The Ultimate Hot Tub Maintenance Schedule: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Tasks

Quick Answer:
A proper hot tub maintenance schedule includes daily water level checks, weekly testing of pH and sanitizer, monthly deep cleaning of filters and spa surfaces, and draining and refilling every 3–4 months. Following a consistent routine prevents cloudy water, equipment breakdowns, and expensive spa repairs.

Hot tub maintenance does not need to be complicated, but it must be consistent. Most hot tub problems in Aspen and Basalt happen when basic care is skipped for just a few weeks.

This guide provides a complete daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal maintenance checklist to keep your spa clean, safe, and running efficiently year-round.

Why a Hot Tub Maintenance Schedule Matters

Hot tubs operate in warm water, which means:

• Chemicals break down faster

• Bacteria grows more quickly

• Filters clog more often

• Water balance changes rapidly

• Equipment runs year-round in winter climates

Without routine care, spa owners commonly experience:

• Cloudy or foamy water

• Strong odors

• Skin irritation

• Heater failures

• Pump strain

• Scale buildup in plumbing

In Colorado mountain towns like Aspen, proper maintenance is even more important because winter conditions increase stress on heaters and circulation systems.

Hot Tub Maintenance Checklist Overview (At a Glance)

Daily Hot Tub Maintenance Tasks

Daily spa care is simple but prevents the most common problems.

1. Check Water Level

Water should always stay above the jets.

Low water levels can cause:

• Heater damage

• Pump burnout

• Poor circulation

Aspen’s dry mountain air increases evaporation, so water levels drop faster in winter.

2. Confirm Temperature and Circulation

Make sure the spa is heating normally and water is circulating.

Warning signs include:

• Temperature dropping unexpectedly

• Weak jet pressure

• Unusual pump noises

3. Inspect the Spa Cover

A properly sealed cover prevents:

• Heat loss

• Snow and debris contamination

• Chemical burn-off

Daily cover checks are especially important in snowy climates.

4. Remove Debris Immediately

Leaves, dirt, and snow melt contaminants can affect water clarity quickly.

Use a small skimmer net to remove debris before it sinks.

Weekly Hot Tub Maintenance Tasks

Weekly care is the core of spa water health.

1. Test Water Chemistry (2–3 Times Per Week)

Test strips or digital kits should measure:

• pH

• Total alkalinity

• Sanitizer levels

Ideal ranges:

2. Add Sanitizer as Needed

Sanitizer prevents bacteria growth.

Hot tubs require more sanitizer than pools because of:

• Higher temperatures

• Small water volume

• Frequent body oil contamination

3. Shock the Hot Tub Weekly

Shock treatment removes:

• Organic buildup

• Oils and lotions

• Chloramine odors

Weekly shocking is one of the best ways to prevent cloudy water.

4. Rinse Filters Weekly

Dirty filters reduce circulation and strain equipment.

Weekly rinse steps:

1. Remove filters

2. Spray thoroughly with a hose

3. Reinstall once clean

5. Wipe the Waterline

Oils and residue build up along the spa shell.

Use a spa-safe cleaner to prevent scum rings.

Monthly Hot Tub Maintenance Tasks

Monthly care keeps equipment running efficiently.

1. Deep Clean Filters

Soak filters in filter cleaner for several hours.

Monthly deep cleaning prevents:

• Cloudy water

• Reduced jet pressure

• Heater strain

Filter schedule:

2. Inspect Jets and Valves

Check for:

• Blocked jets

• Reduced pressure

• Calcium buildup

Mountain water in Colorado often causes scaling, so jet inspection matters.

3. Check for Leaks or Moisture Under the Spa

Early leak detection prevents major repairs.

Look for:

• Wet cabinet flooring

• Persistent water loss

• Dripping equipment unions

4. Clean the Spa Cover

Covers should be cleaned monthly to prevent mildew and heat loss.

Aspen snow exposure shortens cover lifespan if not maintained.

Quarterly Hot Tub Maintenance: Drain and Refill Schedule

Even perfectly balanced water accumulates dissolved solids over time.

Most spas should be drained every:

• 3–4 months for average use

• 2–3 months for heavy use

• More often in hard-water areas like Aspen

Drain and Refill Benefits

• Restores water clarity

• Reduces chemical demand

• Prevents scaling

• Extends heater life

Seasonal Hot Tub Maintenance for Aspen Winters

Cold climates require extra attention.

Winter Spa Care Checklist

• Maintain consistent water temperature

• Keep sanitizer stable (bromine often preferred)

• Clear snow off the cover after storms

• Monitor water level closely

• Prepare for power outage freeze risk

If circulation stops during sub-zero weather, freezing can occur within hours.

Hot Tub Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

• Skipping weekly water testing

• Overusing chemicals instead of balancing properly

• Neglecting filter cleaning

• Leaving spa water unchanged for 6+ months

• Ignoring small leaks

• Letting snow pile up on covers

Most expensive repairs start as small maintenance lapses.

Hot Tub Maintenance Schedule Chart (Printable Reference)

FAQ: Hot Tub Maintenance

How often should I clean my hot tub filters?

Rinse weekly, deep clean monthly, replace every 12–18 months.

How often should I shock my spa?

Once per week, or after heavy use.

What happens if I don’t drain my hot tub regularly?

Water becomes harder to balance and can damage heaters and plumbing.

Does Aspen’s climate affect hot tub maintenance?

Yes. Cold winters increase heating demand, and mineral content can increase scaling.

Can Ajax Pool & Spa handle routine maintenance?

Yes. Professional service plans help homeowners keep spas running year-round.

Professional Hot Tub Maintenance in Aspen and Basalt

Ajax Pool & Spa provides expert spa maintenance, water care, filter replacement, and winter service throughout:

• Aspen

• Basalt

• Snowmass

• Carbondale

• Roaring Fork Valley

If you want worry-free spa ownership, our technicians can help keep your hot tub clean, balanced, and operating efficiently through every Colorado season.

Contact Ajax Pool & Spa today to schedule professional hot tub maintenance service.