If you follow a fairly simple regimen, taking care of a hot tub isn't difficult or time-consuming. You basically have three major areas of concern with any hot tub: water balance and cleanliness, tub interior, and water filtration. Let's look at some ways to ensure proper maintenance of each.

If you use your hot tub often (daily or at least three times per week), you need to check both the sanitizer and PH levels in the water daily, and add doses as needed. You should also check the water line feeding the system daily. It may be overkill, but it's not a bad idea to clean the water line daily as well. Scale back these checks according to how often you use the tub, but always do it at least once every two weeks, even if the tub has not been used.

Taking care of a hot tub's interior involves two issues: checking the lining for problems (cracks, deterioration, blemishes), and cleaning the so-called 'tide line' of muck that tends to accumulate around the rim of the tub at the water line. This consists of body oils, perspiration, and outside debris that can build up over time. In the case of the lining having problems, they'll probably be minor if you stick to a schedule of checking it thoroughly at least once a week. The tide line should be cleaned as soon as it's visible, or it may permanently stain the lining.

Your hot tub's water filtration system is extremely important, of course. Proper care includes a daily cleaning of the filter cartridge (less often if the tub is used infrequently). It's not a bad idea to change out the filter for a new one, even if the old one looks ok, every six to twelve months. The life of the filter is often directly related to how diligent you are in checking and cleaning it.