Wisconsin’s dramatic seasonal changes create unique challenges for hot tub owners. From subzero winters to humid summers, your maintenance routine needs to adapt throughout the year. This guide offers practical, season-specific advice to keep your hot tub running efficiently while extending its lifespan.

Winter: Protecting Your Investment When It Matters Most

Wisconsin winters are brutal on outdoor equipment, but with proper care, your hot tub can be your warm sanctuary during the coldest months.

Check your cover: Your hot tub cover is your first line of defense against winter’s assault. Examine it for cracks, tears, or waterlogging. A compromised cover can’t insulate properly, dramatically increasing your heating costs and risking equipment damage. If your cover is showing signs of wear, replacing it before winter hits is a smart investment.

Maintain consistent water levels: Keep water levels optimal throughout winter. Low water can damage your heater and pumps if they try to run without proper water flow. This is especially important if you have an occasional power outage – when power returns, you want your system fully protected.

Adjust your cleaning schedule: Most hot tub owners use their spas more frequently during winter months, which means you’ll need to clean your filters more often – typically every 2-3 weeks rather than monthly. This prevents circulation issues that can lead to heating inefficiencies.

Optimize water chemistry for winter use: Cold air holds less moisture, meaning more evaporation from your hot tub. This concentration effect can throw off your chemical balance. Test water 2-3 times weekly and pay special attention to total dissolved solids (TDS), which can climb quickly during winter.

Spring: Refresh Your System After Heavy Winter Use

Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your hot tub after winter’s heavy use.

Perform a complete drain and refill: After months of chemical adjustments and heavy use, your water likely needs a fresh start. When draining, use the opportunity to thoroughly clean your shell with non-abrasive cleaners specifically designed for spa surfaces. Pay attention to the waterline and corners where biofilm tends to accumulate.

Deep clean your filters: Beyond routine cleaning, spring calls for a deep cleaning of your filters. Soak them overnight in a filter cleaning solution to break down oils and residues that quick rinses don’t remove. If your filters are over a year old, consider replacing them entirely for optimal performance.

Inspect your cover’s underside: The constant exposure to steam and chemicals during winter can deteriorate your cover’s underside. Check for mildew, discoloration, or deteriorating vapor barriers. Clean with a mild bleach solution (1:10 with water) and condition with a vinyl protectant afterward.

Check and tighten equipment connections: The freeze-thaw cycles of late winter can loosen plumbing connections. Inspect visible plumbing, jets, and equipment connections for potential leaks before they become problems.

Summer: Maintaining Clarity During Hot, Humid Days

Summer brings unique challenges with higher temperatures accelerating chemical depletion.

Adjust sanitizer levels for temperature: For every 10°F increase in temperature, you need approximately 25% more sanitizer to maintain the same effectiveness. During summer heatwaves, check sanitizer levels every 2-3 days rather than weekly.

Combat increased debris: Summer means more outdoor activity, pollen, and organic matter. Check and clean your skimmer basket twice weekly to prevent circulation restrictions that put strain on your pumps.

Prevent water evaporation: Summer heat increases evaporation rates, potentially exposing jets and equipment if water levels drop too low. Check levels weekly and top off as needed. Consider using a liquid solar cover product to reduce evaporation while still allowing use.

Balance shock treatments with usage: With more frequent summer gatherings, you’ll likely need to shock your hot tub more often. Plan to shock after heavy use (4+ people) or every two weeks during regular use. Always shock at night to prevent sanitizer degradation from UV exposure.

Fall: Preparing for the Wisconsin Winter Ahead

Fall maintenance focuses on preventative measures before winter arrives.

Inspect your heating system: Before you depend on your heater during freezing temperatures, confirm it’s working at peak efficiency. Check that your temperature reading matches the actual water temperature using a floating thermometer. Significant discrepancies could indicate sensor issues.

Clean your cabinet ventilation areas: Fall leaves and debris can clog ventilation areas around your equipment compartment. Ensure these areas remain clear for proper airflow, which prevents equipment overheating and extends component life.

Test your GFCI protection: Safety becomes even more critical during wet fall and winter conditions. Test your ground fault circuit interrupter by pressing the “test” button and confirming the power trips off. This simple check can prevent dangerous electrical issues.

Prepare your winter chemical kit: Stock up on essential chemicals before winter storms make trips to the store challenging. At minimum, maintain a supply of sanitizer, pH increaser/decreaser, alkalinity adjuster, and test strips to handle common winter water care issues.

Year-Round Maintenance Tips

Regardless of season, some maintenance practices remain constant:

  • Weekly water testing: At minimum, check sanitizer levels, pH, and total alkalinity weekly. Adjust as needed to prevent water quality issues before they start.
  • Quarterly drain and refill: Even with perfect chemical maintenance, total dissolved solids build up over time. Plan to completely change your water every 3-4 months for best results.
  • Filter maintenance: Rinse filters weekly and deep clean monthly for optimal water flow and filtration.
  • Cover care: Keep your cover clean and conditioned to prevent cracking and UV damage. Remove snow promptly during winter to prevent structural damage from excess weight.

By adapting your maintenance routine to Wisconsin’s seasonal challenges, you’ll extend your hot tub’s life while ensuring it’s always ready to provide the relaxation and therapy you deserve. For specific questions about your model or for professional maintenance services, contact our team at Fox Valley Pool & Spa.