When temperatures in Middle Georgia climb into the 90s, most people think of their pool as the go-to for relief — but what about your hot tub or spa? Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their spa needs just as much attention in summer as it does in winter. In fact, the heat brings its own unique set of challenges for hot tub owners.
Why Summer Is Harder on Hot Tubs
High ambient temperatures mean your hot tub’s water heats up faster and stays warm longer — which sounds convenient, but it actually accelerates chemical consumption. Heat speeds up the breakdown of sanitizers like chlorine and bromine, meaning you’ll need to test your water more frequently and adjust chemical levels more often than you would in the cooler months.
At the same time, summer means more usage. Family gatherings, backyard cookouts, and late-night soaks under the stars all add bather load to your spa, which introduces more contaminants like sunscreen, sweat, and body oils. If you’re not keeping up with your maintenance routine, the water can turn cloudy or develop an unpleasant odor quickly.
Water Chemistry Tips for Summer Spa Owners
The foundation of summer hot tub care is staying on top of your water balance. Test your water at least two to three times per week during heavy use seasons. Here’s what to aim for:
- pH: 7.4 – 7.6
- Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
- Sanitizer (Chlorine): 3 – 5 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 150 – 250 ppm
Shock your spa weekly or after heavy use to break down built-up contaminants and refresh the sanitizer’s effectiveness. Using a non-chlorine shock is a great option for those who want to get back in the water quickly after treatment.
Managing Your Water Temperature
One of the most common questions we hear at Mid State Pools & Spas during summer is: “Should I lower my hot tub’s temperature?” The short answer is yes. Keeping your spa at a cooler setting — around 95–100°F instead of the typical 102–104°F — reduces energy consumption and makes soaking more comfortable when the outdoor temperature is already high. Many spa owners in Middle Georgia actually enjoy their hot tubs as warm-water lounges rather than hot soaks during the summer months.
Don’t Neglect the Cover
Your hot tub cover does more work in summer than you might realize. It keeps out debris, reduces evaporation, and helps maintain a stable water temperature. Make sure your cover is in good condition — look for waterlogging, cracks, or tears in the vinyl that can cause it to sag and lose insulating value. A damaged cover can dramatically increase your energy bills and allow more contaminants into the water.
Clean the underside of your cover regularly with a mild soap solution to prevent mold and mildew buildup. UV protectant spray on the exterior will extend the life of the vinyl and keep it looking great.
Draining and Refilling Your Spa
Even with perfect chemical maintenance, hot tub water accumulates total dissolved solids (TDS) over time, making it harder to balance and less pleasant to soak in. As a general rule, drain and refill your spa every three to four months. Summer is actually a great time to do a full drain, clean the shell with a spa surface cleaner, rinse the filters, and start fresh with clean water.
Filter Care Through the Summer
Your filters work overtime during peak season. Rinse your filter cartridges with a garden hose every two weeks, and do a deep chemical soak at least once per month using a filter cleaning solution. Having a spare set of filters is a smart investment so you can rotate them while one set soaks and dries.
Come See Us at Mid State Pools & Spas
Whether you need spa chemicals, a new cover, replacement filters, or just some expert advice on keeping your hot tub in top shape this summer, our team at Mid State Pools & Spas in Warner Robins is here to help. Stop by our showroom at 540 S. Houston Lake Rd. or give us a call at 478-953-7300. We carry a full line of spa products and can answer any questions you have about your specific hot tub model.
