As the vibrant leaves of summer turn and the crisp autumn air sets in, a warm soak in your hot tub becomes an essential part of creating a cozy fall atmosphere. But before you indulge in those cozy fall evenings, it’s crucial to prepare your hot tub for the cooler months ahead. Proper fall maintenance helps your spa stay clean, efficient, and safe throughout the entire season.
At Love’s Hot Tubs, we’re passionate about helping you get the most out of your hot tub experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to prepare your hot tub for Fall. Additionally, to make the process even easier, you can download our free PDF checklist at the end for step-by-step instructions that you can refer to anytime.
1. Why Preparing Your Hot Tub for Fall Matters
Autumn brings unique challenges: falling leaves, fluctuating temperatures, increased usage, and potential weather extremes. Neglecting fall prep can lead to dirty water, clogged filters, equipment strain, and costly repairs.
Key reasons to prepare:
- Maintain water clarity and hygiene
- Prevent debris and contaminants from entering your tub
- Ensure equipment runs efficiently
- Extend the lifespan of your hot tub
- Enjoy worry-free soaking all season
2. Clear the Area Around Your Hot Tub
Before you start on the tub itself, tidy up the surroundings. Trim overhanging branches, sweep away leaves, and remove debris. Install privacy screens or windbreaks to shield an exposed tub from the elements.
Pro Tips:
- Use a leaf blower to clear your deck or patio.
- Add a weather-resistant mat at the entrance to reduce tracking in debris.
- Watch for pests or rodents seeking warmth as the weather cools.
3. Keep It Leaf-Free
Autumn leaves are beautiful—until they clog your filters or float in your tub.
- Always keep your spa covered when it’s not in use.
- Sweep or blow leaves off the cover before opening.
- Use a small net to skim debris from the water surface.
Leaves and debris can significantly alter water chemistry and strain filtration systems, resulting in poor water quality and potential long-term damage.
4. Give Your Hot Tub a Deep Clean
Fall is the perfect time for a thorough cleanse—even if you’ve been maintaining a routine.
Step-by-Step:
- Drain the Water: Turn off the power and drain the unit completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clean the Shell: Use a non-abrasive spa-safe cleaner and a soft cloth.
- Flush the Plumbing: Use a line-cleaning product to clear out biofilm and buildup.
- Rinse & Refill: Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaning residues; then refill with fresh water and check for leaks.
5. Check and Clean Your Filters
Filters are your spa’s first line of defense against contaminants—especially vital during Fall.
- Remove and rinse with a hose.
- Soak in filter cleaner for 1–2 hours (overnight is best).
- Rinse thoroughly and let dry before reinstalling.
- Replace if over a year old or showing wear.
6. Balance Your Water Chemistry
Balanced water protects surfaces, keeps soaking comfortable, and ensures sanitation. According to the CDC, maintaining a pH level of 7.0–7.8 and sanitizer levels (such as chlorine ≥3 ppm) is crucial for ensuring safety and hygiene.
Essential levels to test:
- pH: 7.2–7.8
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 150–250 ppm
- Sanitizer: Chlorine, bromine, or alternatives
7. Shock Your Spa
After cleaning and refilling, give your spa a “shock”—a higher dose of sanitizer to eliminate contaminants.
- Use chlorine or non-chlorine spa shock.
- Run jets for at least 30 minutes with the cover off to ventilate.
- Shock weekly during the Fall, and after storms or heavy usage.
8. Inspect Equipment and Components
Ensure systems are ready for increased fall use:
- Heater: Reaches and holds the set temperature.
- Jets & Blowers: Flow freely.
- Pumps & Plumbing: On the lookout for leaks or odd noises.
- Control Panel: All buttons and screens are responsive.
Address minor issues now to avoid big problems later.
9. Protect Your Cover
Your cover keeps heat in, debris out, and maintains energy efficiency.
Fall Cover Care:
- Clean regularly with mild soap and water.
- Condition vinyl to prevent cracking and UV damage.
- Replace if waterlogged, damaged, or sagging.
- Ensure a tight, secure fit.
10. Save Energy While Staying Warm
As the air cools, heating costs can rise, but minor tweaks can reduce expenses:
- Keep the cover tightly sealed.
- Use a floating thermal blanket under the cover for added insulation.
- Set your hot tub to a slightly lower temperature when you don’t use it every day
- Check the cabinet and plumbing insulation before winter.
These steps align with energy-saving best practices, even for pools, where covers reduce heat loss by 50–70%.*
• Stay Ahead of the Weather
Fall weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden frost or power outages.
- Maintain a safe minimum water temperature to prevent freezing.
- If you’re away, keep the heater and circulation running.
- Know how to drain or winterize if needed.
• Upgrade for Comfort and Convenience
Fall is the perfect time to introduce comfort-boosting accessories:
- LED lighting for ambiance.
- Spa-safe aromatherapy in cozy fall scents.
- Steps and rails for safe entry when the ground is slippery.
- Bluetooth speakers for mood-setting tunes under a chilly sky.
• Regular Maintenance Tips for Fall
Stay on top of upkeep with a simple routine:
- Skim debris weekly.
- Test chemistry every 1–2 weeks.
- Rinse filters monthly.
- Wipe down the cover as needed.
- Monitor surroundings for hazards.
• Troubleshooting Common Fall Issues
• The Cozy Benefits of Fall Hot Tubbing
Warm water immersion in your hot tub not only improves circulation, reduces stress, and boosts sleep quality, but it also creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for the fall season. Studies show that it also helps with the elimination of metabolic waste and overall well-bein
• Download Our FREE Fall Hot Tub Prep Checklist!
Download your complimentary PDF checklist to track each step and keep your spa in top shape all autumn. Perfect for printing and hanging near your spa!
• Ready to Enjoy Fall? Contact Love's Hot Tubs Today!
🍂 Make this fall your most relaxing yet. Don’t wait for the frost—contact Love’s Hot Tubs now for professional maintenance, filter care, or expert advice. Whether you’re preparing for peaceful evenings, autumn gatherings, or cozy family soaks, our team makes it effortless.
📞 Call us or visit our showroom and let us help you make this your coziest, most enjoyable season yet!
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Healthy Swimming & Hot Tub Safety
- U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Saver: Pools and Hot Tubs
- East Carolina University, College of Engineering & Technology – General Energy Savings for Pools and Hot Tubs
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Warm Water Immersion and Health Benefits
- Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) – Best Practices for Pools and Hot Tubs
- Parents.com – Hot Tub Safety for Kids