How to get your hot tub ready for summer
Get your hot tub summer‑ready. From reopening your hot tub for summer to refilling, set‑up and maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
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Date published: May 2026 | By: Zara Flynn
Thinking of getting your hot tub out for the season? As the weather warms up, a little preparation goes a long way towards getting your hot tub ready for summer. From choosing the right spot to refreshing the water, balancing hot tub chemicals and cleaning filters, this guide covers everything you need to set up your hot tub. Whether you’re using a Lay‑Z‑Spa or another inflatable hot tub, follow along to enjoy worry‑free soaking all summer long.
Where to place your hot tub in summer
Choosing the right spot matters even more in warm weather, especially for inflatable hot tubs. It helps keep things comfortable, safe, and easy to maintain. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a spot for your hot tub in summer:
- Choose level, solid ground that can safely support the hot tub weight even when it's full
- A spot with partial shade will help reduce overheating and help keep water clear
- Check there's access to power and water, without trailing cables or hoses to make set-up and refilling easy
- Ensure the spot allows good airflow around the pump and heater
- Make sure the area has good drainage to avoid puddles
Reopening your hot tub after the winter
If your hot tub has not been used for a while, start with a full refresh. Follow this handy step-by-step guide to get started.
Step 1: Inspect and clean
- Check jets and valves for debris
- Wipe the shell with a soft cloth and cleaning agents designed for hot tubs
- Remove and rinse the cleaning filters to clear trapped dirt
- Although hot tubs are usually stored completely drained, remember to drain any old water if the hot tub was used recently
Step 2: Reinstall and refill
- Reinstall the clean filters
- Reconnect the pumps if it was disconnected
- Close drain valves and caps
- Fill with fresh, clean water
Step 3: Power up and check
- Switch power back on
- Reconnect the pumps, jets, and heater
- Allow water to circulate fully
- Check for any damage or unusual noises
- Check the control panel responds correctly
Step 4: Balance pH and sanitise water
- Check water using pH test strips
- Adjust pH to the ideal range using pH increaser or decreaser
- Sanitise and add any other necessary chemicals
- Finally, wait for the recommended time on the product label before soaking
Hot tub chemicals: getting the balance right
Hot tub chemicals help keep the water hygienic and comfortable but it is important to use them carefully and follow the instructions provided with your specific product.
General principles:
- Test the water after refilling
- Adjust pH first before adding sanitiser
- Add chemicals slowly while the water is circulating
- Re‑test before using the hot tub
- If you are unsure, refer to the guidance included with your hot tub or chemicals and avoid mixing products or guessing quantities.
Comparing hot tub chemicals
Choosing the right chemicals is vital for the maintenance of your hot tub. For consistent and easy sanitisation, many prefer using Clearwater Hot Tub Multifunction Tablets in a floating dispenser, as they slowly release all three - chlorine, algaecide, and clarifier, to help keep the water clear with minimal daily effort. Here is a quick comparison of the most commonly used hot tub chemicals:
| Chemical type | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
Chlorine granules | Fast-acting sanitiser that kills bacteria | Quick daily or weekly dosing |
Chlorine tablets | Slow-releasing sanitiser for consistent levels | Continuous maintenance via a floating dispenser |
Bromine | Alternative sanitiser that works well at high temperatures | People with sensitive skin or indoor hot tubs |
pH Plus / Minus | Adjusts the acidity or alkalinity of the water | Balancing the water pH between 7.2 and 7.6 |
Water clarifier | Clumps tiny particles together so the filter can catch them | Clearing up cloudy or murky water |
Summer hot tub maintenance: what to do and how often
Regular maintenance helps keep water clear and reduces unexpected issues during peak use in summer. How often you need to clean a hot tub in summer depends on how many people use it and how frequently. Warmer weather usually means checking more often rather than using more chemicals. Here's a handy guide to help you stay on top of your hot tub's health:
| Task | Recommended frequency in summer |
|---|---|
Test water balance and sanitiser levels | 2–3 times a week |
Rinse filters | Weekly |
Deep‑clean filters | Every 3–4 weeks |
Check water level | Weekly |
Wipe waterline & shell | Weekly |
Full water change | Every 4–6 weeks, depending on use |
Keeping hot tub water clear in hot weather
Clean and clear summer soaks
Cloudy water in a hot tub is more common in summer, but small steps can help prevent it.
