The Ultimate Inflatable Hot Tub Maintenance Guide (2025 Edition)
You bought an inflatable hot tub for one reason: relaxation. But the fear of complex maintenance can cast a shadow over that dream, turning your vision of a personal oasis into a source of stress. What if we told you that with a simple, repeatable system, you could spend just 15-20 minutes a week to guarantee a sparkling clean, safe, and perpetually ready-to-use spa?
Here at Hot Tub Bro, we’ve managed a whole fleet of inflatable spas over the years—from the ever-popular Coleman SaluSpa to various Intex models. We’ve battled cloudy water, fought foam, and perfected the science of simple spa care. We’ve distilled all that hands-on experience into this single, definitive guide. This is not just a checklist; it’s a complete maintenance philosophy designed to make ownership an effortless joy.
The 15-Minute Weekly Maintenance Plan
This is the core of your routine. Do this once a week to prevent 99% of all hot tub problems.
- Rinse Filter: Take out the cartridge and give it a thorough 2-minute rinse with a hose.
- Test Water: Use a test strip to check Chlorine/Bromine, pH, and Alkalinity levels.
- Balance Chemicals: Add chemicals in order: 1st Alkalinity, 2nd pH, 3rd Sanitizer.
- Shock Water: Add a dose of non-chlorine shock to eliminate contaminants and keep water fresh.
Part 1: Your Essential Maintenance & Water Care Toolkit
Success in spa care begins with having the right tools on hand. You don’t need a lab coat or a chemistry degree, just a few key products. This is our recommended “must-have” starter kit for any new inflatable hot tub owner.
5-in-1 Test Strips
Your spa’s “dashboard.” These are non-negotiable for reading the 3 key levels: Sanitizer, pH, and Alkalinity.
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Spa Sanitizer (Chlorine)
We recommend Dichlor chlorine granules for beginners. It’s effective, fast-acting, and dissolves easily.
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Balancing Chemicals
The core trio: pH Up, pH Down, and Alkalinity Up. These adjust the comfort and safety of your water.
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Non-Chlorine Shock
Your weekly secret weapon. It oxidizes oils and lotions, clarifying the water without adding more chlorine.
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Replacement Filters
Filters are the kidneys of your spa. Have a few on hand. (Type VI shown for SaluSpas; check your model).
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Filter Cleaning Wand
This hose attachment makes rinsing your filter 10x more effective and faster than a standard nozzle.
See on AmazonPart 2: Water Chemistry Made Simple – The Balancing Act
This is the part that intimidates new owners, but it’s actually very simple once you understand the “why.” There are only three things you need to manage on a weekly basis.
Pillar 1: Total Alkalinity (The Anchor)
What it is: A measure of carbonates and other alkaline substances in the water.
What it does: It acts as a buffer or an “anchor” for your pH. If your alkalinity is stable, your pH will be stable.
Ideal Range: 80 – 120 ppm (parts per million).
Rule of Thumb: Always adjust your Alkalinity FIRST. Use “Alkalinity Up” to raise it. It’s rare to need to lower it.
Pillar 2: pH (The Comfort Level)
What it is: A measure of how acidic or basic your water is.
What it does: It affects bather comfort (wrong pH stings the eyes) and, crucially, how effective your sanitizer is.
Ideal Range: 7.4 – 7.6 (slightly basic).
Rule of Thumb: Adjust your pH SECOND, after Alkalinity is in range. Use “pH Up” (soda ash) or “pH Down” (dry acid) to adjust.
Pillar 3: Sanitizer (The Protector)
What it is: Chlorine or Bromine. Its job is to kill bacteria, viruses, and other nasty microorganisms.
What it does: Keeps the water safe and prevents it from turning into a swamp.
Ideal Range (Chlorine): 1 – 3 ppm.
Rule of Thumb: Adjust your sanitizer LAST. Your sanitizer works best when pH is balanced. If your pH is too high, your chlorine could be up to 80% ineffective!
Part 3: The Foolproof Maintenance Schedule
Now let’s put the chemistry and tools into a simple, repeatable schedule. This is the exact system we use, and it has never failed us.
The 15-Minute Weekly Ritual
This is the cornerstone of your entire maintenance plan. Do these four things once a week.
