13 Hot Tub Water Care Mistakes to Avoid (2025 Expert Guide)

Sinking into a hot tub after a long day can feel incredibly relaxing. However, if the water chemistry isn't right, it could lead to cloudy water, skin irritation, and even scaling problems. This can ruin the entire hot tub experience.

In addition to ensuring a clean hot tub, Tucson residents also need to consider the unique challenges brought by the desert climate. Hot temperatures, a dry atmosphere, and hard water require consistent attention to ensure a safe hot tub experience.

Sounds too much to handle, right? However, the good news is that you can prevent the most common hot tub water care problems by taking a few extra steps. This guide will go over hot tub water care tips to ensure that your spa is safe and clear to enjoy while avoiding costly repairs.

Why Is Water Care or Hot Tub Maintenance Challenging in Tucson, AZ?

Most Americans in other regions of the country don't face the challenges Tucson's residents experience when it comes to hot tub maintenance mistakes to avoid. Here, hot tub owners need to constantly balance the water chemistry. Why is that?

Because the scorching sun in Tucson during the day breaks down sanitizers in the water much faster than in other regions. In addition to that, the hard, mineral-rich water introduces scaling problems from day one. Even if you have a hot tub pump, heater, or filters, you still need to take the right steps to address all of these problems.

Common Hot Tub Water Care Mistakes

For Tucson residents, here are some of the most common hot tub water care mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Testing Water Frequently Enough

Most Tucson hot tub owners make the mistake of testing their tub water when something feels off. Don't be that person.

The basic rule is to test the water at least two to three times a week. If many people use the spa, daily testing should be a priority.

When hot tub owners routinely test water balance, they can immediately identify small imbalances before they become major headaches. Skipping testing can lead to a drop in sanitizer levels, causing pH levels to swing wildly. This can result in cloudy water or serious equipment damage.

Hot tub owners in Tucson should invest in a reliable digital tester or keep fresh test strips around to ensure proper water balance.

2. Failing to Balance pH and Total Alkalinity

One of the most common mistakes people make is maintaining the wrong levels of pH and alkalinity. This can lead to a chemical imbalance.

pH levels should stay between 7.2 and 7.8. When it drops below 7.2, the water can become acidic, causing skin irritation and metal components to corrode. A higher pH level will result in cloudy hot tub water, leading to scaling issues.

Make sure that the total alkalinity levels sit between 80 and 120 ppm. If it's below 80 ppm, water can become acidic, and if it's higher than 120 ppm, the hot tub water may become cloudy.

Since Tucson water is hard, it has a high alkalinity level. This means that you should adjust the alkalinity levels first when you fill up the spa with water before tackling pH. Otherwise, you'll end up wasting time and chemicals.

3. Overdosing or Underdosing Sanitizer

For the best hot tub experience, sanitizer is important. It prevents bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. Some of the most common sanitizers that you can use include the following:

• Chlorine: This is more common and usually cheaper than other sanitizer alternatives. Chlorine works fast, killing off the bacteria and sanitizing the water. However, it loses effectiveness quickly, especially in direct heat. Ensure that the chlorine levels stay between 1 and 3 ppm.

• Bromine: Unlike chlorine, bromine stays stable at high temperatures. It's gentler on the skin and eyes, but it's more expensive than other sanitizer alternatives. While it works slowly, it does last longer. If you're using bromine, make sure to maintain the levels between 3 and 5 ppm.

Always use one type of sanitizer. And make sure that you use the right amount, as too little can result in bacterial growth, while too many chemicals can cause corrosion.

4. Skipping Regular Shock Treatments

Most hot tub owners in Tucson don't know this: even if you use sanitizer, organic buildup can still accumulate in the water. This is because body oils, sweat, body lotions, and debris can reduce the effectiveness of sanitizers.

To break down the organic buildup and restore water clarity, conduct weekly shock treatments (more often with heavy use). Tucson residents should run the jets after the shock treatment and take the hot tub cover off for about 30 minutes to let the gases escape.

5. Adding Chemicals in the Wrong Order

Always add chemicals in the right order. Otherwise, it can:

• Neutralize the sanitizer

• Produce cloudy water

• Release harmful fumes

The right order is alkalinity first, then pH, sanitizer, and calcium hardness. Before adding another chemical, allow each of them to fully disperse in the water.

