MAKE CARING FOR YOUR HOT TUB EASY!
Our easy to use online resources will help make caring for your hot tub a piece of cake! Below are 2 simple guides which feature helpful tips on caring for your hot tub as well as a “troubleshooting” guide in case you run into any common issues with your water care.
If for any reason you can’t find a solution to an issue you may encounter or have a question you’d like answered, don’t worry! We’re just a phone call away!

HOT TUB MAINTENANCE TIPS
CLEANING YOUR SPA
For the whole spa: Use a mild non-abrasive, non-sudsing cleaner and a soft rag or nylon scrubber to remove dirt build-up
For minor surface cleaning: Use common baking soda to clean small surface areas
For a shiny look: Apply FreshWater Spa Shine to your clean and dry spa shell
For spa pillows: Follow the instructions in your Owner’s Manual to remove and clean your spa pillows
For vinyl cover: First remove the cover and spray it lightly with a garden hose to loosen any dirt or debris that might have built up. Then, using a mild soap solution (1 teaspoon dish-washing liquid with 2 gallons water) or baking soda, scrub the vinyl in a circular motion with a large sponge and rinse with a garden hose. Rinse the bottom of the cover without using soap, and wipe it clean with a dry rag. To condition the cover after cleaning, apply a thin film of Hot Spring Cover Shield™ product.
Helpful Hint: To keep detergent and soap residue out of your spa water, shower without soap before soaking in your spa, and instead of washing your bathing suit use the rinse cycle.
CLEAN YOUR SPA FILTER CARTRIDGES
Spray cartridges: Spray each cartridge with a garden hose, rotating while spraying to thoroughly remove any debris between filter pleats
Use filter cleaner: Use either FreshWater® Instant Filter Cleaner or FreshWater® Filter Cleaner to keep your filters clean and in good operating condition
Replace filters: While cleaning your filters will help keep water running smoothly, you should replace your filters every three years with genuine Watkins replacement filters
REPLACING YOUR SPA WATER
Drain and refill tub: Following the instructions in your Owner’s Manual, drain and refill the water in your spa to clear detergent and soap residue that may have accumulated over time
Get pre-filter: For sparkling clean water right from the start, use the CleanScreenTM; Pre-Filter when filling your spa
Attach pre-filter: When using the CleanScreenTM: Pre-Filter, attach it to an ordinary garden hose to remove organic contaminants, metals like copper and iron, and tannins from your new water.
HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR SPA
Buy a Winter Blanket: Keep your spa hot year-round, even in areas with freezing temperatures, by purchasing a Winter Blanket from your local Hot Spring spa dealer.
Install the Winter Blanket: Install the vinyl-covered, fiberglass insulated Winter Blanket inside of the equipment compartment door, adding additional precaution against partial freezing to some of your spa’s components while maximizing energy efficiency.
Look for wear and tear: Check that your cover is at peak performance level by looking for signs of wear and tear.
Check the seal: Make sure the seal is still tight and intact so heat doesn’t escape.
See if you need a replacement: If you see signs of sagging, fading or cracking, get a replacement cover for your spa.
Remove snow and ice: Regularly brush snow off of your spa cover and splash warm water on ice rather than prying it off.
Stay maintained for vacation: If you plan to leave for few days during the winter months, keep your spa maintained with these tips:
Adjust pH: Before you go, adjust the pH according to the Owner’s Manual.
Sanitize: Sanitize the water with super chlorination or the new Hot Spring MPS Chlorine-Free Oxidizer according to instructions.
Lock cover: Lock down the cover to prevent access.
Lock light and jets: Lock the light and jets feature on the control panel (on 1998 models).
When you return: Upon your return, balance the pH and sanitize the water prior to using.
If you plan to be away from home a week or longer, call your local dealer for more tips on winterizing your spa, or check your Owner’s Manual for additional instructions.
Keep your spa water clean from algae, bacteria and other unwanted impurities by maintaining a safe amount of sanitizer. With too much sanitizer in your spa water, your lungs, skin and eyes may become irritated.
