Hot Tub Maintenance Myths Debunked: What New England Owners Need to Know

New England’s distinct seasonal challenges create unique considerations for hot tub owners. From freezing winters to humid summers, maintaining your spa requires specific knowledge—but perhaps less work than you might think. At Great Bay Spa & Sauna, we frequently hear concerns from prospective buyers about maintenance requirements that simply aren’t accurate. Let’s separate fact from fiction to help you enjoy your hot tub with confidence throughout all of New England’s seasons.

Myth 1: Hot Tubs Require Constant Cleaning and Frequent Water Changes

The Truth: While regular maintenance is important, today’s hot tubs are designed for efficiency and convenience. With proper chemical balancing and basic care, your maintenance routine is likely simpler than you expect.

Quality Sundance® Spas like the 880™ Series feature advanced filtration systems such as the MicroClean® Ultra Filtration System, which dramatically reduces cleaning requirements. These systems continuously filter water even when the spa isn’t in active use, capturing contaminants before they become problematic.

The Reality:

• Most hot tub owners spend just 15-20 minutes per week on routine maintenance
• With proper chemical management, water typically only needs changing every 3-4 months
• Modern filtration like CLEARRAY® Active Oxygen™ technology significantly reduces chemical needs and maintenance time

For New England owners specifically, extending water life during winter months makes sense—drain and refill operations are easier during milder weather in spring and fall. With proper care, many of our customers successfully maintain their water for 4-6 months between changes.

Myth 2: You Need to Use Antifreeze in Your Hot Tub Water During Winter

The Truth: Never add antifreeze to your hot tub water. Antifreeze contains chemicals that are harmful to human skin and can cause severe irritation or rashes. Additionally, it can damage your spa’s components and void your warranty.

The Reality:

• Modern hot tubs are designed with freeze protection systems that automatically activate pumps if temperatures approach freezing
• Quality insulation in spas like the Sundance® 980™ Series provides excellent thermal efficiency in even the harshest New England winters
• Your hot tub is designed to operate year-round with proper water levels and power supply

If you plan to drain your hot tub for an extended period during winter, professional winterization may involve adding non-toxic antifreeze to plumbing lines after draining—but never to the water you soak in. Our service team can properly winterize your spa if necessary, but most New England owners find winter to be their favorite season for hot tub use.

Myth 3: You Should Turn Off Your Hot Tub When Not in Use

The Truth: Modern hot tubs are designed for continuous operation. Turning your spa off between uses actually increases energy consumption and can lead to system complications, especially in New England’s variable climate.

The Reality:

• Today’s energy-efficient hot tubs cost significantly less to maintain at their set temperature than to repeatedly reheat
• Constant temperature fluctuations put stress on components and plumbing
• During New England winters, allowing a hot tub to cool significantly increases freeze risk

Instead of powering down, use your hot tub’s energy-saving modes when you’ll be away for extended periods. The SmartTub® System available with the 980™ Series allows you to remotely adjust settings, ensuring efficient operation whether you’re home or away.

Myth 4: Hot Tubs Aren’t Sanitary

The Truth: A properly maintained hot tub is exceptionally clean and safe. Modern sanitization systems, combined with basic testing and chemical balancing, ensure your water remains crystal clear and hygienic.

The Reality:

• Multiple sanitization layers work together in modern spas
• UV-C technology like CLEARRAY® neutralizes 99.9% of waterborne pathogens
• MicroClean® filters capture microscopic contaminants
• Automated circulation ensures water passes through filtration systems multiple times daily

The myth likely stems from poorly maintained public facilities or outdated equipment. Today’s private hot tubs, when given minimal proper care, maintain excellent water quality with minimal chemical addition.

Myth 5: Hot Water Causes Chlorine to Dissipate Quickly, Making Maintenance Difficult

The Truth: While high temperatures do affect sanitizer levels, this challenge has been addressed through advanced water care systems and alternative sanitizers.

The Reality:

• Bromine, a popular alternative to chlorine, maintains stability at high temperatures
• Mineral sanitizing systems like SunPurity™ reduce traditional sanitizer requirements
• Ozone and UV systems dramatically decrease chemical dependency
• Modern hot tub designs account for temperature effects in their water care systems

Many New England owners find that bromine-based systems provide more consistent protection with less maintenance, especially during summer months when higher temperatures and increased usage may accelerate chlorine depletion.

Myth 6: You Need to Drain Your Hot Tub Before Winter

The Truth: In New England, winter is often prime hot tub season! There’s no need to drain your spa before cold weather arrives—in fact, doing so can potentially damage your system if not properly winterized afterward.

The Reality:

• Hot tubs are designed to operate year-round, including in frigid New England winters
• The contrast between cold air and warm water creates one of the most enjoyable soaking experiences
• Proper insulation and freeze protection features keep systems safe during cold snaps
• Many spa owners report winter as their highest usage season

Rather than draining before winter, focus on maintaining proper chemical balance and ensuring your cover is in good condition to maximize energy efficiency during colder months.