Step 1: Clean the Filter (5 Minutes)
Your filter is the hardest working part of your spa. Show it some love. Turn off the pump, remove the filter cartridge, and give it a very thorough rinse with your filter cleaning wand or a high-pressure hose nozzle. Get deep between the pleats to dislodge all the trapped gunk. A clean filter means clearer water and a healthier pump.
Step 2: Test & Balance the Water (5 Minutes)
Dip a test strip for 2 seconds, remove it without shaking, and wait 15 seconds. Compare the colors to the chart on the bottle. Now, add chemicals based on what you see, following this exact order:
- If Total Alkalinity is low: Add Alkalinity Up as directed on the package. Let the jets run for 15-20 minutes.
- If pH is low or high: After adjusting alkalinity, add pH Up or pH Down. Let jets run.
- If Chlorine is low: Add your chlorine granules.
Step 3: Shock the Water (2 Minutes)
With the cover off and jets running, broadcast one dose of non-chlorine shock across the water’s surface. This will oxidize (burn off) all the invisible contaminants like sweat, oils, and lotions, freeing up your chlorine to focus on killing germs. It’s like giving your water a fresh start for the week.
Step 4: Tidy Up (3 Minutes)
While the shock works its magic with the cover off, use a soft sponge to wipe down the waterline inside the tub to prevent a scum line. Also, wipe down the inside of your cover. Once 20-30 minutes have passed, put the cover back on.
The Monthly and Quarterly Resets
These less frequent tasks keep your spa in peak condition long-term.
Monthly Task: Deep Clean the Filter
Rinsing is great, but once a month, your filter needs a chemical deep clean to remove oils and minerals that water alone can’t. Simply soak the filter overnight in a bucket with a specialized filter cleaning solution. Many owners keep two filters and rotate them, so the spa never has any downtime.
Quarterly Task: The Drain and Refill
Over time, your water absorbs so many chemicals and dissolved solids that it becomes hard to balance. A fresh start every 3-4 months is the ultimate solution. This is the single biggest task in hot tub ownership, but it’s also the most rewarding. For a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of this process, from purging the pipes to scrubbing the shell, you should consult our definitive guide on how to clean your inflatable hot tub. It turns this big job into a simple checklist.
Part 4: Advanced Maintenance & Seasonal Care
Once you’ve mastered the basics, these pro-level tips will take your spa care to the next level and help you navigate different seasons.
Long-Term Storage (Preparing for a Cold Winter)
For most inflatable hot tubs, including popular models like the Bestway SaluSpa Miami, winter means it’s time to hibernate. Storing it properly is critical to ensure a quick and easy startup in the spring.
- Clean & Drain: Perform one final deep clean and drain the tub completely.
- DRY, DRY, DRY: This is the most important step. The tub, cover, and pump must be bone dry. Use towels and then let everything air dry for a day. Any trapped moisture will turn into a mildew nightmare in storage.
- Deflate & Store: Deflate the tub and fold it loosely. Store it in a dry, pest-free location that stays above freezing, like a garage or basement.
Want to Soak in the Snow?
While most tubs need to be stored, a new generation of spas with special freeze-protection technology can be used year-round. If the idea of soaking in a blizzard appeals to you, you absolutely must read our guide to the best inflatable hot tubs for winter to find a model that won’t be destroyed by the cold.
Maintenance for Different Models
While 90% of maintenance is universal, some models have unique features. For example, in our Intex vs. Coleman comparison, we note that many Intex models feature a built-in hard water treatment system. This is a huge maintenance advantage if you live in an area with hard water, as it helps prevent scale buildup—a common cause of pump failure we discuss in our Intex PureSpa troubleshooting guide. Likewise, maintaining a smaller 4-person inflatable hot tub is slightly easier as it requires fewer chemicals than a giant 8-person model.
The Final Word: Maintenance is Freedom
Embracing a simple maintenance routine is the secret to unlocking the true freedom and relaxation your inflatable hot tub was designed to provide. It transforms your spa from a potential source of worry into a guaranteed escape. This 15-minute weekly investment pays you back with countless hours of stress-free soaking in crystal-clear water.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to maintain a spa like a pro, perhaps you’re ready to start your journey or upgrade your current model. Our comprehensive guide to the best inflatable hot tubs of 2025 is the perfect place to explore your options. And for any new owners, don’t forget to bookmark our easy-to-follow inflatable hot tub setup guide. Happy soaking!
