and balanced without the guesswork.
While this formula is a helpful tool, it’s important to remember that other factors, like the ones we just discussed, can still influence how often you should change the water. Keep an eye on your hot tub’s condition, and adjust the schedule as needed to maintain a clean and relaxing spa experience.
Signs That It’s Time to Change the Hot Tub Water
Even with a regular schedule, there are telltale signs that it's time to change your water earlier than expected. If you notice the water turning cloudy or developing a strange smell, it's a sure indicator that contaminants are taking over. Foam or scum buildup is another red flag, signaling that oils, lotions, and other substances are overwhelming your sanitizer.
Watch for changes in your water chemistry, too. If you're having trouble maintaining pH balance or sanitizer levels despite proper chemical treatments, it’s likely time for a water refresh. Remember, body oils and sweat can cling to the water and make it harder for sanitizers like chlorine to do their job. However, weekly use of a product line like EZ SPA TOTAL CARE successfully controls contaminants, keeps water clean, and can increase the amount of time in between water changes.
Preparing for a Hot Tub Water Change
Ready for a fresh start? Before you drain and refill your hot tub, it's important to prep the system to ensure you're not just refreshing the water but also cleaning the pipes and jets.
Start by adding a line cleaner like ENZymePRO to break down any buildup in the plumbing. Once that's done, switch off the circuit breaker to power down the hot tub. Remove the cabinet panel to access the drain valve and attach a garden hose for easy draining. Open the valve, and the water will flow out smoothly.
Draining, Refilling, and Maintaining Your Hot Tub
Once the water has fully drained, take a moment to inspect the shell for cracks or wear and tear. This is also a great time to clean the jets and wipe down the inside of the tub with a shell cleaner. When the tub is nice and clean, it’s time to refill with fresh water.
After refilling, test and adjust the water’s pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels to make sure everything is balanced and ready for your next comfortable soak.
Simplify Your Hot Tub Refills and Water Maintenance with EZ SPA®
When it’s time for a hot tub water refresh, choosing the right products can make a big difference in keeping your hot tub in top shape. The EZ SPA® system offers a straightforward approach, starting with EZ SPA® START for freshly filled tubs. It helps remove metals, phosphates, and debris that can cause staining or water quality issues. For weekly care, EZ SPA® TOTAL CARE provides an all-in-one solution to maintain balance and clarity with minimal effort. For specific water issues, the system also includes EZ SPA® UP, DOWN, and CAL to adjust alkalinity, pH, and calcium levels, ensuring your water stays perfect all year round.
Wrapping Up Changing the Water in Your Hot Tub
Regular water changes are key to keeping your hot tub a clean, relaxing oasis. By following a proper schedule, watching for signs of water deterioration, and staying on top of your hot tub maintenance routine, you can enjoy crystal-clear water every time you soak. Don’t let dirty water spoil your relaxation—stay proactive and keep your hot tub in peak condition year-round.
