The Ultimate Hot Tub Maintenance Checklist (Weekly, Monthly, Yearly)
Owning a hot tub is one of life’s great pleasures, but it does require regular maintenance to keep it clean, safe, and running smoothly. The good news is that with a simple routine, most maintenance tasks are quick and easy, especially if you stay consistent.
How often you need to perform each task will depend on how frequently the hot tub is used, how many people use it, and whether it’s covered properly. A hot tub used daily will require more attention than one used occasionally.
See our hot tub maintenance checklist below which will help to keep on top of your hot tub requirements.
Below is a thorough, owner-friendly maintenance checklist that covers weekly, monthly, and yearly tasks, plus a reminder that professional full services are essential to keep all components working efficiently and safely.
Weekly hot tub maintenance checklist
Check and balance water chemistry
Test pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels (chlorine or bromine).
Adjust as needed to keep water safe and comfortable.
Ideal ranges for the chemicals are:
pH: 7.2–7.8
Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Sanitizer: follow manufacturer guidelines
Shock the hot tub weekly to remove organic contaminants, such as sweat, oils and lotions. Keeping up with this will help with preventing cloudy water and unpleasent odors.
Rinse the filter with a hose to remove any debris and buildup. A clean filter maintains good water flow and reduces strain on the pump.
Use a damp cloth to wipe down scum lines and residue formed from the water line. Keeping up with this will prevent build up and keep the shell looking clean.
Keep on top of the water levels in the hot tub, ensuring the water line is above the skimmer and jets. Keeping up with this will prevent damage to pumps and cause of air locks.
Monthly hot tub maintenance checklist
Once a month, you should look at deep cleaning your hot tub filter to keep it in the best condition. You can do this by removing the filter and soaking it in a filter cleaning solution. Make sure that before you reinstall the filter, you rinse it thoroughly and ensure it has dried. Remember to consider replacing your filter annually or sooner if needed.
Inspect your hot tub for leaks and damages. Remember to check under the hot tub for any leaks or water trails. Also check your jets, plumbing connections and pump unions for signs of wear. Once these have worn, leaks will start to appear and an engineer will need to be called out to carry out repairs.
Check the hot tub jets are rotating properly and have no blockages. Also check the valves and ensure that they are open and functioning correctly.
Drain and refill your hot tub when needed. You may notice the water is looking cloudy or feeling sticky, this is a sign to drain and refill. Staying up to date with this will help reduce chemical build up over time.
Yearly hot tub maintenance checklist
This is when you should be thinking about booking a full service as it is recommended to have at least one a year, more may be required depending on the annual usage of your hot tub. A full hot tub service will ensure that the correct chemicals are used to flush out the grime build up in the pipes and places it is hard to get to. Plus, the shell will be cleaned correctly and with the right tools to ensure no parts are missed.
Replace your filters annually or more often if they appear to be worn, damaged or clogged.
Check the hot tub cover for any damage such as mould, cracks or sagging. Consider replacing the cover if it no longer seals correctly or has significant wear.
Check the control panel, heater and pump for any signs of damage or corrosion and ensure all electrical components are functioning safely.
Why maintenance frequency depends on usage
A hot tub that is used daily will need more frequent attention than one used only occasionally. Heavy use increases chemical demand, filter clogging, and wear on parts. If your hot tub is used frequently, consider increasing maintenance tasks such as:
More frequent filter cleaning
More frequent water testing and balancing
More frequent shock treatments
More frequent professional services
Regular hot tub maintenance keeps your spa enjoyable, safe, and long-lasting. By following this checklist and scheduling annual professional servicing, you can prevent most common problems before they start.
If you ever notice persistent issues like cloudy water, low jet pressure, or leaks, it’s a good sign that a professional service may be required.
To book in for a professional service or to find out about our monthly service plans, contact us through our website or call us on 01604 312773.
