How to Keep Your Hot Tub Water Crystal Clear Year-Round

There's nothing more inviting than a crystal-clear hot tub—especially during those relaxing nights or chilly Mississauga winters. But keeping your water clean, clear, and safe requires regular care. The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to maintain sparkling hot tub water all year round, so you can enjoy your spa without the hassle.

1. Test Your Water Regularly

Your first line of defense against cloudy or unsafe water is regular testing—at least 2–3 times per week.

Here’s what you should be checking:

• pH level: Ideal range is 7.2–7.8

• Sanitizer level (chlorine or bromine): Keeps bacteria and algae at bay

• Alkalinity: Helps balance your pH and prevents corrosion

• Calcium hardness: Prevents scaling and equipment damage

Use test strips or a digital tester, and adjust the water chemistry as needed with appropriate balancers.

2. Clean or Replace Your Filters Monthly

Your filter traps debris, oils, and dirt—so it gets dirty fast.

Here's what to do:

• Weekly: Rinse the filter with a garden hose

• Monthly: Soak it in a filter-cleaning solution to remove buildup

• Every 12–18 months: Replace the filter entirely

Pro tip: Set a reminder in your phone so you never forget!

3. Maintain Proper Sanitation

Even if your water looks clean, bacteria can still be lurking. Consistent sanitation is a must.

Choose your sanitizer:

• Chlorine: Fast-acting and effective, best for those who don’t mind a stronger scent

• Bromine: Milder odor and longer-lasting, ideal for hot tub use

Make sure to shock your hot tub weekly (or after heavy use) to destroy organic contaminants and prevent cloudy water.

4. Drain and Refill Every 3–4 Months

No matter how well you treat your water, it eventually gets saturated with minerals and contaminants.

Refresh your hot tub by:

• Fully draining the tub

• Wiping down the shell with a non-abrasive cleaner

• Refilling with fresh water

• Re-balancing the water chemistry

Doing this every few months helps prevent buildup and keeps the water sparkling.

5. Keep the Cover Clean

Your hot tub cover protects the water from debris—but if it’s dirty or waterlogged, it can actually introduce bacteria.

Quick cover care tips:

• Wipe it down with a mild soap and water solution weekly

• Check for rips or tears

• Let it air dry occasionally to prevent mold growth

A clean cover = cleaner water.

6. Use a Clarifier (Optional but Helpful)

If your water looks slightly hazy, a spa water clarifier can bind tiny particles together so your filter can remove them more easily. It’s a quick fix for light cloudiness—just don’t overuse it.

7. Watch for Biofilm Buildup

If your water smells bad or feels slimy, you might be dealing with biofilm—a layer of bacteria that sticks to your plumbing.

Solution: Use a pipe flush product before draining to clear out internal buildup and keep the waterline clean.

Keep It Clear, Keep It Simple

Maintaining crystal-clear hot tub water in Mississauga’s changing seasons is totally doable with the right habits. Stay on top of water testing, filter cleaning, and regular draining, and your hot tub will always be ready to enjoy.

Need Help with Hot Tub Maintenance?

At Pallet Pool and Spa, we offer professional hot tub service, water testing, and maintenance packages tailored for Mississauga homeowners. Let us help you keep your spa crystal clear—so you can focus on relaxing.

Contact us today to schedule a water care check-up or book a service visit!