01
I'll handle it
You test and balance the water, clean the filters, and replace cartridges and supplies as needed.
- Free showroom water testing
- Equipment-matched Shop products
- Local help when a strip does not make sense
Keep It Crystal Clear
Water Care Guide
Hot tub maintenance is simpler than you think. With the right system and a few minutes per week, your water stays crystal clear and ready to enjoy. Here's everything you need to know.
Owning the water
Pick the amount of hot-tub homework you want.
Some owners like testing and balancing. Some want the right supplies before they run out. Some want a scheduled visit and the report when it is done. All three are honest ways to own a hot tub.
02
Send the right supplies
Match genuine cartridges, test strips, filters, and water-care products to the system in your spa.
- Buy one time today
- Request a fit-checked replenishment schedule
- No recurring charge without clear consent
03
Handle the scheduled care
SoakReady comes every four weeks for testing, balancing, cleaning, filter care, a visual check, and a photo report.
- From $189/month for a hot tub
- Address and equipment qualified first
- Month to month
DIY, product replenishment, and SoakReady are optional. None is required for a product warranty. If your spa is cloudy, green, leaking, or showing an error, stabilize the spa through service before starting recurring care.
The Three Pillars of Water Care
Every water care routine comes down to three fundamentals. Get these right, and everything else falls into place.
Sanitization
Keeping bacteria at bay. Your hot tub needs a residual sanitizer — chlorine, bromine, or chlorine generated by a salt system — to keep the water safe and clean between uses.
Balance
pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness in the right range. Balanced water protects your equipment, feels better on your skin, and allows sanitizers to work effectively.
Filtration
Clean filters equal clean water. Your filter captures particles, oils, and debris. A clogged filter means poor circulation and cloudy water. Rinse monthly and replace when worn, damaged, or no longer cleaning well.
Your Weekly Routine
A short routine, repeated consistently.
We are not going to sugarcoat it — your hot tub does need some attention. But we are talking about five to ten minutes per week, not an afternoon project. Here is the routine.
1
Test Your Water
2 minutesDip a test strip into the water and compare the colors. Check pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer level. Test strips are inexpensive and available at our showrooms.
2
Add Sanitizer If Needed
1 minuteAdjust sanitizer according to the test result and your system instructions. A salt system makes chlorine, but it still needs testing, the right output setting, and occasional correction.
3
Check the Filter
1 minuteGive the filter a quick visual inspection. Rinse it monthly with a garden hose and sooner after heavy use, storms, pollen, or cloudy water. Replace it when damaged, worn, or no longer cleaning well.
4
Wipe the Waterline
1 minuteUse a soft cloth to wipe any buildup along the waterline. Body oils, lotions, and minerals can accumulate here. A quick wipe keeps things fresh.
The important part: test more often during startup, heavy use, weather changes, or any water-quality problem. A salt system can simplify sanitizer delivery, but it does not remove testing or owner attention.
FreshWater Salt System
It makes chlorine. It does not make ownership automatic.
A replaceable cartridge generates chlorine from dissolved salt. Under normal use, a cartridge lasts about four months. The owner still tests the water, maintains the correct salt and chemistry, adjusts output, and corrects sanitizer when the system cannot keep up.
During startup
Balance the fill water, sanitize it, set output, and test daily until the system holds the intended residual.
During normal use
Test after heavy use, guests, weather, or water replacement. Use Boost or correct chemistry when readings show the system needs help.
The Numbers
Water Chemistry Basics
You do not need a chemistry degree. Here are the key ranges to keep in mind. And if the numbers ever stress you out, just bring a water sample to either showroom — we will test it for free and tell you exactly what to add.
| Parameter | Acceptable Range | Ideal | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 7.2 - 7.8 | 7.4 - 7.6 | Low pH causes corrosion and skin irritation. High pH causes cloudy water and scale. |
| Total Alkalinity | 40 - 120 ppm | Near 80 ppm | Acts as a pH buffer. Adjust alkalinity first, then fine-tune pH. |
| Calcium Hardness | 75 - 150 ppm | Follow your system | Too low damages equipment. Too high causes scale deposits. |
| Free Chlorine | 3 - 5 ppm | 3 ppm | The active sanitizer that controls bacteria. Test daily during startup and as use changes. |
| Bromine (if used) | Follow product label | Follow your spa manual | Bromine products and systems vary. Bring a water sample when the strip or instructions are unclear. |
Free water testing — always
Don't stress about the numbers. Bring a water sample to either showroom and we will test it for free, tell you exactly what to add, and hand you the products you need. This is a service we offer every customer, as often as you need it.
Drain & Refill
When and How to Drain Your Spa
Over time, dissolved solids build up in your water to the point where chemicals can no longer keep things balanced. A fresh fill resets everything. How often depends on your system.
Traditional systems
Many owners drain about every three to four months, but heavy use, source water, contamination, or stubborn chemistry can require an earlier refill.
FreshWater Salt
Correctly maintained water may last longer between drains. Follow the current owner's manual and drain sooner when chemistry or water condition says it is time.
Step-by-Step Drain Process
1
Turn off the hot tub at the breaker.
2
Attach a garden hose to the drain valve (located on the bottom of the cabinet) and route it to a suitable drainage area.
3
Open the drain valve and let gravity do the work. Full drain takes 1 to 2 hours.
4
Once empty, wipe down the shell with a non-abrasive spa surface cleaner. Pay attention to the waterline and jet faces.
5
Clean the filter thoroughly (or replace if due). Inspect the cover for water absorption or damage.
6
Close the drain valve, remove the hose, and refill through the filter compartment using a pre-filter if possible.
7
Turn power back on. Once the water is warm, test and balance chemistry before soaking.
Troubleshooting
Common Water Issues & Quick Fixes
Do not panic if your water looks or smells off. Most issues have a simple explanation and a straightforward fix.
Cloudy Water
Common cause: Low sanitizer level, dirty filter, or high pH
Fix: Test and adjust sanitizer. Clean or replace filter. Shock-treat the water if levels were very low. If persistent, bring a water sample to our showroom.
Foamy Water
Common cause: Body oils, lotions, detergent residue from swimwear, or cosmetics
Fix: Shower before soaking (the single best thing you can do). Use a spa shock treatment. If foam persists, it may be time to drain and refill. Use a foam-down product for a quick temporary fix.
Green Tint
Common cause: Dissolved metals (copper or iron) in your fill water
Fix: Use a pre-filter hose attachment when filling your spa. This is common with well water in East Texas. Add a metal sequestrant after filling to bind dissolved metals and prevent staining.
Strong Chemical Smell
Common cause: Paradoxically, a strong chlorine smell means you need MORE sanitizer, not less. It indicates chloramines (used-up chlorine) have built up.
Fix: Shock-treat the water with a non-chlorine oxidizer or a higher dose of chlorine. This breaks apart chloramines and restores effective sanitization. The smell will disappear once the water is properly treated.
We're Here to Help
Need Help With Your Water?
Bring a water sample to either showroom — testing is always free. We will tell you exactly what to add and how much. No guesswork, no charge.