Top 7 Mistakes New Hot Tub Owners Make (And How To Avoid Them)
😬 Top 7 Mistakes New Hot Tub Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
You did it — you bought a hot tub. Whether it’s bubbling away on your back deck or about to be delivered by the team at Polar Springs Hot Tubs, you’re officially a spa owner. Congrats!
But before you dive in (literally), let’s talk about the most common hot tub mistakes we see new owners make — and how you can skip the headaches and get straight to soaking.
1. Neglecting Water Chemistry (Or Just Guessing)
The mistake:
Not testing your water regularly or trying to “eyeball it” with a splash of this and a dash of that.
Why it matters:
Balanced water is the backbone of hot tub care. Poor chemistry can cause skin irritation, cloudy water, equipment damage, and shorten the life of your spa.
Avoid it:
Use test strips 2–3 times per week.
Keep your pH between 7.2–7.8, and sanitizer in range (chlorine: 3–5 ppm, bromine: 3–6 ppm).
Ask Polar Springs about starter kits or water care bundles.
🧪 Bonus Tip: We offer in-store water testing at our Brockville showroom — bring in a sample!
2. Forgetting the Filter Exists
The mistake:
Letting the filter go months without cleaning it — or worse, never replacing it.
Why it matters:
Your hot tub filter is your first line of defense against debris, oils, and cloudy water. A dirty filter = poor water circulation = sad spa days.
Avoid it:
Rinse your filter every 2 weeks.
Deep clean monthly with a filter cleaner.
Replace your filter every 12–18 months.
Need help? Polar Springs Hot Tubs carries replacement filters for every model we sell — just ask.
3. Not Using a Cover Consistently
The mistake:
Leaving your hot tub uncovered between uses.
Why it matters:
An uncovered spa loses heat fast, invites debris (leaves, bugs, dirt), and uses up chemicals way faster.
Avoid it:
Always use your insulated hot tub cover when not in use.
4. Running Jets While the Water Level Is Too Low
The mistake:
Letting the water dip below the filter.
Why it matters:
Your pump running without proper water coverage can pull in air, overheat pumps, and cause expensive damage.
Avoid it:
Check your water level
Top up when needed — especially after draining or splash-heavy parties.
5. Draining Too Late (or Not at All)
The mistake:
Assuming you never need to change the water unless it looks bad.
Why it matters:
Even clean-looking water builds up Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) over time, making sanitizers ineffective.
Avoid it:
Drain and refill your hot tub every 3–4 months (or up to 6 if you have ozone or UV systems).
Clean the shell, filters, and jets while it’s empty.
🧽 Polar Springs Pro Tip: Add a pipe flush product before draining to clean the plumbing lines.
6. Using Household Cleaners Inside the Tub
The mistake:
Grabbing Windex, bleach, or dish soap to clean the shell or cover.
Why it matters:
Household cleaners can throw off your pH, cause foaming, and degrade your spa shell or cover materials.
Avoid it:
Use only spa-safe cleaning products, available at our Brockville location or on our website.
When in doubt, a vinegar-water mix is a safe option for wiping surfaces.
7. Not Asking for Help When Things Go Sideways
The mistake:
Trying to troubleshoot big issues alone — like pump errors, heater problems, or persistent water issues.
Why it matters:
You can waste time and money guessing. Worse, you might damage something that was easily fixable.
Avoid it:
Call Polar Springs Hot Tubs! We handle all service and repairs in-house, and our techs actually care.
We also offer remote video troubleshooting if you're outside the immediate area.
☎️ 613-572-2777
📍 1111 Development Drive, Brockville, Ontario
📧 info@polarsprings.ca
✅ Final Thoughts
Hot tub ownership is easy — when you know what to avoid. By staying on top of maintenance, using the right products, and leaning on experts like Polar Springs Hot Tubs, you’ll enjoy years of stress-melting, muscle-soothing soaks.
Want more tips like this? Check out our Tub Talk blog series or stop by our showroom to chat with a spa specialist in person.