Spring Hot Tub Prep Guide for Coastal Delaware & Maryland

Spring on the Delmarva Peninsula means warmer days, longer evenings, and the perfect time to get your hot tub ready for the season. Whether your spa sat idle over winter or you've been using it year-round, a little spring maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your tub running smoothly all summer.

Drain and Clean the Shell

Start the season fresh by draining your hot tub completely. Over months of use, dissolved solids and minerals build up in the water. Even if your chemistry has been perfect, draining every 3-4 months gives you a clean slate. Once drained, wipe down the shell with a non-abrasive cleaner. Pay attention to the waterline where buildup tends to collect.

Inspect and Clean the Filters

Your filters work hard to keep the water clean, and they need attention too. Remove each filter cartridge and rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose. For a deeper clean, soak them overnight in a filter cleaning solution. If the pleats are frayed, crushed, or discolored even after cleaning, it's time for replacements. We carry filters for most major brands at our Rehoboth Beach showroom.

Check the Cover

The salty coastal air and winter weather can be tough on hot tub covers. Check yours for waterlogging (it will feel unusually heavy), tears in the vinyl, or broken stitching. A waterlogged cover loses its insulating ability and can strain your cover lifter. If your cover is past its prime, replacing it will save you money on energy costs and keep debris out of the water.

Refill and Balance Your Water

Fill your tub with fresh water from the garden hose. Once full, turn on the system and let it circulate for about 30 minutes. Then test your water chemistry and adjust the pH (7.2-7.8), alkalinity (80-120 ppm), and sanitizer levels. If you're unsure about your water balance, bring a sample to our shop and we'll test it for free.

Coastal-Specific Tips

Living near the coast means dealing with salt air, humidity, and sand. Here are a few extra tips for Delaware and Maryland beach-area hot tub owners:

• Rinse your cover and cabinet with fresh water monthly to remove salt residue
• Keep a foot rinse station near your tub to minimize sand getting into the water
• Check metal components for early signs of corrosion and address them promptly
• Make sure your tub's drainage area can handle summer thunderstorms without flooding