Don't make the mistake of adding all of the hot tub chemicals together. Always open the chemical bottles outdoors to ensure proper air circulation.

6. Not Allowing Enough Circulation Time

Without allowing for circulation, the chemicals won't blend into the water properly. Tucson spa owners should run the jets for about 30 minutes before adding the next chemical. This ensures that there are no concentrated chemical spots, which can lead to skin irritation.

7. Neglecting Calcium Hardness Levels

Most spa owners neglect calcium hardness levels, which measure how much dissolved calcium is in the spa water. High calcium content in water can result in scale buildup, causing damage and jet blockages.

On the other hand, low levels of calcium hardness can make the water soft, leading to corrosion of metal components.

The ideal calcium hardness range for most hot tubs is between 150 and 250 ppm.

8. Topping Off with Untreated Tap Water

When the water levels drop in a spa, it can be tempting to grab a hose to top it up. Never do that before testing the water first.

Pouring untreated water into a semi-filled hot tub can introduce minerals, which can instantly throw off pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels. Make sure to test and balance the water first before adding it to the spa.

9. Not Draining and Refilling Often Enough

Even if hot tub owners balance the spa water regularly, it can lead to TDS buildup. When that happens, even well-balanced water may become harder and stickier.

For spa owners in Tucson, it's important to drain and refill the hot tub regularly (every three to four months, depending on usage). Clean the jets and hot tub filter before refilling the tub.

10. Ignoring Water Temperature Management

Excessively high water temperatures can accelerate chemical breakdown. This can also make the water harder to balance.

For Tucson spa owners, the ideal water temperature should be between 100°F and 104°F. Keeping it closer to 100°F can help:

• Extend chemical life

• Reduce water loss from evaporation

11. Overlooking Hot Tub Cover Maintenance

A hot tub cover can protect the spa from debris, dust, and Arizona's desert grit. It prevents contaminants from adversely impacting the filter and chemical balance.

Tucson spa owners should rinse the hot tub cover every two weeks to remove dirt and residue. Use a mild household cleaner and wipe the underside to prevent mildew.

To avoid foamy water or a musty smell, keep the hot tub cover open for a few days. This lets the trapped gases escape and helps maintain water clarity.

Spa owners should replace the hot tub cover every three to five years to keep the equipment in good condition and maintain proper insulation.

12. Failing to Clean Hot Tub Filters Regularly

A dirty filter can ruin the quality of the hot tub water instantly. For Tucson spa owners, it's crucial to rinse the hot tub filter with a hose every one to two weeks and deep clean filters once a month using a recommended cleaner solution. Also, replace filters every 12 to 18 months. This way, the water will always remain safe to enter. For more information, Expert Hot Tub Technicians in Tucson may be able to help.

13. Forgetting to Shower Before Soaking

Before entering the hot tub, it's important to shower. New owners often forget this essential step. A quick rinse before each soak removes household cleaners, makeup, hair products, and dirt from your skin.

Showering keeps the water clean and prevents contaminants from entering. It reduces the need to add more chemicals to maintain the right water balance. Sticking to this small habit can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

When to Call a Hot Tub Water Care Professional

Spa owners in Tucson can save a little money by troubleshooting basic hot tub water care issues. However, common pitfalls like cloudiness that won't seem to go away, or unusual discoloration or staining may require professional expertise.

Also, if you're struggling to maintain proper chemical balance, you need to call an expert for help instead of spending money on the wrong fix.

E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies is a reliable hot tub retailer and a local service provider. The company offers a wide range of services for Tucson spa owners, including:

• Professional water testing

• Precise chemical balancing

• Filter inspection and replacement

• Comprehensive maintenance plans

The professionals at E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies understand Tucson's unique climate challenges and can help keep your spa running smoothly year-round.

Enjoy Your Spa Experience and Let the Professionals Handle Hot Tub Water Care!

Tucson spa owners should follow this guide to steer clear of the most common water care mistakes and keep their hot tub cleaner and safer. Doing so can prevent frustrating problems that make hot tub ownership feel like a chore.

Alternatively, residents can rely on E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies for reliable, expert water care and professional hot tub maintenance.