Investing in a hot tub is a fantastic way to relax and enjoy the comforts of hydrotherapy at home. However, proper maintenance is essential to keep your hot tub running smoothly and extend its lifespan. Many homeowners unknowingly make maintenance mistakes that can lead to costly repairs and a less enjoyable soaking experience. 

At Crystal Pools & Spas, we want to help you avoid these pitfalls. Here are five common hot tub maintenance mistakes Utah homeowners make—and how to avoid them.

1. Neglecting Water Chemistry

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is failing to maintain proper water chemistry. The right balance of pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels is crucial to keeping your water clean and safe. If these levels are off, your water can become cloudy, cause skin irritation, or damage your hot tub components.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Test your water at least once a week using test strips or a liquid test kit.
• Maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8 and an alkalinity level between 80 and 120 ppm.
• Use sanitizers like chlorine or bromine to prevent bacteria and algae growth.

2. Not Changing the Water Regularly

Many homeowners believe that simply adding chemicals will keep their hot tub water clean indefinitely. However, over time, contaminants from sweat, body oils, and lotions build up, making the water difficult to balance and less pleasant to soak in.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Drain and refill your hot tub every 3 to 4 months (more often if used frequently).
• Use a pre-filter when refilling to remove unwanted minerals from Utah’s hard water.

3. Ignoring the Hot Tub Filter

A dirty or clogged filter reduces water circulation and makes it harder for your hot tub’s sanitizer to do its job. This leads to murky water and potential mechanical issues.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Rinse the filter every 1 to 2 weeks with clean water.
• Soak the filter in a filter cleaning solution once a month.
• Replace the filter every 12 to 18 months, depending on usage.

4. Running the Hot Tub with Low Water Levels

Utah’s dry climate can cause water levels to drop faster due to evaporation. Running a hot tub with low water levels can damage the pump and heater, leading to expensive repairs.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Check the water level weekly and top off as needed.
• Ensure the water level is above the jets but below the rim.

5. Not Covering the Hot Tub Properly

Leaving your hot tub uncovered or using a worn-out cover allows debris, dirt, and contaminants to enter the water. It also causes heat loss, making your hot tub work harder to maintain the temperature, which can drive up energy costs.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Invest in a high-quality, insulated cover to protect your hot tub.
• Secure the cover properly to prevent wind or pets from displacing it.
• Clean the cover regularly to prevent mold and mildew buildup.

Find the Perfect Hot Tub in Utah

Avoiding these common maintenance mistakes will keep your hot tub in top shape for years to come. If you’re looking for “hot tubs near me” or hot tubs for sale in Bountiful, Crystal Pools & Spas has a wide selection of high-quality options to fit your needs.

Visit our showroom in Bountiful, UT, or check out our collection online to find the perfect hot tub for your home. Let us help you create the ultimate relaxation experience!