Myth 7: Chlorine Will Turn Your Hair Green

The Truth: Chlorine doesn’t turn hair green—copper does. This misconception likely comes from swimming pools, where copper-based algaecides or copper pipes may cause discoloration. In properly maintained hot tubs, this simply isn’t an issue.

The Reality:

• Quality hot tub chemicals are formulated to prevent metal oxidation issues
• Modern water care systems often include metal control elements
• Alternative sanitizers like bromine don’t contribute to this issue at all
• Simple pre-soak and post-soak rinses prevent potential hair issues

If you’re concerned about hair or skin sensitivity, consider bromine, minerals, or salt systems as alternatives to traditional chlorine. Our staff can help you select the ideal water care approach for your specific needs.

Myth 8: Hot Tubs Are Expensive to Operate in New England Winters

The Truth: While heating costs do increase somewhat during winter months, the difference is less significant than most people assume. Modern hot tubs are designed with excellent insulation and energy-efficient heating systems.

The Reality:

• Full-foam insulation in quality spas significantly reduces heat loss
• Thermal covers provide essential insulation when the spa isn’t in use
• Smart heating systems minimize energy consumption
• Energy-efficient circulation pumps operate at low power while maintaining filtration

A well-designed hot tub like those in the Sundance® 680™ Series typically adds approximately $20-40 to monthly electricity bills, even during New England’s coldest months. When compared to the wellness benefits and year-round enjoyment, most owners find this cost minimal.

Myth 9: You Need a Chemistry Degree to Maintain Proper Water Balance

The Truth: While water chemistry sounds complex, modern testing systems and clear guidelines make it accessible to anyone. You don’t need special knowledge—just consistent basic testing and adjustment.

The Reality:

• Simple test strips provide instant readings of key parameters
• Digital test systems offer even greater accuracy with easy-to-understand results
• Clear guidelines specify ideal ranges for each parameter
• Quality dealers like Great Bay Spa & Sauna provide free water testing and personalized advice

Most of our customers master basic water testing and chemical adjustment within their first month of ownership. The process typically takes just a few minutes each week, with adjustments becoming intuitive with experience.

Myth 10: Any Cover Will Keep Your Hot Tub Clean and Efficient

The Truth: Not all hot tub covers are created equal, especially for New England’s climate challenges. A quality, well-fitted cover is essential for energy efficiency, water cleanliness, and long-term enjoyment.

The Reality:

• Proper covers feature tapered designs that shed snow and rain
• Quality marine-grade vinyl resists our region’s UV exposure and moisture
• High-density foam cores provide crucial insulation during cold months
• Reinforced hinges and strong supports prevent sagging under snow loads

In New England specifically, cover quality directly impacts operating costs and maintenance requirements. Investing in a premium cover typically pays for itself through energy savings within 2-3 years, while also extending the life of your water care chemicals by preventing contamination.

Myth 11: Hot Tubs Should Smell Strongly of Chlorine

The Truth: A properly maintained hot tub should have very little odor. Strong chlorine smell actually indicates a problem—typically chloramines, which are formed when chlorine combines with contaminants.

The Reality:

• Fresh, clean water has minimal smell
• Strong chemical odors indicate the need for shocking the water
• Advanced water care systems minimize chemical smells
• Alternative sanitizers like bromine produce even less noticeable odor

If your hot tub develops a strong chlorine smell, it’s time for water maintenance—not an indication of proper chemical levels. Adding shock treatment will eliminate chloramines and restore proper sanitation without the unpleasant odor.

Myth 12: The Chlorine in Hot Tubs Makes Your Eyes Burn

The Truth: Properly balanced hot tub water should not cause eye irritation. When eyes burn or become red, it’s typically an indication of improper pH or alkalinity levels, not chlorine itself.

The Reality:

• Eye irritation most commonly results from pH imbalance
• Ideal pH range (7.2-7.8) keeps water comfortable for eyes and skin
• Maintaining proper alkalinity helps stabilize pH levels
• Alternative sanitizers like bromine may be gentler for sensitive individuals

Regular testing and adjustment of pH and alkalinity—not just sanitizer levels—ensures your hot tub remains comfortable for everyone. Our team can help troubleshoot if you experience persistent comfort issues.

Find Hot Tub Maintenance in New England

With today’s advanced spa designs and water care systems, maintaining your hot tub is simpler than ever. New England’s climate presents unique considerations, but not significant complications. By understanding these common myths and the actual requirements, you can enjoy your hot tub year-round with minimal effort.

At Great Bay Spa & Sauna, we provide comprehensive orientation for new owners, free water testing, and ongoing support to ensure your hot tub ownership remains a pleasure, not a chore. Our selection of Sundance® Spas features the latest innovations in water care, energy efficiency, and ease of maintenance, making ownership even simpler.

Visit our Portsmouth showroom to learn more about how today’s hot tubs have revolutionized the maintenance experience, making ownership accessible and enjoyable for everyone—regardless of your technical knowledge or busy schedule.