Get matched with top pool and spa technicians in Eleva, WI

How often you change the water in your swim spa depends on how often you use it. Most manufacturers recommend changing the water every three to six months. If you use your swim spa throughout the seasons, it’s a good idea to set up a quarterly deep cleaning schedule. The ideal instructions should be in the owner’s manual.

If water is left inside the hot tub pump over a cold winter, it could freeze and severely damage the pump, water lines, and jets. That can cause leaks, which require very expensive repairs. Freezing or leftover water can stain and damage the hot tub shell, which leads to replacement. Even in mild climates, leaving sitting water in the tub or pipes for a long period of unuse is a bad idea, since disinfecting chemicals fade and the water can develop bacteria, algae, and other big headaches when it’s time to use the tub again.

Though a hot tub has many benefits, there are a few cons. Mainly, hot tubs require a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to deep clean yours quarterly, test the pH at least once or twice a week, and add sanitizing chemicals once a week. They also have relatively high ongoing costs since you’ll need to pay for electricity and repairs. 

To refill a hot tub after winter, start by opening up the tub and giving it a quick cleaning. If you use antifreeze, drain out the water then grab a hose and thoroughly clean the tub shell out, spraying water into each jet of the tub. 

Reconnect the hot tub and turn the power back on. When it’s time to fill the tub again, insert the hose into the filter well (if available). Avoid trapping too much air in the water lines, which can cause the pump to lock up when it starts again. Add the necessary chemicals and start the heating process. It will take some time—most of a full day—for the water to heat up again.