How to Take Care of Your Inflatable Hot Tub: Dos and Don’ts

An inflatable hot tub is honestly one of the best investments anyone can ever make.

It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day, and it doesn’t take up a permanent spot in the backyard. But, as I quickly learned, it’s not a “set it and forget it” kind of thing.

Keeping it in good shape takes a little TLC. If you’re new to the inflatable hot tub life, here are some do’s and don’ts to help you avoid the mistakes everyone makes.

Do: Test the Water Regularly

Okay, this one is super important. If you’re like me, you might think, “It’s just water, how bad can it get?” Trust me, it can get bad. Testing your water a couple of times a week helps you keep the pH and sanitizer levels in check, which keeps everything safe and comfortable.

When I first got my hot tub, I ignored testing for about two weeks. Big mistake. The water turned cloudy, and I spent the next weekend trying to fix it instead of enjoying it. Lesson learned—get yourself some testing strips and stay on top of it.

A great option to simplify testing is the Eagle Ray Testing Device. It's quick, easy to use, and gives you accurate results in seconds.

Don’t: Leave It Uncovered

If your hot tub isn’t covered, you’re basically inviting every leaf, bug, and bit of dirt to jump right in. Plus, an uncovered tub loses heat faster, which just means you’ll spend more on electricity.

One windy night, I forgot to secure my cover. The next morning, my hot tub was full of leaves and one very confused frog. It was not the relaxing spa experience I had in mind.

For added protection, consider choosing from our wide range of covers available from multiple brands.

Do: Use the Right Chemicals

Inflatable hot tubs are a bit more sensitive than the hard-shell kind, so you’ve got to be careful with what you put in them. Bromine tablets are great because they’re gentle but still get the job done.

When I first started, I grabbed some random chemicals from the store and hoped for the best. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t the best. Now I stick to products made for hot tubs, and life is much easier.

Explore AquaDoc's full Hot Tub Care Collection for everything you need to maintain your spa with ease.

Don’t: Drain It All the Time

I used to think I needed to drain my hot tub every time the water got a little off. Turns out, I was just wasting water and stressing the tub. Unless it’s been a few months or things are really out of balance, you don’t need to empty it.

A clarifier is a lifesaver here. It clears out the tiny particles that can make your water look gross and helps you stretch the time between water changes.

What you should do is try AquaDoc's Spa Water Clarifier to keep your water looking fresh and inviting for weeks. It’s easy to use and works like a charm.

Do: Set It Up in a Good Spot

This might seem obvious, but where you put your hot tub matters. A flat, sturdy surface is non-negotiable. Grass might seem fine at first, but it gets muddy, and uneven ground can stress the seams.

I made the mistake of setting mine up on some pavers that weren’t totally level. It looked fine until I noticed the water sloshing to one side. Save yourself the hassle and find a good spot from the start.

Don’t: Overinflate

When I first set up my tub, I thought, “The firmer, the better.” Nope. Overinflating can actually damage the material and shorten the life of your hot tub. Stick to the recommended level, and don’t go overboard.

Inflatable hot tubs are a blast, but a little bit of care goes a long way. If you take the time to test the water, cover it up, and treat it right, you’ll have a cozy spot to relax whenever you need it. And trust me, it’s worth it. Nothing beats sinking into warm water after a long day.