The Ultimate Guide to Keep Your Inflatable Hot Tub Ready for Relaxation

An inflatable hot tub is a practical, affordable, and increasingly reliable way to turn your backyard or patio into a true wellness oasis.

To fully enjoy this soothing experience whenever you need it, a few simple and regular maintenance steps are required.

Whether you’ve just set it up or are looking to improve its performance, this comprehensive guide answers all your questions: what products to use, how to keep the water clean, and when and how to do a deep clean.

Explore our expert tips to turn your inflatable hot tub into the relaxation retreat you deserve—always ready for a well-earned soak.

Caring for the Water in Your Inflatable Hot Tub: Top Tips

Choose the Right Maintenance Products

One of the biggest advantages of inflatable hot tubs is that they require minimal chemicals, making them easier to care for. Only a few essential products are needed.

Chlorine Tablets: Simple and Effective

Sanitizing your hot tub water is done mainly with 1-inch chlorine tablets. This format is perfectly suited for the built-in ChemConnect dispenser.

Here's how to do it:

• Access the ChemConnect dispenser from inside the tub
• Twist the top counterclockwise to open it
• Insert one or two tablets depending on how often you use your hot tub
• Close and place the device back on its water outlet

The frequency of use determines how often you need to add tablets: daily users will need about two tablets per week, while occasional users can stick to one. The tablets dissolve slowly, gradually releasing disinfectant to keep your water clear and safe.

Discover our chlorine tablets designed for inflatable hot tubs.

Inflatable Hot Tub Cleaner: Gentle Soap Only, Please

When draining your hot tub for seasonal cleanings, a diluted mild soap is usually enough to clean the shell. If you prefer a specialized product, choose one designed for inflatable hot tubs that contains no abrasives, which could damage the liner.

Important: Never use a hard brush or abrasive cleaner—they can puncture or wear down your hot tub walls.

Maintain Water Balance

Unlike traditional hot tubs, frequent water testing isn’t usually critical with inflatable models. If the water looks off, it's often faster and easier to drain and refill than to balance the chemicals.

However, for water conservation, preventative action is best. Aim for these levels:

• pH: 7.4 to 7.6
• Total Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
• Free Chlorine: 2 to 4 ppm

Use test strips to check these values. Find them here. If in doubt, bring a water sample to your nearest Club Piscine store for a detailed analysis.

Want to go further? Read our article: “Inflatable Hot Tub Maintenance: A Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Water Every Time.”

Preventing Algae and Bacteria Growth

A poorly maintained hot tub quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and algae, especially since its high temperature (35°C to 40°C) encourages growth.

Here’s how to prevent issues :

1. Keep chlorine levels stable by adding tablets to the ChemConnect dispenser weekly
2. Clean the filter regularly and replace it 2–3 times per season
3. Use a skimmer to remove floating debris daily, or better yet, keep your hot tub covered
4. Always shower before using to reduce sweat, body oils, and cosmetic residue
5. Change the water every 3–4 months, or more frequently if used often

These simple steps usually keep your water clean. But if you notice cloudy, foamy, or discolored water, it's best to drain, clean, and refill with fresh water.

Cleaning Your Inflatable Hot Tub: The Essentials for Crystal-Clear Water

Regular cleaning is key to enjoying safe and relaxing soaks in clean water. The good news? With a lower water volume and easy drainage, it’s less of a chore than with traditional hot tubs.

Deep Cleaning Every 3–4 Months

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Drain the hot tub completely:
• Turn off the pump
• Connect a drain hose to the valve
• Direct the water toward a proper drainage area
• Let all water flow out
2. Clean the liner with a gentle cleaner:
• Use a sponge or soft cloth
• Gently scrub stained or dirty areas
• Pay attention to corners and seams where residue builds up Rinse thoroughly before refilling
3. Inspect the liner and connections for wear or leaks during every deep clean.

For more detailed instructions, check out our guide: "How to Clean Your Inflatable Hot Tub: Products and Techniques That Work.".

