How to Fix a Leak in Your Hot Tub (and Other Preventative Maintenance)

As the owner of a backyard spa, one of the best things you can do for your hot tub is regular maintenance. By setting a regular schedule for the routine tasks to keep your hot tub ready to enjoy, you not only will save time for yourself but also prevent small issues from becoming large problems.

Daily:  

1. Circulate the water in your hot tub twice a day for 15-20 minutes each time. This can include time when you are in the hot tub. By circulating the water, you give the filter a chance to clean the water. Some hot tubs will cycle automatically twice daily but, if yours doesn’t, you will need to turn it on and off manually.

2. Clean any debris from the water. This is especially important if you have a hot tub that is located outdoors where leaves and other debris can get in the water.

3. Make a visual check of your hot tub. Check the temperature of the water in your hot tub. If it is significantly higher or lower than it should be, your hot tub will need immediate attention. Check the cover to make sure it is in good condition (no animal or storm damage) and that it is properly secured.

Every Other Day:

1. Check the chemical balance of your hot tub water. You need to check the pH and alkalinity and adjust, if necessary, with hot tub chemicals. You also need to check the sanitizer level.

2. Clean the hot tub above the water line. This is where debris as well as body oils can accumulate. A quick wipe down every other day will help maintain the cleanliness of the water and prevent more work later.

Weekly:

1. Rinse your hot tub filter. This can be simply done with your garden hose. You will prolong the life of your filter and improve the efficiency of the filter by completing this task once per week.

2. Wipe down your pool cover with a mild bleach solution. This will prevent mold and mildew growth on the cover.

3. Sanitize and shock your hot tub.

Monthly:

1. Take a water sample into your pool and backyard spa company for the professionals to check. This is a good way to see if your water is balanced, and it also gives you the opportunity to ask questions. The professional testing can be especially helpful when your hot tub is getting significantly heavy usage.

2. Check your hot tub jets for clogs or debris. Are all the jets performing equally?

3. Give your hot tub filter a chemical cleaning. This will clean more than just a water rinse will be able to.

Quarterly:

1. Drain your hot tub. Once your hot tub is empty, you can give it a thorough cleaning and inspection. 

2. Flush all the lines. This will clean out any contaminants. 

3. Soak your hot tub filter for a deep clean. This will significantly lengthen the life of your filter. Remember to rinse with water after soaking.

4. Again, check and clean the backyard spa cover and the outer shell. 

In addition to the above, it would be a good idea to have a professional checkup of your hot tub once per year. If your hot tub is in use year-round, coordinate the professional check with one of your quarterly maintenance periods when the hot tub will be drained. If you close the hot tub for part of the year, schedule the professional evaluation to coincide with when you are going to open the hot tub for the season. The professional checkup will include the functioning of all systems, as well as a check of all the wiring for any damage.

What About Leaks?

So, what do you do if you see water is leaking from your hot tub? A lot will depend on how skilled you are at repairs. One thing most of us can do is investigate to determine where the leak is. The leak can be in the tub shell itself. There are products available that will seal a small hole. The problem is more frequently at a joint where the connection is failing. 

If you are really lucky, you may just need to tighten a lock ring. More likely, though, there will be a leak that requires a higher skill level to repair, or the location of the leak is an awkward location to work in. Once you have determined exactly where the leak is located, you will be better able to determine if this is a DIY project you have the ability to attempt. It may be worth calling a professional.