There are few things better than easing into a warm hot tub after a long walk through the British countryside. The steam rising into the cool air, the sound of birdsong, and the knowledge that you don’t have to do anything except relax. But to keep that experience perfect for your whole holiday – and for the guests who come after you – a little light maintenance goes a long way. You don’t need to be a water treatment expert. A few simple habits, done consistently, will keep the water clear, safe and inviting.

Get to Know Your Hot Tub Before You Unpack

When you arrive at your lodge, take five minutes to familiarise yourself with the hot tub. Find the control panel, the filter housing, and the test kit. Most lodges leave a welcome pack with instructions, but if anything is unclear, ask the owner or site manager before you use the tub. Check the water level – it should sit halfway up the skimmer opening. If it’s low, top it up with a hose. Also locate the cover and any lifting mechanism.

• Locate the isolation switch in case you need to turn the power off quickly.
• Read the chemical guide – different hot tubs use different sanitisers, usually chlorine or bromine.
• Check the filter – make sure it’s fitted correctly and not clogged.

Rinse the Filter Every Couple of Days

The filter is the hardest-working part of any hot tub. It traps hair, skin cells, oils and garden debris. Rinsing the filter is quick and satisfying – and it’s the single best thing you can do to keep the water clean.

Remove the filter cartridge according to the owner’s instructions. Hold it at an angle and spray it with a garden hose or a jug of water, working from top to bottom between the pleats. Never use soap or detergent, as residue will foam up and irritate skin. If the filter looks greasy, ask if there’s a spare cartridge you can swap in while you clean this one. In a busy lodge, rinse every two days. If you’ve been in the tub after a muddy walk, do it daily.

• Skim the surface with a net before and after each use to remove leaves and insects.
• Don’t scrub aggressively – you’ll damage the pleats.
• Replace the filter exactly as it came out, with the o-ring seated properly.

Test the Water Daily – and Adjust in Small Steps

Hot tub water chemistry can drift quickly, especially if several people are using the tub. Test the water every morning, before anyone gets in. A simple dip strip or liquid test kit will tell you the pH, total alkalinity and sanitiser level. Aim for pH between 7.2 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80 and 120 parts per million, and free chlorine between 1 and 3 ppm (or bromine between 3 and 5 ppm).

If a reading is out, add the recommended chemical in small amounts. Run the jets for 20 to 30 minutes, then retest. Never mix different chemicals together, and always add chemicals to water – not water to chemicals. Store everything in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children. If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Contact the owner or a qualified pool professional.

• Test before soaking, not after – clean water is safer for everyone.
• Shower before you get in to reduce oils and lotions entering the water.
• Keep a note of your readings if you’re staying for a week or more, so you can spot trends.

Cover the Tub After Every Use – and Keep It Clean

A hot tub cover is not just a lid. It retains heat, keeps out leaves and rain, and prevents accidents. After you finish soaking, replace the cover and secure any straps. If the tub has a cover lifter, use it – it makes the job easy and protects the cover from tearing. Never leave the tub uncovered for long periods, especially in British weather, where a sudden shower can throw off your water balance.

While the cover is off, wipe the waterline with a clean sponge or cloth. This removes the oily ring that builds up and keeps the acrylic looking smart. Rinse the cover with fresh water occasionally, and avoid using harsh cleaners. And please, no glass bottles near the water.

• Cover immediately after adding chemicals, to let them circulate without evaporation.
• Check the cover for mould or damage – report anything unusual.
• Keep the area tidy – remove toys, towels and rubbish before you leave.

Keep the Water Level Right and Use the Tub Sensibly

Every time you get in and out, a little water splashes out. Evaporation also takes its toll, especially on warm days. Check the water level daily. It should be high enough to flow over the skimmer weir, but not so high that it enters the air jets. If it’s low, add water from a hose – but test the water afterwards, as fresh water dilutes your sanitiser.

Use the hot tub sensibly. Limit each session to 15 or 20 minutes, especially if you have children with you. Encourage everyone to shower before getting in, and avoid using the tub if you have open cuts, stomach bugs or skin infections. If you’re pregnant, check with your doctor first. And never take electrical devices or glass into the water.

• Don’t overfill – water will spill over the sides and make a mess.
• Turn the jets down when adding chemicals to avoid splashing.
• Keep children supervised at all times, even in a shallow tub.

Before You Leave: A Few Final Touches

On your last day, give the hot tub a final once-over. Rinse the filter one more time, skim the surface, and check the water level. Add a small dose of sanitiser if the reading is low, then run the jets for 15 minutes. Replace the cover and secure it. Gather up any test kits, nets or chemical containers and leave them where you found them. If anything seems wrong – unusual smells, cloudy water, a damaged cover – tell the owner or site manager before you go.

Maintaining a private hot tub on holiday doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s simply a matter of a few minutes each day. Rinse the filter, test the water, cover the tub, and keep an eye on the level. Do that, and you’ll spend less time worrying about water quality and more time watching the sunset over the hills. Enjoy your lodge escape – you’ve earned it.