How Often Should You Change The Water In A Hot Tub?

A hot tub is an incredible way to elevate your outdoor space. A long soak in these therapeutic pools can help relax your body and soothe your muscles. They are refreshing on hot days, and transformative on starry winter nights. Because you can use a hot tub 365 days a year, you must remember to change the water from time to time.

You should change the water in a hot tub every two to six months. If you use it a lot, refresh the water every two months. If you rarely use it, twice a year is usually sufficient. Frequency of use, the type of hot tub, and the number of times you treat and maintain it all affect how often you should change the water.

A long soak in your hot tub should be stress-free. To ensure you never step into a bubbling spa filled with old, dirty water, it's good to know how often you should change the water in your hot tub.

When Should You Change The Water In Your Hot Tub?

There is no exact rule to follow when it comes to changing the water in a hot tub. The timing is more nuanced, as many factors can impact how clean or dirty the water is inside a tub. With regular use, change the water every 3 to 4 months. If you use it every day, change the water every 1 to 2 months.

If you rarely use it, then every 6 months is generally acceptable. While these numbers are a just guidelines, to determine a more exact timeframe your your needs, it's helpful to know more about the factors that affect how often you should refresh your hot tub water.

Factors That Impact How Often To Change Hot Tub Water

1. Usage

The number one factor affecting how when to change the water is how often you use your hot tub. If you're in it every day, then it’s exposed to the elements more frequently, which makes the water dirtier. Your body’s natural oils, dead skin cells, and detergents from soaps and deodorants also release into the water every time you soak. The more you use your hot tub, the more often you should drain and refill it with fresh water.

2. Climate

Believe it or not, the weather can also affect how often you should change the hot tub water. If you live in a climate with intense sunlight, UV rays will quickly break down chemicals in the water, which can destabilize the pH. You are also likely to perspire more and wear sunscreen and other lotions when you live in an area with intense heat and sun, all of which can seep into the water.

3. Exposure

Some hot tubs are more exposed than others. It's no surprise that hot tubs that are sealed completely when they aren’t in use don’t need to be emptied and refilled as often as those that remain exposed to the elements. Whenever possible, put a cover on your hot tub. It keeps the water clean and helps the machine run smoothly for longer.

4. Particles And Contaminants In The Water

If your hot tub water has debris or other contaminants, you will likely need to change it more often. A hot tub located under a tree that sheds, or is in a windy spot might have organic matter falling in the water quite often. Not showering before entering your hot tub means your body will likely release more contaminants into the water.

5. How Often It’s Cleaned And Treated

A well-maintained hot tub is cleaner than one that is neglected. So you shouldn’t be surprised that tubs that are cleaned and treated regularly don’t need to be drained and refilled often. It’s a good idea to establish a regular maintenance schedule and checklist to keep your hot tub clean and functional.

6. How Many People Use It

It’s not only the frequency of use you need to think about, but also how many people use it. The more people that get into the tub, the more it will affect how dirty the water becomes. Always factor in frequency of use and how many people use it.

Six Signs It’s Time To Change The Water In Your Hot Tub

1. Cloudy Water

Cloudy water is one of the biggest red flags every hot tub owner should watch out for. Water that is green or cloudy is likely unsafe to soak in. This could signal the buildup of dirt, skin cells, and oil. It could also be a sign of bacteria and algae growth. If you try to shock and clean the water but it remains cloudy, it's time to drain, clean, and refill the hot tub with fresh water. Never soak in water that isn't clear.

2. Off-Putting Smell

An unpleasant odor can also indicate that you need to change your hot tub water. A clean hot tub should have minimal smell, just like a swimming pool. Unbalanced or very dirty water can emit odors you should watch for. A musty or rotten-egg smell strongly indicates the water needs immediate treatment or draining. Sometimes, even a chlorine or chemical smell could indicate old water that should be changes. If your hot tub smells strong, don’t get in until you identify and address the problem.

3. Unstable pH

Every hot tub owner should regularly check the water's pH. This is a strong indicator of whether or not the water is safe. If you constantly have to adjust the pH to safe levels, you may be better off draining the water and starting from scratch.

4. Skin Irritation

Skin rashes and irritation are serious issues you should address immediately if you notice them after soaking in your hot tub. While many things can cause a rash to appear after a soak, water quality is definitely one of them. If the skin issue is serious, drain the pool, clean it, and refill it with fresh water.

5. A Lot Of Unexplained Foam

When you turn on the jets in a hot tub, bubbles will form on the surface, which is normal. If the bubbles turn into foam, and your hot tub looks like a bubble bath that’s spiraling out of control, you have a problem. Sometimes, the water can contain detergents, oils, and soaps, usually from the skin of people soaking in it. Over time, it collects and can begin to form foam whenever you turn on the jets. If your hot tub look like a bubble bath, change the water.

6. It’s Been Over A Year Since You Changed It

Even a rarely used hot tub needs to be drained and cleaned at least once a year. If it’s been more than a year since you last changed the water in your hot tub, it's time to do it. Try to establish a healthy cleaning routine and a hot tub maintance checklist, as this will keep the water safe and will help your hot tub look new for longer.

Summing Up How Often You Should Change The Water In A Hot Tub

A hot tub is a luxury that many homeowners swear by. They are water features you can use year-round, regardless of your climate, and they are much easier to maintain and more affordable than an outdoor pool. Hot tubs still require upkeep, especially to keep the water clean. Generally, you should change the water in your hot tub every two to six months.

Factors that affect how often you should drain and refill a hot tub include how often you use it, how many people use it at a time, the climate, and how well you maintain it. Some signs it’s time to change the water in your hot tub include cloudy, foamy, or smelly water, as well as skin rashes or irritation after soaking in the tub.

Related Guides:

• Five Tips For Using A Hot Tub In The Winter
• What Can Ruin A Hot Tub?
• Why Is My Hot Tub Making A Buzzing Noise?