How and When to Change the Water and Filter

Key Steps for Water Changes

It’s best to change the water every 3–4 months, or more often if your hot tub is used heavily. Here's how:

1. Turn off and unplug the pump
2. Connect a hose to the internal drain valve
3. Open the valve and let the water drain completely
4. Clean the walls as previously described
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap
6. Close the valve and refill with fresh water up to ¾ of the skimmer’s height
7. Restart the pump and add the recommended maintenance products

For complete instructions, refer to our article “How to Clean Your Inflatable Hot Tub: Products and Techniques That Work.”

All About Filter Maintenance and Replacement

The filter cartridge is essential to your hot tub’s performance. Here's how to care for it:

• Rinse the filter with a garden hose after every use, or at least weekly
• Replace the filter 2–3 times per season to maintain good flow and extend pump life
• Inspect it often for wear or clogging—if it’s dirty after rinsing, swap it out

How to clean it properly:

1. Remove the filter from its housing Rinse under running water
2. Use moderate pressure to remove debris from the pleats

If filtration seems weak even after cleaning, it’s time for a new filter.

Order your replacement filters for inflatable hot tubs here!

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How Long Does It Take to Heat Up an Inflatable Hot Tub?

Plan Ahead for Relaxation

Patience pays off: inflatable hot tubs heat at about 1 to 1.5°C per hour. If you don’t keep your tub at temperature constantly, plan to heat it 24 hours in advance.

Tips for Heating More Efficiently

Whether to maintain the temperature or lower it between uses depends on your routine:

• Daily user? It’s usually more efficient to keep it warm at all times
• Occasional user? Save electricity by heating only when needed

Pro Tip: Always use your hot tub cover—it helps retain heat and shortens heating time. Without it, water loses heat rapidly, especially in cold or windy weather.

Can You Leave an Inflatable Hot Tub in the Sun or Rain?

Inflatable hot tubs are made for outdoor use and are designed to withstand the elements. UV-resistant materials protect the structure from sun damage.

That said, when placed in full sun:

• Water evaporates faster, requiring more frequent top-ups
• Chlorine consumption may rise, as UV rays break it down quicker
• Water temperature should be monitored more closely in extreme heat

Safety First: Always check the water temperature with a reliable thermometer before getting in. Built-in thermostats can vary, and overly hot water can be dangerous.

Use the included cover whenever your hot tub is not in use. It reduces evaporation and keeps the water cleaner.

Rain and Electrical Components

While hot tubs are rain-resistant, some precautions are needed:

• Pumps and control panels can handle rain but should be protected during storms
• Important electrical safety rules:
• Keep the power plug dry at all times
• Never use an extension cord with your inflatable hot tub
• Only plug into a GFCI outlet Always exit the hot tub during thunderstorms or lightning
• Don’t place your hot tub in flood-prone areas
• Keep the power supply at least 2 metres from the tub to avoid splashing hazards

Smart Habits for a Hot Tub That’s Always Ready

Keeping your water clean and inviting is the best way to get the most from your investment.

Prevention is key: regular maintenance avoids frequent deep cleans, reduces chemical use, extends your hot tub's life, and conserves water.

Your weekly to-do list:

• Skim floating debris daily
• Rinse the filter weekly or after each use
• Replace the filter 2–3 times per season
• Add chlorine tablets weekly
• Change the water every 3–4 months
• Use the hot tub cover whenever not in use

And if water quality issues persist despite your best efforts, the simplest fix is often to drain, clean, and refill.

Want to learn more? Our full guide to inflatable hot tubs covers everything from choosing the right model to winter storage for maximum lifespan.

Need personalized advice or water testing? Visit your nearest Club Piscine store, our experts will be happy to help you get the most from your inflatable hot tub!

Looking to upgrade your relaxation space? Discover our tips for decorating around your inflatable hot tub and creating a cozy, spa-like atmosphere.