As winter’s chill starts to lift and spring begins to make its appearance, it’s the perfect time to get your hot tub ready for the warmer months. Whether your hot tub has been resting under a cover or running at a reduced capacity throughout the winter, taking the right steps to prepare it for spring will ensure you can enjoy a clean, safe, and hassle-free soak all season long. 

At Rising Suns Pools & Spas, we’re here to help you keep your hot tub in top shape—whether you choose to handle it yourself or rely on our expert repair and inspection services.

Step 1: Inspect Your Hot Tub

Before diving into cleaning, take some time to inspect your hot tub’s condition:

Check the cover: Look for signs of damage, cracking, or waterlogging. A compromised cover can reduce energy efficiency and contaminate your water.

Examine the cabinet: Inspect for any winter damage, loose panels, or signs of pests.

Review components: Check jets, filters, drains, and other accessories for any visible damage.

Inspect the shell: Look for cracks or damage to the acrylic surface that might need repair.

Pro Tip: Rising Sun Pools & Spas offers comprehensive spring inspection services where our technicians can identify potential issues before they become costly repairs. Our trained eyes can spot problems that might be easily missed!

Step 2: Power Up and System Check

If your hot tub was powered down for winter, it’s time to bring it back to life:

Turn the power on at the breaker.

Verify the control panel is functioning properly.

Listen for unusual sounds when the pumps engage.

Check that all jets are operating correctly.

Ensure the heater is working by setting it to your desired temperature.

If you notice any electrical issues or unusual behavior, Rising Sun Pools & Spas has certified technicians who can diagnose and repair system problems safely and efficiently.

Step 3: Drain and Clean

Even if you maintain your hot tub through winter, spring is the perfect time for a thorough cleaning:

Drain the water: Use a submersible pump for faster draining or the hot tub’s drain valve.

Clean the shell: With the tub empty, use a non-abrasive, hot tub-specific cleaner to wipe down all surfaces. Pay special attention to the waterline area where oils and debris tend to accumulate.

Clean jets and intake covers: Remove and clean these components to eliminate biofilm buildup.

Clean and flush the plumbing: Use a line flush product before draining to remove biofilm from pipes and internal components.

Step 4: Filter Maintenance

Filters are your hot tub’s first line of defense against contaminants:

Remove filters and rinse with a garden hose to remove large debris.

Soak filters in a filter cleaning solution to remove oils and microscopic contaminants.

If filters are over a year old or show signs of deterioration, replace them entirely.

Consider keeping a spare set of filters to swap during deep cleaning.

Step 5: Refill and Balance Water

With a clean tub, it’s time to refill and properly balance the water:

Attach a hose filter when refilling to reduce dissolved metals and contaminants from your water source.

Test water chemistry: Once filled, test your water using test strips or a digital tester for:

pH (ideal range: 7.2-7.8)

Total alkalinity (80-120 ppm)

Calcium hardness (150-250 ppm)

Sanitizer levels (varies by product)

Balance chemicals: Add necessary chemicals one at a time, waiting 6-8 hours between additions for accurate readings:

Start with alkalinity adjusters.

Move to pH adjusters.

Add calcium increaser if needed.

Finally, add your sanitizer of choice (chlorine, bromine, or alternative systems).

Step 6: Shock Treatment

Perform an initial shock treatment to establish a sanitizer baseline:

Use a non-chlorine shock for regular maintenance.

For neglected water or after periods of heavy use, consider a stronger chlorine-based shock.

Always follow manufacturer guidelines for dosage.

Step 7: Exterior Care

Don’t forget about your hot tub’s exterior:

Clean the cabinet with the appropriate cleaner (wood, synthetic, etc.).

Condition your cover with a vinyl protectant to prevent UV damage.

rim nearby vegetation that might drop debris into your tub.

Step 8: Establish a Maintenance Schedule

Set yourself up for success with a consistent maintenance routine:

Check water temperature and adjust covers.

Test and adjust water chemistry, clean waterline, sanitize.

• Monthly: Deep clean filters, shock the water.
• Quarterly: Drain and refill water, deep clean all components.

For busy homeowners, Rising Sun Pools & Spas offers maintenance packages to keep your hot tub in perfect condition year-round.

Final Tips for Spring Success

Start early: Begin your spring preparation before temperatures consistently rise to prevent algae growth in dormant tubs.

Stock supplies: Gather all necessary chemicals and testing equipment before starting.

href=”https://www.risingsunpools.com/all-products/”>Rising Sun has everything you need in our fully-stocked shop.

• Document readings: Keep a log of chemical readings to identify patterns and issues.
• Consider professional service: If your hot tub has been unused for an extended period or shows signs of complex problems, contact Rising Sun for a comprehensive service call.

With these steps completed, your hot tub will be primed and ready for all those relaxing spring evenings under the stars. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer to leave it to the professionals at Rising Sun, regular maintenance throughout the season will ensure your water stays crystal clear and your hot tub components operate at peak efficiency. Happy soaking!