The ice has finally thawed. Trees are budding, and little patches of green are poking through the soil. Spring is in the air—and as a hot tub owner, that’s something to get excited about. No more worrying about frozen plumbing, wrestling with icy covers, or brushing off piles of snow just to take a soak.
While spring means saying goodbye to winter’s challenges, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook when it comes to seasonal hot tub maintenance. Rain showers, shifting temperatures, and even bright sunshine can all affect the health of your hot tub—and, in turn, your soaking experience.
Here at The Cover Guy, we’ve got you covered for these big seasonal changes. We have all the hot tub accessories and cleaning supplies that you'll need for the months ahead. We also have plenty of good advice on how to use these accessories and prep your hot tub for the upcoming weather, from heavy storms to blazing sunshine.
Find out how to get started on your spring hot tub maintenance.
Opening Your Hot Tub After Winter
Your hot tub has made it through a lot over the past few months—freezing temperatures, ice storms, heavy snow, and maybe even a little hail. That winter weather can be tough on even the most well-maintained hot tubs. So, before you start prepping your hot tub for spring, this is the perfect time to give it a thorough check-up and look for any issues that may have popped up during the cold season.
Remove the Cover and Inspect It
Check for cracks, waterlogging, or mildew. If your cover is damaged or heavy with water, consider an upgrade – replacing old hot tub covers is important for maintaining insulation and energy efficiency. Look for covers built for tough climates to ensure long-lasting protection in extreme weather conditions, whether that’s in the winter or spring.
Does lifting your cover feel like a chore? Then, browse our hot tub cover lifters. A hot tub cover lifter can make the cover removal process much easier. It will also protect your cover from unnecessary damage, like scrapes and scuffs.
Do a Deep Clean
The next step in your hot tub spring preparation is to give your hot tub a deep clean. Start by draining all the water completely. Use a spa-safe cleaner and a non-abrasive cloth or sponge to scrub the interior shell, paying close attention to the waterline, jet fittings, seats, and any crevices where grime or buildup may linger. Wipe down the underside of your hot tub cover and the top edge of the spa where debris and mildew can collect. This stage of hot tub cleaning for spring gets everything in top shape for your first soak.
Remove and clean the filters. If filters are worn out, get replacement hot tub filters and install them right away. Unless they are damaged, filters should only be replaced once a year.
If your hot tub has an air blower or jet system, consider running a line flush product through the system before draining the hot tub to clear out any biofilm and bacteria from the internal plumbing.
Once your hot tub is sparkling, refill it with fresh water using a hose filter to reduce sediment and mineral content from your water source.
Balance Water Chemistry
Test and adjust pH levels, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels in the water. Proper chemical balancing ensures your water remains clean, safe, and comfortable for soaking.
Run a Full Systems Check
Once you've deep cleaned and refilled your hot tub, take time to inspect all the working parts to make sure everything is running smoothly.
Turn on the system and test the jets—are they producing strong, even pressure? Listen for unusual noises from the pump or blower that could indicate blockages or air in the lines. Check your temperature settings to ensure the heater is warming water efficiently. Watch the control panel for any warning lights or error codes. Inspect lights, waterfalls, and any additional features your hot tub might have. If everything looks normal, you can take a dip!
After doing this intense seasonal hot tub care, you can relax. You’ll still have to commit to a regular routine for cleaning your water and rinsing your filters, but this won’t require you to break a sweat. Those are easy tasks to add to your to-do list.
Storm-Proof Your Hot Tub
Spring may bring clear skies, but it also comes with its fair share of rain showers and turbulent weather. Prepping your hot tub for spring storms involves two key considerations: everyday rain protection and more serious storm prep for those who live in areas prone to hurricanes.
Protecting Against Spring Showers
A well-fitted hot tub cover is your first line of defense against rain. Make sure it fits snugly and has no tears or sagging. Adding a cover cap—a durable, weather-resistant layer that goes over your hot tub cover—can provide extra protection from rain, dirt, and UV rays.
Be sure your hot tub area has proper drainage so rainwater doesn’t pool around the base. Standing water can cause mildew, electrical issues, or even structural damage.
Prepping for Hurricane Season
Along the Atlantic, hurricane season officially begins in early June—just at the tail end of spring. If you live in a coastal or high-risk region, take time now to prepare for more extreme weather events. You don’t want to make the mistake of assuming the storm will miss your hometown.
So, how can you prep your hot tub for hurricane season? Secure the hot tub cover with heavy-duty straps that loop through the cover handles and anchor securely on all sides. These straps help keep the cover in place during strong wind gusts and prevent it from becoming airborne.
When you know that a hurricane is approaching, shut off the power. Turning off the breaker protects the spa’s internal systems from surges or water-related electrical damage. You should also store loose outdoor items like hot tub steps and patio furniture. These items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds and may damage your hot tub—or your home—if not properly secured.
Protecting Against UV and Heat
While the warmer weather is a welcome change, it also means your hot tub is exposed to more UV rays and higher temperatures—especially if you live in a sunny or arid climate. That added exposure can take a toll on both your water chemistry and your hot tub’s physical components. Here’s how to stay ahead of the heat:
● Apply UV-Protectant Spray: Use it on your cover and panels to prevent fading and cracking. This is an important part of taking care of your hot tub cover, especially in dry or sunny areas.
● Create Shade: Adding a pergola, canopy, or patio umbrella over your hot tub will minimize direct sunlight exposure. Not only does this keep your hot tub cooler and more comfortable during the day, but it also extends the life of your cover and controls water evaporation.
● Monitor Water Levels: With higher temperatures comes faster evaporation. Keep an eye on your water level and top it off as needed to avoid putting stress on your pump and heating systems.
● Keep an Eye on Water Balance: Rising temperatures can promote bacteria growth, so chemical balancing is essential. Sanitize often to get rid of harmful bacteria. One of the best hot tub maintenance tips that you can follow is to test your water 2–3 times a week during spring. Pay close attention to pH levels so that you can maintain water clarity throughout the entire season.
Elevate Your Hot Tubbing Experience This Spring
Spring isn’t just about getting your hot tub clean and functional—it’s about making the most of the warmer season. With the right accessories, you can elevate your soaking sessions into an unforgettable part of your daily or weekly routine.
What accessories should you get?
● Add Cushions and Headrests: Invest in spa cushions, padded headrests or booster seats for extra support and long-lasting comfort during longer soaks.
● Install LED Lighting: Use underwater LED lights or floating lights to create the perfect nighttime ambiance.
● Use Waterproof Speakers: Whether you’re playing calming instrumental music or your favorite playlist, waterproof Bluetooth speakers add an audio element that enhances your time in the hot tub.
● Bring in Floating Tables or Food Trays: Make snacking and sipping easy with floating trays or tables designed for hot tubs and pools.
● Add Cup Holders: Keep drinks secure and close at hand with suction-mounted or floating cup holders.
Turn Your Hot Tub Into a Spring Oasis
Wherever you live, spring is the perfect time to take care of your hot tub and transform it into your personal getaway. With just a bit of preparation and creativity, you can turn your spa into a relaxing, rejuvenating spring oasis—a place where you can escape, unwind, and soak up the nice weather.
The Cover Guy is here to help this season. Come to us for hot tub cover upgrades, hurricane cover caps, deep cleaning supplies and cozy accessories like booster seats. You’ll have everything you need to prep your hot tub for light showers, big storms and beautiful sunshine.
Get your hot tub ready for spring!