Hot Spring recommends only the following sanitizers:
EverFresh Water Care System with Hot Spring MPS Chlorine-Free Oxidizer
Sodium Dichlor (chlorine)
Granular bromine
FreshWater® Biguanide Water Care or Baqua Spa™ For 1998 to current spa models only
DO NOT use tri-chlor chlorine, any type of compressed bromine or chlorine, acid or any type of sanitizer which is not recommended above. If in doubt, please contact our Customer Service Department or your local Hot Spring spa dealer.
Hot Spring Spas support is here to help make your spa maintenance as easy as possible. For additional information about the care and cleaning of your spa, refer to your Owner’s Manual.
For any special questions, or any technical or customer service questions, please contact our Customer Service Department or call (800) 999-4688.
SPA WATER PRODUCTS
Water is the essence of your spa, so it should be fresh, clean and ready to enjoy. Hot Springs offers two accessories to keep your water clean and your care routine easy.
Hot Spring MPS Chlorine-Free Oxidizer
To eliminating unwanted impurities accumulated in you spa water, this chlorine-free oxidizer increases sanitizer efficiency and enhances water clarity. The Hot Spring MPS Chlorine-Free Oxidizer is compatible with bromine, chlorine and most alternative sanitizers. It is also recommended for use with the EverFresh® water care system for the best quality water possible…fresh, safe, and free of odors and irritation.
Hot Spring Spa Vac
The Hot Spring Spa Vac cleans dirt, gravel, leaves and other debris without draining your spa. This self-contained, simple-to-use water vacuum requires no pumping, batteries or water hook-ups, while the telescopic aluminum pole makes it easy to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas. You can also it on your swimming pool steps and in fountains.

WATER CARE TROUBLESHOOTING
CLOUDY WATER
- Dirty filters
- Excessive oils or organic matter
- Improper sanitizing
- Suspended particles or organic matter
- Overused or old water
Solutions:
- Clean filters with FreshWater® InstantFilter Cleaner or FreshWater Filter Cleaner
- Shock spa with sanitizer
- Add sanitizer
- Adjust pH and/or alkalinity with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up or FreshWater Alkalinity Down
- Run jet pump(s) and clean filters with FreshWater InstantFilter Cleaner or FreshWater Filter Cleaner
- Drain, clean and refill the spa
WATER ODOR
- Excessive organics in water
- Improper sanitization
- Low pH
Solutions:
- Shock spa with sanitizer
- Add sanitizer
- Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up to recommended range
- Drain, clean and refill the spa
CHLORINE ODOR
- Chloramine level too high
- Low pH
Solutions:
- Shock spa with sanitizer
- Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up to recommended range
MUSTY ODOR
- Bacteria or algae growth
Solutions:
- Shock spa with sanitizer
- If the problem is visible or persistent, drain, clean and refill the spa
ORGANIC BUILDUP/SCUM RING AROUND SPA
- Buildup of oils and dirt
Solutions:
- Wipe off scum with clean rag
- If severe, drain the spa, use FreshWater Spa Shine after cleaning to protect the spa shell, and refill the spa
ALGAE GROWTH
Probable Cause:
- High pH
- Low sanitizer level
Solutions:
- Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Down to recommended range
- Shock spa with sanitizer, and maintain sanitizer level
EYE IRRITATION
- Low pH
- Low sanitizer lever
Solutions:
- Adjust pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up
- Shock spa with sanitizer, and maintain sanitizer level
SKIN IRRITATION/RASH
- Unsanitary water
- Free chlorine level above 5 ppm
Solutions:
- Shock spa with sanitizer and maintain sanitizer level
- Allow free chlorine level to drop below 5 ppm before spa use
STAINS
- Total alkalinity and/or pH too low
- High iron or copper in source water
Solutions:
- Adjust total alkalinity and/or pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up
- Use FreshWater Stain & Scale to inhibit metals
SCALE
- Total alkalinity and/or pH too high
- High calcium content in water
Solutions:
- Adjust total alkalinity and pH with FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Down
- If scale requires removal, drain the spa, scrub off the scale, clean spa shell with FreshWater Spa Shine, and refill the spa
- Add FreshWater Stain & Scale and balance the water using FreshWater pH/Alkalinity Up or Freshwater pH/Alkalinity Down