- Shower before every use to reduce oil and lotion residue
- Clean filters regularly
- Avoid overcrowding the hot tub
- Top up water if levels drop
- Regularly check pH balance and sanitiser levels
- Keep the cover on when not in use
If water stays cloudy after basic cleaning, consult the manufacturer’s guidance for your model.
Common hot tub myths busted
Myth 1: "You don't need to shower before getting in the hot tub."
Reality: You absolutely should shower before going in a hot tub. moisturisers, deodorants, makeup, and natural body oils wash off in the warm water, creating a scum line and making your filter and chemicals work much harder. A quick rinse keeps the water clearer for longer.
Myth 2: "If the water looks clear, it's safe to use."
Reality: Clear water doesn't always mean safe water. Bacteria and unbalanced pH levels are invisible to the naked eye. Always use test strips to verify the sanitiser levels and pH balance before getting in.
Myth 3: "Hot tubs use a lot more electricity in the summer."
Reality: Actually, hot tubs generally use less electricity in hot weather. Because the ambient air temperature is higher, the heater doesn't have to work as hard to maintain the water temperature compared to the cold winter months. However, energy use may increase due to more frequent use during summer.
Hot tub safety checks before you hop in
Doing a quick safety check before getting into the hot tub helps prevent accidents, protect your health, and keeps your hot tub time worry‑free and truly relaxing. Here are some handy safety tips to keep in mind before using your hot tub regularly this summer:
- Check cables and plugs for any damage
- Ensure the water is clean, clear, and properly balanced
- Keep water circulating freely
- Ensure the area around the hot tub is slip-resistant
- Make sure the cover fits securely
- Always supervise children around an open hot tub
- Skip the hot tub if you’re feeling unwell
- If you have any underlying conditions, check with your doctor before using a hot tub
FAQs about getting your hot tub ready for summer
What should I do with my hot tub in the summer?
In summer, it helps to clean, refill, and rebalance your hot tub more regularly than in colder months. Warmer weather can affect water quality faster, especially with frequent use. Here are some easy ways to maintain your hot tub in summer:
- Keep the cover on when the hot tub is not in use.
- Rinse filters weekly and test the water balance few times a week.
- As it gets warmer, you may choose to lower the temperature slightly for comfort, but always follow your manufacturer’s instructions for safe settings.
What chemicals do I put in my hot tub when I first fill it?
When you first fill a hot tub, start by testing and adjusting the pH level using a water pH increaser or pH decreaser before adding any other chemicals. You can then go on to add sanitisers, such as chlorine, and other chemicals. It is important to add chemicals gradually and allow the water to circulate before re‑testing. For exact usage and quantities, always follow the guidance provided with your hot tub and chemicals.
How often should you clean a hot tub in summer?
During summer, most people rinse the filter weekly and carry out a deeper clean every three to four weeks. Water is usually changed more often too, typically every four to six weeks, depending on how much the hot tub is used. More bathers and warmer temperatures can mean maintenance needs to be more frequent, but be careful not to over-clean or over-dose your hot tub with chemicals, as this can upset the water balance and wear out the hot tub.
Do hot tubs use more electricity in hot weather?
Hot tubs do not always use more electricity in summer - it really depends on how you use them. Factors such as temperature settings, how well the tub is insulated, and how often the heater runs all play a part. In warmer weather, the heater may be used less to maintain a comfortable temperature, although it can run more if the hot tub is used more often. Keeping the cover on when not in use and giving your setting a quick check can help to improve energy efficiency.
How do you keep hot tub water clear in summer?
Clear water usually comes from a mix of regular filter cleaning, good circulation, and balanced chemicals. Here are some ways to keep your hot tub water clear in summer:
- Showering before every use
- Keeping the cover on between sessions
- Avoid overcrowding
- Checking the filters regularly
Finally, retesting the water before adding any more products
