Are Hot Tubs Difficult to Maintain? Here’s the Truth from Dover Pools.
Blog
– Steve Jost December 1, 2025
Have you been thinking about a hot tub? You might be wondering: “Are hot tubs difficult to maintain?”
The good news? Not at all. With the right routine and the right products, keeping your water clean, clear, and comfortable can be very simple. At Dover Pools, we’ve been helping hot tub owners for 50 years to enjoy stress-free hot tub ownership every year, and we’re here to make it easy for you, too.
Below, we break down a simple, manageable care routine that keeps your hot tub in great shape with minimal effort.
1. A Quick Weekly Water Test Is All It Takes
Hot tub care starts with water balance, and the easiest way to stay ahead of water issues is to test your water once a week. This takes less than a minute using test strips to check and adjust your:
- pH
- Alkalinity
- Chlorine or bromine levels (depending on your system)
Keeping these levels in range helps your water stay comfortable, crystal clear, and your equipment will last longer.
And don’t forget — Dover Pools offers FREE water testing!
If you ever want a more complete, accurate analysis, just bring in a water sample to any Dover Pools location. Our experts will print a detailed report and walk you through exactly what your hot tub needs.
2. Make Water Care Automatic with the FROG @ease System
One of the easiest ways to simplify maintenance is with the FROG® @ease Floating System, one of our top recommendations for both new and experienced hot tub owners.
This smart system:
- Dispenses a low level of chlorine automatically
- Uses up to 75% less chlorine
- Reduces skin irritation and strong odors
- Maintains clean, clear water with much less effort
The floating system lets you know when it needs to be replaced. You only need to shock your hot tub once a month, compared to weekly with other sanitizer systems. The @ease system is perfect for busy families or anyone who wants the cleanest water with the smallest time commitment.
3. Boost Water Quality with O-Care
For those who want softer, silky-feeling water with fewer additives, O-Care is a fantastic mineral saltwater additive.
O-Care:
- Uses natural minerals
- Reduces the need for harsh chemicals
- Helps prevent biofilm buildup
- Makes the water gentler on your skin, hair, and eyes
When used with @ease, weekly testing becomes incredibly easy — and your water stays consistently clean.
4. Don’t Forget Monthly Filter Rinsing
Your hot tub filter does a lot of heavy lifting. To keep your water flowing properly and your heater running efficiently, rinse the filter once a month using a filter cleaning spray or hose.
For even better results, soak it in a filter cleaner every 90 days. Dover Pools offers filter cleaners to extend the life of your filter and keep your water sparkling clear. Dover Pools also offers filter cleaning in-store.
5. The Power of Ozone and UV Systems
Many of the hot tubs at Dover Pools come equipped with ozone or UV sanitation systems, or both. These systems help break down contaminants automatically and significantly reduce the amount of chlorine and other chemicals you will need.
When ozone or UV is paired with @ease and O-Care, you get one of the easiest, cleanest water-care routines available today.
6. Dover Pools Is Here to Help
The best part about owning a hot tub from Dover Pools is that you’re never on your own.
We are always here to help and offer:
- Free in-store water testing
- Expert maintenance advice
- Best prices and selection of hot tub chemicals and accessories
- Replacement filters, @ease refills, O-Care kits, and more
Whether you’re new to hot tubs or looking to simplify your weekly routine, Dover Pools is here to help you enjoy clearer, cleaner water with less work.
About Dover Pools
Since 1976, Dover Pools has been Delmarva’s largest pool, hot tub, and swim spa dealer. Dover Pools has five locations conveniently serving Delmarva from Salisbury Maryland, Seaford, Milford and two locations in Dover. Dover Pools offers exceptional customer service, expert advice, free water testing, and quality chemicals, supplies, accessories, games, and toys for your backyard pool and hot tub. Whether you already have your own backyard oasis of are looking for a new above ground pools, hot tubs, or power pool swims spas; Dover Pools is here to help.