As summer continues to heat up, your hot tub becomes the go-to place for relaxation and refreshment. However, after weeks of gathering, soaks, and exposure to sunscreen, sweat, and debris, your spa water may start to feel less than sparkling.
Mid-summer is the perfect time to give your hot tub a complete refresh to keep it clean, safe, and inviting for the rest of the season. Here is your step-by-step guide to refreshing your hot tub’s water for the second half of summer!
Why Mid-Summer Maintenance Matters
Even with a strong routine of water testing and chemical balancing, hot tub water naturally becomes saturated with minerals, body oils, and other contaminants over time. When the water starts to feel cloudy, smell off, or become difficult to balance, it’s time to drain and refill. Doing this mid-season helps with:
- Extend the lifespan of your spa components
- Improve water clarity and freshness
- Reduce chemical usage
- Prevent the build-up of bacteria and biofilm
Step 1: Prepare for Drain Day
Before draining your spa, gather the supplies you’ll need:
- Garden hose and pump (if needed)
- Spa surface cleaner
- Clean cloths or sponges
- Fresh test strips or a water testing kit
- Water balancers (pH, alkalinity, sanitizer)
- Spa start-up chemicals
Pro Tip: Turn off the spa’s power at the breaker before draining to avoid damaging the pump or heater.
Step 2: Drain Your Hot Tub Completely
Using your spa’s built-in drain valve or a pump, drain all the water from the tub. While it drains, take the opportunity to:
- Remove and clean your filters. Soak them in a filter-cleaning solution to eliminate trapped debris.
- Clean the shell. Use a non-abrasive spa cleaner to wipe down the interior, as well as remove buildup around the waterline and jets.
If your hot tub has purge products, like spa line cleaners, use them before draining to flush out biofilm from internal plumbing.
Step 3: Refill With Fresh Water
Once your spa is clean and dry, begin refilling with a garden hose. To reduce minerals and contaminants in the incoming water, use a hose filter if possible.
Fill the tub to the recommended water level, usually about halfway up the skimmer or just above the jets.
Step 4: Test and Rebalance Your Water
After the spa is filled, it’s time to balance your water. Use test strips or a digital kit to check:
- pH levels (Ideal: 7.4–7.6)
- Alkalinity (Ideal: 80–120 ppm)
- Calcium hardness (Ideal: 150–250 ppm)
- Sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, or alternative system)
Add chemicals as needed in small amounts, allowing time between each adjustment. Be sure to shock the water to remove any lingering organic material and prepare the spa for use.
Step 5: Let It Circulate
Turn the power back on and run the spa for several hours to allow water and chemicals to circulate evenly. Once all levels are balanced and the water is clear, your spa is ready for action!
Extra Tips for Summer Spa Care
- Shower before soaking to reduce oils and lotions entering the water.
- Cover your spa when not in use to keep out UV rays, leaves, and debris.
- Use a water clarifier weekly to maintain sparkle.
- Test water 2–3 times a week in hot weather or high usage periods.
Keep It Clean with South East Spas
A mid-summer water refresh isn’t just good for your hot tub—it’s good for you. Clean water equals clearer skin, fewer chemicals, and a more relaxing soak all summer long.
At South East Spas, we’re committed to helping you enjoy every soak with ease. From expert tips to top-of-the-line maintenance products and spa models, we make summer spa care simple.
