How Often Should You Change Hot Tub Water?

One of the most common questions for new hot tub owners is how often to change the water.

Here’s our guide: Generally, you should change your hot tub water every three to four months or about four times a year.

Now, does everyone do this? We know they don’t. Hot tubs don’t explode or anything if you don’t change the water. We have just found this is the optimal amount of time that both keeps your water fresh and is easiest on your hot tub as well.

We have been in business for more than 45 years so we’ve learned a thing or two about working with water.

In this article, we’ll dive into best practices for hot tub water maintenance and help you learn how often to change your water. Here’s what we’ll cover:

 • The general rule for how often to change your hot tub water
 • Key factors that affect how often you should change your water
 • Signs that indicate it’s time to change your hot tub water
 • Tips for keeping your water clean between changes

Let’s get to it!

How Often Should You Change the Water in Your Hot Tub?

Change the water in your hot tub every 3 to 4 months. With some exceptions, of course:

If you use your hot tub more frequently or have more people soaking in it, you may need to change the water more often, around every 2 to 3 months.

Similarly, if you use your hot tub less often, you may be able to stretch it out to 6 months before needing to change the water.

What Factors Affect How Often You Should Change Hot Tub Water?

While the three to four months rule is a good starting point, several factors influence how often you’ll need to change your water:

• Frequency of Use: The more often you use your hot tub, the more debris, body oils, and lotions will build up in the water. This increases the need for more frequent water changes.
• Number of Users: The more people using the hot tub, the more contaminants (like skin cells, oils, and sweat) are added to the water, which can lead to a quicker buildup of bacteria and necessitate more frequent water changes.
• Water Quality: If your local water is hard or contains high levels of minerals, you may need to change your hot tub water more often. Hard water can cause scale buildup, which may affect your hot tub’s performance and water quality.
• Hot Tub Care System: A higher-quality filtration system, like those found in Hydropool self-cleaning hot tubs, can help keep your water cleaner for longer periods.

How Do You Know When Your Hot Tub Water Needs Changing?

In addition to the general guidelines for changing water, there are a few signs that can indicate it’s time to swap out your hot tub water:

• Cloudy Water: If your hot tub water appears cloudy despite regular maintenance, it may be time to change the water.
• Unpleasant Odor: A musty or chemical smell can be a sign that your water is not being sanitized properly, which may indicate it’s time for a change.
• Skin Irritation: If you start noticing skin irritation or itching after soaking, it could mean your water has become too contaminated and needs to be replaced.
• Low or Poor Water Quality: If your water isn’t responding well to chemicals and is difficult to balance, it may be an indication that a water change is necessary.
• Extra Use of Chemicals: If it’s taking more sanitizer than usual with no obvious reason why, then it’s often time to change your water.

How to Maintain Clean Water Between Hot Tub Water Changes

Regular water maintenance can help you extend the time between water changes and keep your hot tub water sparkling clean:

• Clean Your Hot Tub Filter Regularly: Make sure your hot tub filter is clean and in good working condition. Replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Regularly Check Chemical Levels: Use a water testing kit to monitor the levels of chlorine, bromine, and pH in your hot tub. Maintaining the right balance will keep your water cleaner for longer.
• Cover Your Hot Tub: When not in use, always cover your hot tub to prevent debris like leaves, dust, or insects from contaminating the water.
• Wear the Same Suit: If you’re wearing the same suit or suits each time, you’re less likely to bring in any new contaminants.

Why Do I Need to Change My Water at All?

One way to think about is like this. If you take a glass of water and stir sugar into it, at some point, you can’t keep adding sugar. You might get a tablespoon or two, but at some point, you’re just accumulating residue at the bottom. The same thing happens with your hot tub. New water has fewer elements in it than water kept in the hot tub for any length of time.

If you have questions about whether you should clean your water, seeing your local retailer is a good idea. A local retailer can even do a water test for you to see if you should change it.

How Often Should You Change the Water in Your Hot Tub?

How often should you change the water in your hot tub? On average, you should aim to change your hot tub water every three to four months. However, factors like frequency of use, the number of people using the hot tub, water quality, and the filtration system all play a role in how often you should make the switch.

Still have questions? Reach out to your local Hydropool retailer here: Find a Hydropool Retailer.